Cold capping during chemo: I kept 60% of my hair. Here's the honest version

Nobody on my medical team mentioned cold capping. I found it on my own, through an influencer online. That's when I understood how much information never reaches us unless we go looking.

I kept about 60% of my hair. Here's the honest version: the odds first, then the upside.

The odds come first

Cold capping during chemo means wearing a very cold cap before, during and after each infusion, to protect the hair follicles. It's a bet, not a guarantee. How well it works depends on your type of chemo and on things nobody can predict. I'd ask your team about your odds before deciding.

What it cost me

Money. Around $2,000.

Time. Longer infusion days, every single session.

Effort. High, and it has to be consistent. You definitely need help: I had two people with me at every session.

I used Penguin Cold Caps, and it's the system I'd choose again.

Was it worth it?

For me, it was. But there is no guarantee.

My personal rule through treatment was that I would never look sick. That was my rule, not a standard for anyone else. Losing your hair is not failing at anything.

One thing that can't wait: cold capping has to start at your first chemo, not after. If it matters to you, ask about it in your first appointments.

Want the details of how I actually did it, session by session? My AI Self knows every one of them. Ask it anything, any time.