Ask the Expert: Your Top Scalp Cooling Questions Answered

Whether you're a patient learning about scalp cooling or an oncology nurse fielding questions from your patients, the same questions tend to come up. Let’s review the questions we hear most often.

Does scalp cooling actually work?

When used correctly and with the right patient and regimen profile, scalp cooling can lead to highly effective outcomes. Clinical studies show that scalp cooling can significantly reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss for many patients. Success rates vary depending on the chemotherapy drugs used, the dose density, and individual factors like hair type. Though it is not a guarantee of full hair retention, for many patients it results in meaningful preservation.

Who is a good candidate?

Amma is FDA cleared for patients over the age of 21 with solid tumors. Scalp cooling tends to be most effective for patients receiving taxane or anthracycline based regimens for solid tumor cancers. It is not recommended for patients with blood based cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma or those with scalp metastases. Your oncologist is the best person to evaluate your specific eligibility.

How much does scalp cooling cost, and is it covered by insurance?

Coverage for scalp cooling varies by payer, and total out-of-pocket costs will depend on the specifics of a patient's insurance plan, including deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance. If a patient does not have coverage through their insurance plan, they may discuss self-pay options directly with their provider’s financial office.

Cooler Heads works closely with cancer centers to make access as straightforward as possible. We encourage patients to speak with their infusion center directly to confirm pricing and to inquire if any financial assistance options are available.

Does it hurt?

Amma users share that acclimation to the cold is achieved in approximately 30 min. While everyone has a different tolerance for cold and pressure, wearing your Amma device should never be painful.

What if I am seeing hair loss?

We recommend continuing scalp cooling even when patients notice hair loss. Staying consistent helps protect your hair follicles and may reduce the risk of permanent hair loss while supporting faster, healthier regrowth after chemotherapy. Reach out to your Cooler Heads Customer Care representative to learn more about tips and tricks on hair coverage and continued scalp cooling.

Questions during treatment? Reach out to our Customer Care team, we're here to support you every step of the way.

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 Cooler Heads provides scalp cooling services and education to cancer patients across the United States. This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult your oncologist before making any decisions about your treatment.