Things to Know Before Your First Coldcap Session — by a User
I was terrified when I heard I had cancer, and as a woman, after my health, I definitely thought about what changes were going to happen to my body. My skin would look pale and sick, I would shrink, and I would lose my hair.
But! You don’t have to. And when I say that keeping your hair while being sick feeds your mind — I’m not lying. It gives you a mindset that you're not as sick, and it works. I’m after my 4th session now and have only lost a little bit of hair. I do notice more in my hands than before, but it doesn’t trigger any alarm that I’m going bald.
I encourage you to use the coldcap if you can, even if it means counting a few hours of discomfort. But let’s see what I mean.
Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Session
They will wet your hair with a pump — all of your hair. I had long hair, and it was clumsy and not handy. I immediately went to cut a bob after the first session and didn’t regret it. First, it’s easier during the session, easier to wash, and better for your soul — because when hair starts to fall, it won’t feel as dramatic if it’s shorter. After the session, your hair will still be wet. Get a nice baseball cap (look around in the webshop comfortthroughcancer.com) or a bucket hat that will keep your head warm. If you are wearing glasses and you can, I suggest to wear contact lenses. The cap is very tight, it is more comfortable without it.
The Process
They bring towels and a pump with water. They turn on the machine, which takes a few minutes to start. You’ll lean your head forward, and they’ll fully wet your hair. Once that’s done, the coldcap is put on your head.
Important: Try the right size. It has to fit perfectly. If it feels loose or too tight, ask for another one. Also, ask them to place some padding between the cap and your forehead — it can be very tight.
When They Start
It feels like you’ve just placed an entire cold pack from a summer cooler on your head. It will go from soft to firm, immediately cold, and then burning hot (don’t be afraid — it’s okay and not that bad). But that part only lasts a couple of minutes. After that, it’s just cold and wet. Manageable. And worth it to keep your hair.
When They Finish
Once it’s done, they don’t just take it off right away. It has to “unfreeze” from your head — otherwise, they’ll pull your hair off with it. The uncooling takes about 30 minutes for me. So when you calculate your chemo session, add this time on top.
Some say the coldcap hurts. Personally, compared to all the stretching and side effects from chemo, this just falls into the “a bit uncomfortable” category. Nurses say if you can’t cope, ask about taking a painkiller before. That’s always an option.
I don’t regret choosing the coldcap. It’s not just about appearance — it genuinely helps me cope in a healthier way with being sick.
I wish you a full recovery.
With strength,
Sofia
