How to How to Care for Your Hair During Chemotherapy and Scalp Cooling

Simple habits that can help protect your hair and support healthy regrowth throughout treatment.

If you're undergoing chemotherapy and using scalp cooling, you're already giving your hair follicles the best possible chance of survival. But what you do between cooling sessions matters too. These hair care habits, followed consistently during treatment and for about two-three months after your final infusion, can make a meaningful difference in how much hair you retain and how quickly it grows back.

What Is Scalp Cooling and Why Does Hair Care During Chemotherapy Matter?

Scalp cooling works by reducing blood flow to the scalp during chemotherapy, which limits the amount of chemo drugs that reach your hair follicles. While the cap does the heavy lifting, fragile follicles still need gentle, intentional hair care throughout chemotherapy to minimize unnecessary shedding.

Before You Start Chemotherapy

Avoid cutting or coloring your hair within one week of starting chemo, and throughout your entire treatment. These processes stress the follicles and can increase hair loss during chemotherapy. If you need to cover roots, opt for a spray-on root color as a gentler, follicle-safe alternative.

How to Wash Your Hair During Chemo

Washing technique is one of the most important factors in helping retain hair while scalp cooling.

• Wait until day 3 after each infusion before washing your hair.

• Always use cold water

• Choose a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner and apply gently without scrubbing the scalp.

• Limit washing to 1–2 times per week, depending on your regimen. You can wet your hair daily to manage and refresh it without a full wash.

• After washing, blot dry with a soft towel. No rubbing and no turban wrapping, which can cause unnecessary tension and breakage.

  
  

How to Style and Handle Your Hair During Treatment

• Brush gently from ends to roots, holding your hair away from the scalp to avoid pulling at the follicles.

• Avoid all heat tools, including blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands.

• Skip tight ponytails and braids. Use soft scrunchies for low, loose styles only.

• Avoid tight hats, swimming pools, the ocean, and saunas throughout your treatment period.

• Limit activities that cause heavy scalp sweating.

  
  

Supporting Hair Regrowth After Chemo

Continue following these gentle hair care practices for approximately two- three months after your final infusion. The follicles are still in a sensitive recovery phase and benefit from the same low-stress routine used during active treatment.

Questions About Hair Care During Scalp Cooling?

Our Customer Care team is here to support you every step of the way. Contact Cooler Heads for personalized guidance throughout your treatment journey.

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.