Scalp Cooling Routine: Daily Hair Care Tips Between Treatments
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Scalp cooling doesn't stop working the moment you leave your infusion chair. What you do with your hair between sessions can play a substantial role in supporting your results, and in simply keeping your hair and scalp comfortable throughout treatment. Here's how to build a routine that supports both.
Washing Your Hair
Gentle is the name of the game. Wash your hair less frequently than you might normally, once or twice a week depending on your chemotherapy regimen— using a sulfate/paraben-free, gentle shampoo. Avoid hot water, which can be harsh on a scalp that's already more sensitive during treatment, and opt for cold water instead.
Detangling and Brushing
Use a wide-tooth comb or a soft-bristle brush, and always start from the ends, working your way up rather than pulling from the roots.
Styling Choices That Help
Skip the heat. Blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons add stress to hair that's already more fragile during chemotherapy. Air-drying is your friend.
Choose loose styles. Tight ponytails, buns, and braids pull on the scalp and hair shaft. Loose styles reduce that tension.
Use silk or satin. A silk or satin pillowcase and hair wrap reduce friction while you sleep, which can help minimize breakage.
Be mindful with accessories. Tight headbands, clips, and elastics can add unnecessary pressure to a scalp that scalp cooling is working hard to protect.
Products to Use (and to Avoid)
Use sulfate/paraben-free, fragrance-free, and dye-free products designed for sensitive skin . If you're unsure whether a product is safe to use, ask your oncology team or the Cooler Heads customer care team.
Scalp Feeling Itchy?
Try using an Apple Cider vinegar wash with 1 parts vinegar to 4 parts water on hair wash days only to relieve an itchy scalp.
Building a Routine That Works for You
Every patient's hair, scalp, and treatment regimen is different, so the "perfect" routine will look a little different for everyone. The goal isn't perfection, it's consistency and gentleness, session after session.
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.
