How to Prevent Hair Loss After Chemotherapy

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Talk to your oncologist.

   Many doctors are skeptical about the effectiveness of scalp hypothermia, so you may need to find an oncologist with knowledge and/or experience with this treatment to prevent hair loss.
   
   Doctors only recommend scalp hypothermia for patients with cancers that do not threaten to spread to the brain.
2. 2

   Step 2: Contact your insurance company.

   Since scalp hypothermia is a relatively new treatment for preventing hair loss in the United States, many insurance companies may not cover the costs of purchasing the caps and the freezers used to chill them.
   
   A typical treatment session may require the use of 15 caps or more.
   
   The caps are used during 30 minute intervals while the patient is undergoing a chemotherapy treatment session. , The nursing staff can also be helpful during these treatment sessions.
   
   Using the cold caps before, during and after chemotherapy improves a patient's odds of preventing hair loss.
   
   Adding scalp hypothermia will also extend the time you spend in the hospital during chemotherapy sessions.
3. 3

   Step 3: Prepare for your scalp hypothermia treatment by enlisting family and friends to switch out cold caps during 30 minute intervals.

Detailed Guide

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