Scalp cooling devices are backed by a meaningful amount of cancer research and recognized by major organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, as an option that may help reduce chemotherapy-related hair loss.
“Scalp cooling is the only [U.S. Food and Drug Administration]-cleared method to reduce chemotherapy-related hair loss,” says Jame Abraham, MD, a breast medical oncologist at Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute and member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines panel for breast cancer.
What Are the Drawbacks?
Although scalp cooling is considered safe and helps many people with breast cancer preserve their hair, it’s not a guarantee, says Dr. Abraham. Results can vary widely, depending on factors such as:
- The type of chemotherapy drugs used
- The dose and schedule of treatment
- The fit of the cooling cap
- The consistency of scalp cooling usage
- The thickness, type, texture, and style of hair
Despite the effectiveness of scalp cooling for preventing chemotherapy-related hair loss, the process can also be uncomfortable and come with side effects, such as:
Additionally, access and insurance coverage vary significantly, and out-of-pocket costs can add up quickly.
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