Scalp cooling can minimize hair loss during chemotherapy, but chemotherapy could cause scalp irritation, making the hair dry and brittle and more difficult to manage. Visit dignicap.com/haircare to download the hair care brochure.
Here are some general suggestions:
- Wash your hair at home prior to the scalp cooling/chemotherapy session. Oily hair may affect thermal contact. However, avoid daily shampooing (to avoid wear of the hair), and shampoo less if your hair feels dry. It's preferable to wash no more than 1-2 times/week, with the washing the morning of treatment counting as 1 washing.
- Depending on your hair type you may need to use conditioner to avoid tangles and matting. If conditioner is used, rinse thoroughly.
- Use lukewarm water (avoid hot water) and gentle shampoo that is sulfate and paraben free.
- If you feel the need to wet your hair between washings, you can use a spray bottle to get your hair damp. You will need to comb through hair before getting it wet to help avoid tangles.
- Avoid high-power shower heads when washing your hair.
- Avoid applying heat to hair with tools such as blow-dryers, curling irons, straightening iron, and hot rollers. Let your hair dry naturally as much as possible.
- Avoid harsh chemicals that can lead to dry hair, breakage, progressive hair thinning, and hair loss such as the following:
- Peroxides for hair coloring
- Perms to curl or straighten hair
- Parabens (such as methylparaben and propylparaben) are chemicals that are used as preservatives
- Sodium lauryl sulfate is a foaming agent and will remove natural oils in the hair
- Silicones that are used to tame or “de-frizz” the hair work by coating the hair strands.
- Limit combing hair. It’s recommended that you use a wide tooth comb and only comb your hair 1-2 times/day.
- Avoid hair accessories such as rubber bands and headbands that pull on the hair.