There is a way to try and help reduce hair loss during chemotherapy called scalp cooling.

Scalp cooling, also known as cold cap treatment, is a method to try and reduce the amount of hair loss as a side effect to chemotherapy so that you can maintain as much of a regular hairstyle as possible. Scalp cooling is the only known way to reduce hair loss due to chemotherapy.

Scalp cooling is suitable for all hair types including afro hair. There are not many studies about the efficacy of scalp cooling for people of colour. One study suggests that scalp cooling was not so successful. However at Cancer Hair Care we have observed people of colour (mainly females) having success as well as failures with scalp cooling. It is our opinion that at present there is not enough evidence to suggest that scalp cooling is not suitable. With this in mind, as with people of all hair types we state that you need to try scalp cooling to see if it may be successful for you. global scalp cooling manufacturer Paxman are very dedicated to ensuring scalp cooling is effective for people with all hair types. They have specific guidance for people with afro hair so that preparing and managing afro hair is made clear and understandable.

Women and men can try scalp cooling if they are suitable for it (there are several requirements) and their hospital or home care provider offers it. If you are wearing a weave, any type of hair extensions or tight braids, you will need to remove these in order to have scalp cooling. However you may be asked to gently plait or braid your hair in gentle, flat plait or very loose braid in order to try and keep your hair as flat as possible during the treatment process (when wearing a cold cap). Do look at the hair care guide from your scalp cooling manufacturer. You can look in our scalp cooling directory to find links to manufacturers.

Scalp cooling means that you need to allow additional time before and after chemotherapy treatment – additionally some scalp cooling providers recommend that people with afro hair have additional cooling time. If scalp cooling is something you are considering, ask your nurse or take a look at the scalp cooling providers information.

Not all cancer professionals are aware that scalp cooling is suitable for afro hair. Raising awareness that scalp cooling is suitable for afro hair is something that, along with scalp cooling manufacturers, we are trying to change. If you are advised that you can not try scalp cooling because of your hair type we recommend that you ask to speak to the nurse in charge and explain that you want to try scalp cooling. Please also contact us here at Cancer Hair Care we will support you.

Additionally, if you are wearing a weave, hairpiece or wig as a styling preference, your nurse may not be aware what your ‘natural’ hair type is. If scalp cooling is something you are considering then it’s well worth explaining to your nurse what your natural hair type is like. This is so they can make the best recommendation for you.

For more general tips about Afro hair please take a look at our Afro Hair Chemotherapy Guide.

Afro and mixed heritage hair –  tips and key points

• We recommended removing all attached hair (e.g. braids) for the best opportunity of success, to avoid traction alopecia and enable a good and close cold cap fit.Wigs and removable hair – it is usually okay to wear wigs, hair pieces and removable hair in between your scalp cooling sessions. Ideally, wigs/pieces that do not put additional tension on the hair. Gently clipping in hair pieces should be okay.
• Twists, locks and dreads using your own natural hair (no added hair) – if you can untwist locks prior to starting scalp cooling it may be a good idea. This is because you need to ensure that the cold cap can be closely fitted to the head.
• Locks, twists, corn rows and natural braids (without added hair) that are slim and maintained (twisted regularly) and allow the cold cap to get close to the scalp may be successful – you can try if you wish.
• Dreads – that are thick, long, and heavy and whereby you can’t fit the cold cap close to the scalp have a much lesser chance of being successful – you can give it a go

Commonly asked questions and answers:

Q – Because I have added conditioner on my hair (cornrows, twists etc) whilst wearing the cold cap, do I need to rise of that excess conditioner afterwards?

A – This is a personal choice. You can try the following:

• Use a conditioner that your hair will absorb e.g. a shea butter or other appropriate product
• Try using a hairdryer with a diffuser attachment to gently dry the conditioner in
• You can gently rinse out the conditioner but leave your corn rows or twist in
• You could try using a water spray and a towel to absorb off some of the excess conditioner
• You could try using dry shampoo to absorb off excess conditioner

Q – I have afro/mixed hair so I need additional cooling time?

A  –  Generally speaking if you have afro hair you are likely to need additional cooling time. This is called additional pre and post chemotherapy cooling time. You should ask your nurse to follow the additional afro hair cooling time guide as specified for your specific chemotherapy regime.

Q – How should I prepare my hair for cold capping?

A –  The key to a good fitting cap (which is required) is to be able to flatten the hair as much as possible. Here are some tips:

• Use a conditioner on your hair to help push out the air
• Use lose, flat plaits to keep her smooth
• Use a combination of gel and conditioner to keep hair flatter
• Look on the Paxman website (or appropriate manufacturer) for afro hair guides and ideas
• Scalp cooling hair care
• Treat hair gently
• Keep as tangle free as possible
• Avoid harsh styling
• Consider styles that air dry and using conditioner/shea butter as a styling product
• Adjust your style to reduce tension at the roots
• Use appropriate products that are suitable for your hair type
• You do not need to use fragrance free products unless you have a specific intolerance.
• You should avoid chemical treatments such as relaxers until after treatment when your hair is stable and in a good enough condition

 

Your experiences matter

At Cancer Hair Care we are dedicated to inclusivity and are proud that we produced the first ever Afro Hair Chemotherapy Guide. We continue to explore this subject and are grateful to the many patients, experts, brands, NHS and hair loss specialists who join together with us to inform our information. Please do get in touch if you have any views to share.

Content last reviewed: October 2024
Next planned review: September 2026