Additional
Information
We know a diagnosis comes with a lot of questions.
These are resources we trust to help you navigate treatment, find support, and feel less alone.
What Is Cold Capping?
Cold capping, also known as scalp cooling, is a method used during chemotherapy to help reduce hair loss. By cooling the scalp, the blood vessels beneath the skin constrict, which limits the amount of chemotherapy that reaches the hair follicles. This can help preserve hair during treatment.
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There are two main types of systems:
(1) Machine-based scalp cooling systems are available at some treatment centers and require minimal patient involvement during use.
(2) Manual cold caps are stored in specialized freezers and must be changed regularly throughout treatment to maintain the correct temperature.
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Both options have been shown to be effective in reducing chemotherapy-related hair loss. Currently, machine-based systems are the only type approved by the FDA.
To determine which option may be right for you, speak with your healthcare provider.
Scalp Cooling Companies
Penguin is a well established company that has been providing cold caps directly to patients in the U.S. since 2005. They are reportedly the only company with active clinical trials (for breast cancer.) According to their website, Penguin cap users have had an average hair retention >80% even with strong regimens of chemotherapy. Penguin’s latest caps contain a proprietary Crylon Gel that makes them more malleable and allows them to stay colder for longer. Penguin supplies the cooler, 3 caps and all accessories needed for capping. Penguin Cold Caps' rental price is $449 per month, with a refundable security deposit of $189 plus shipping cost.
Chemo Cold Caps was established in 2012 after the co-founder saved her hair using Cold Caps. The company uses a trademarked Elastogel cap with an outer insulated cover and a special four-point strap to ensure a snug fit as well as a patented surgical steel cooler. They provide 6 caps, cooler and all needed supplies for each rental. The cost for Chemo Cold Caps is $425 per month plus shipping one way and with no security deposit.
Arctic Cold Caps started in 2015 and uses an Elastogel cap and provides 8 caps, cooler and all needed supplies for each client. Arctic reports excellent results with the taxanes and a number of other drugs. The rental cost for Arctic is $379 per month, a refundable $379 security deposit and shipping cost.
Wishcaps began in 2013 uses a flexible, high glycerin gel that is covered with a four-way stretch material and allows maximum conformity. The company states that the caps are up to 85% effective at reducing hair loss during chemotherapy with taxanes. The company provides renters with 6 caps and all needed accessories. It also has a working relationship with Airgas, a national dry ice supplier. The cost to rent Wishcaps is $325 per month, a refundable $150 deposit plus shipping costs.
Warrior Caps was founded in July 2016 after its founder successfully cold capped during chemotherapy. The company uses a proprietary cap and provides everything needed for patients to have a successful capping experience. According to the company, Warrior Caps have been used with high levels of success with even the toughest chemo regimens, including AC. The cost to rent Warrior caps is $350 per month plus shipping and no security deposit.
PAXMAN
Paxman cold caps are FDA-cleared, silicone scalp-cooling devices designed to reduce chemotherapy-induced alopecia (hair loss) by constricting blood vessels and lowering scalp metabolism.
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Paxman is an automatic machine-run scalp cooling system, which is a great option for patients who do not have a cold capper. However, they are not available at every treatment location.
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You can find out more about their scalp cooling system here.