Cold caps and cancer care supporting hair and confidence during chemotherapy

23 Jul 2025

Expert Advice - Hair

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Supporting a guest through cancer treatment is one of the most important roles we can play as hair stylists. From the moment someone is ready to share their diagnosis, we want them to know they're not alone. We say to our guests that the earlier we understand your treatment plan, the sooner we can begin offering support, from sharing knowledge on Cold Caps to booking a buzz cut, helping with wig cutting or celebrating your first haircut after treatment.

Hair is our biggest accessory; we wear it every day. So, when there's a risk of losing it, it can feel like losing a part of who we are. For many people, hair loss during chemotherapy is an emotional experience and a loss of identity, for both men and women. We truly understand that, which is why we want to give whatever help we can, in every way we can.

Sarah Nash, in our Tunbridge Wells salon, has undertaken specialist training to support guests through this experience. Sarah always says, “Knowledge is power. We can help share resources, so you know a little more about what to expect and can make choices that are important to you."

Understanding hair loss during chemotherapy

Hair loss generally begins 10-14 days after chemotherapy starts and may continue for around three weeks. It is likely to affect the whole body, including eyelashes, eyebrows and even nose hair, which can heighten sensitivity to smell. We know for many guests, this can be the hardest part, as they feel their hair represents their identity and strength.

We're not doctors, but because hair is our passion, we can help guide you through haircare choices and be here to talk about what you're experiencing, whether that's shedding, scalp sensitivity, or just needing to sit somewhere quiet and calm in the salon.

What are cold caps, and how do they work?

Cold caps are offered on the NHS and are available to all applicable patients everyone receiving chemotherapy
Thereis an inner cap and a cap cover, worn snugly against the scalp
On average, it's worn for 30 minutes before and 90 minutes after each chemotherapy session
It can reduce permanent chemotherapy-induced hair loss and promote quicker, thicker regrowth (usually in3-6 months)

You can use the Paxman Outcomes Calculator to see how your treatment plan may respond.

Image credit: Paxman - Pioneers in Scalp Cooling

What to expect and how to prepare

Preparation can make a big difference, practically and emotionally. Some helpful tips include:

Take pain relief 15 minutes beforehand
Dampen your hair and slick it back with conditioner
Ensure the cap fits tightly on your scalp
Bring warm blankets, snacks and Netflix as the sessions take time
Try it once and see how you feel. It's okay to change your mind

We also recommend visiting us before treatment starts for a gentle cut to boost hair condition, and to discuss wig or headwear options while your current style is still visible.

Hair care during cancer treatment

Whether or not you're using a cold cap, caring for your hair gently during chemotherapy is important. It's about protecting the salp, reducing breakage and keeping you as comfortable as possible. Here's how we can support you and what you can do at home:

Use fragrance-free, sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners and a nourishing hair mask weekly to soothe your scalp
Avoid rubbing your scalp instead, use a stroking motion when washing or conditioning
Gently remove shedding hair by hand to avoid matting
Prevent tangles using the right tools: for straight hair, a wide-toothed comb or soft brush. For curly or coily: finger brushing and leave-in treatments
Pat your hair dry with a towel or allow it to air dry

Everyone's hair is different, and we can recommend specific products and techniques tailored to your hair type and condition when you visit one of our salons.

Managing emotions and your expectations

Even if hair sheds, the Cold Cap may still be protecting the follicles, so don't be discouraged. Everyone's journey is different, and regrowth can vary in timing, colour, texture or curl pattern.

We're always here to talk, offer support and help you feel more in control. Whether it's deciding where you'd like to sit in the salon, or talking about the “chemo curl,” we're ready to help however we can, in the chair or out of the chair.

Wigs, headscarves & alternative options to cold caps

For some guests, wigs offer comfort and familiarity. Others prefer scarves, beanies, or headwraps. It's all about what feels right for you and we're happy to talk you through some of the options:

Booking wig fittings before hair loss
Choosing between synthetic and real hair wigs
Personalising, styling and caring for your wig
Alternatives like turbans and scarves, with online tutorials to help

Having choices can give you a real sense of control of your look again, even in small ways, can make a huge difference for you.

Hair regrowth after cancer care treatment

Regrowth varies, but it usually takes 6-9 months to grow enough for a short haircut. Rosemary oil-based products may help support this process. With the oncologist's blessing, hair colour can be reintroduced once:

You have at least 1 inch of stable, non-shedding regrowth, and a guest can get colour treatments (not lightener or bleaching)
At 3 inches, lightening or bleaching is possible
Your hair and scalp are in good condition
A skin test and strand test are vital to carry out beforehand

When you're ready, we can talk about the “chemo curl,” the texture changes, and that all-important first cut.

Cancer treatment changes so much, but your hair journey doesn't have to be something you face alone. Whether you want to talk through options, ask questions, or just have a quiet moment in the chair, we're here. With compassion, care and expert hair knowledge, we'll help you feel more like yourself again, one step at a time.

If you or someone you love is starting chemotherapy, get in touch to book a confidential consultation or chat through the support we can offer.
And for more information visit Cancer Hair Care, it's a vital resource for Guests and Profesisonals alike.