Your kit and what the hospital may provide
scalp cooling kit
In some hospitals you may be asked to prepare your hair fully or in part prior to arriving at the hospital or in some cases at the hospital, while other hospitals may prepare your hair for you. In our section Preparing hair – scalp cooling day of treatment we will talk you through how you can prepare your hair. In this section we will run through the basic kit items that may be helpful to have to hand. This is because many people ask us questions such as: What products will I need to prepare my hair for scalp cooling? Do I have to use particular products? How will I know how I should get ready for scalp cooling and so on.
Firstly, we recommend that you check with your hospital (or if being treated at home, your health care provider) in advance of treatment so that you know what items you will need to bring and what will be provided for you.
Your nurse should also give you scalp cooling information (normally provided by your scalp cooling manufacturer).
Thank you to the hundreds of people who have given their feedback so that we can share kit ideas with you. Please Contact us if you have a tip.
Your kit
The following list is a suggested ‘kit list’ of items that may be helpful:
Water spray
This will only be needed if you are asked to damp down and prepare your hair prior to scalp cooling.
Section clips
You may find it helpful to take along some section clips if you are required to prepare your hair yourself prior to scalp cooling.
Conditioner
You may need to take along some conditioner if you are required to prepare your hair yourself prior to scalp cooling (in particular for the Paxman system).
Wide tooth comb
You may find it helpful to take along a wide tooth comb if you are required to prepare your hair yourself prior to scalp cooling.
A fabric hair band (or your nurse can supply gauze)
Forehead comfort – many people share that using a thin headband (or long strip of gauze) under the cold cap for comfort on the forehead helps reduce discomfort and improve tolerance.
A towel
You may need to take along a towel if you are required to prepare your hair yourself prior to scalp cooling.
Cosy socks
Many people have told us that wearing extra warm socks (with slip guards if you wish to walk around) helps them to feel warmer.
Cosy blanket
Many people have told us that they prefer their own warm blanket. Check with your hospital if bringing in your own blanket is allowed (as some hospital hygiene polices do not allow it).
Warm drinks holder
It can be nice to have your own drinks holder that keeps your hot drink warmer for longer.
Straw
As a chin strap will reduce the amount you can open your mouth use a straw to sip drink.
Hat
It’s a good idea to have a cosy hat to keep your head warm when traveling to the hospital (if you travel in with wet/damp hair) and for after treatment as your hair will still be damp.
This does not need to be a specialist hat. Any type of seasonal hat that feels comfortable is fine.
Small case
Many people have told us that they have put all their items for scalp cooling and treatment into a small case on wheels. This has helped them to be prepared for each treatment.
Item and service the hospital should provide
Scalp cooling system
Range of different sized cold caps and entire scalp cooling system.
Trained member of staff
Trained member of staff to facilitate the scalp cooling and help direct any questions you may have. You may find that you are asked to damp down your hair and if appropriate put some conditioner on your hair prior to your cap being put on. You may also be asked to help with putting on your cold cap to get a good cap fit (by working with your nurse/health care assistant).
Patient guide/leaflet
In most cases the scalp cooling manufacturer will provide the hospital with a printed patient care leaflet for you to take home with you.
Gauze
For added comfort ask to have gauze placed under your chinstrap, by your ears, cheeks and forehead to act as a soft cushion.
Gauze or a surgical cap may also be used to protect your scalp if needed. For example if you have an area of thinning hair/baldness.
Surgical cap
Bare skin should not come in contact with the cold cap. Therefore a surgical cap or gauze might be used to protect the scalp.
For example if there are substantial areas where the skin on the scalp is exposed to the cold cap. Examples of this are: if a lot of hair has thinned, or for a man who has male pattern baldness and is wearing a cold cap to protect the areas where hair does grow.
Surgical tape
Glasses tape – It can be difficult and uncomfortable to try and position glasses. Use surgical tape to tape your glasses to the outside of the cold cap so you can read.
Next planned review: February 2022