I know this is an old thread but when I typed in 'cold cap will it work?' I was brought to this page so thought I would share my story for anybody else that is looking. I was offered the cold cap during my 6 session of FecT. I found the following information helpful: Firstly I had my past my shoulder length hair cut very short. I only washed my hair when it really needed it, once a week with 'simple' shampoo. I didnt really know what I was looking for in the ph balance of shampoo's and so simple was the only one with 0% fragrance free on it so I chose that one! I didnt use cold water to wash my hair but I did have it much cooler than I would usually use. The first time I put the cold cap on I found it really uncomfortable, it made me feel sick and I couldnt talk and had to really zone out, I never thought I would be able to cope. I did not wet my hair before the cold cap, and it is really important that it is of a very tight fit. I had to wear it for half an hour before my chemo started and for half an hour after my last bag of chemo. It was changed every 30 minutes and don't be afraid to shout out if the nurses don't come to change it, they are so busy you may need to remind them! My hair started to fall out after my second chemo. I found it would shred about the 5th to 7th day after every chemo session. Don't be too alarmed!! It's a bit scary when you wake up and your pillow is covered (oh I used silk pillows as my hair didnt seem to fall out as much with them). I only combed my hair if it really needed it, having short hair meant I could get away with not having to 'style' it!! I used a very wide toothed hair brush and only used my hair drier on the lowest cool setting. I must admit sessions 4 and 5 were a real struggle, and I really thought of giving up BUT I knew it was helping my young children cope so i persevered and I'm so glad I did! People who did not know I was having treatment had no idea that I was. I even could have got away with not telling the children I was receiving chemo as they would not have realised the difference. The bald patches were about the size of a fifty pence on the side and back of my head where I laid and were only really visible when it was windy. If you are offered the cold cap I would give it a go!! IT WORKED FOR ME.
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