Meet Michelle, a cancer patient who discovered scalp cooling after her nurse mentioned the process to her during a consultation. Despite having some initial anxiety about whether scalp cooling would work for her, Michelle says that the process was exactly as she had expected. Even though she found the cold capping process uncomfortable, Michelle says that it was “painful but worth it”. At a time in their lives when many others feel powerless, Michelle says that wearing a cold cap during chemotherapy helped her have “some control in a very out-of-control situation.” 

Often, when patients are going through chemotherapy treatment, many can feel the need to wear a wig or head covering to maintain their identity. Apart from wearing a silk cap beanie at night to protect her hair while sleeping, Michelle didn’t feel the need to do this. 

Asked whether she has any scalp cooling haircare tips for other cap users, Michelle says that it is important to “be gentle with your hair”. In addition to physically caring for your hair during chemotherapy, Michelle reflects that it is vital to have a positive mental attitude when approaching scalp cooling, saying: “Be gentle with your hair AND yourself, bring a friend or family member … (to your treatments) if possible. Laugh a lot and know you’ll get through it.” 

When we asked Michelle how she feels about her scalp cooling experience, she happily tells us that she was so grateful to keep her hair; yet another indicator of the positive psychological impact scalp cooling can have when facing a gruelling cancer diagnosis and treatment journey. When asked if she would recommend scalp cooling to others, Michelle says “yes and I have”. In a true act of selflessness, Michelle even helped to partially fund a cold cap for one of her friends who couldn’t afford it.