Amma by Cooler Heads

When patients learn that chemotherapy is part of their cancer treatment plan, one of the first questions is, “Will I lose my hair?” For decades, the answer was, “Yes, most likely, you will lose most or all of your hair.” Our hair, visible to everyone, is a part of our identity, and losing it is scary for many.

In recent years, a new FDA-approved technology called scalp cooling has proven effective in reducing the amount of hair cancer patients lose due to chemotherapy.  One of the leading makers of scalp cooling technology is Cooler Heads. They created a portable scalp cooling product, Amma™, that improves the process for many patients.

Why Do You Lose Hair During Chemotherapy?

Chemo-induced hair loss is the result of chemotherapy drugs destroying rapidly growing cells – whether they are healthy or cancerous. One type of fast-growing cell is in the hair follicle, which allows your hair to grow. Without regenerating hair follicle cells, your hair falls out. And it’s not only on your head. It can be anywhere you have hair on your body.

Hair loss is more common with some types of chemotherapy than others. Some of the more common drugs used to treat cancer that cause hair loss include:

• docetaxel
• paclitaxel
• doxorubicin
• irinotecan
• ifosfamide
• epirubicin
• fluorouracil

Hair loss, or extreme hair thinning, especially for women with breast cancer, has been an expected side effect of treatment for decades. But now, there is a method for reducing hair loss caused by chemotherapy! 

What is Cold Capping?

Cold capping, also called scalp cooling, is an FDA-approved method to help reduce hair loss in chemotherapy patients.  It also helps hair regrow faster after chemotherapy is complete. By keeping the scalp at about 65 degrees during treatment and for at least two hours afterward, patients will experience:

• Constricted blood vessels on the head: The cold temperature of the cap constricts the blood vessels in the scalp, reducing the delivery of chemotherapy drugs to the hair follicles.
• Slowing cell activity: The cold temperature also reduces the metabolic activity of hair follicle cells, making hair grow slower and ultimately less susceptible to damage from chemotherapy drugs.
• Reduced hair loss: Reducing hair loss can improve self-esteem and minimize the psychological impact of hair loss during treatment. While patients will likely notice hair thinning, the goal is to preserve enough hair so that you look and feel like yourself throughout your treatment journey.

The Amma Cold Cap 

One brand of cold capping technology, Amma, is a portable option. This makes the process more convenient for patients than other scalp cooling systems, which require patients to stay in their cancer center infusion chair for a few hours after treatment is complete. Amma allows patients to get up, move around as needed, and make room for other patients as soon as their infusion is complete.

In addition to the portability of the machine, Amma cold cap also offers:

• Unique gel technology: The cap includes specially designed cooling gel inserts that absorb heat from your body. This helps lower your overall temperature, making you feel more comfortable. When the gel warms up, it can easily be re-cooled.  
• Breathable, wicking fabric: The cap is made from a fabric that allows airflow, which is particularly helpful for patients who experience hot flashes during treatments. The moisture-wicking fabric helps keep your head dry, making it more comfortable. 
• Adjustable fit: Earlier versions of cold caps were not as adjustable as those of Amma. The cap features an adjustable strap, allowing it to fit securely and comfortably on your head so you can move around and look down without it sliding off.

Cooler Heads videos and testimonials

Recommendations for Patients Who Cold Cap

Most patients report feeling cold for the first 30 minutes of treatment. However, your body tends to adjust to cold temperatures after that, and you notice it less. It’s a good idea to wear a jacket or sweater to start. You may also want to bring a blanket and comfy socks to wear during treatment. 

Be gentle with your hair. Your hair follicles need extra loving care during this period of time. Here are some tips:

• On day three after chemo treatment, wash your hair with only lukewarm water and paraben-free, sulfate-free shampoo.
• Let your hair air dry. Do not use heated styling products like hair dryers, curling irons, or straighteners.
• Avoid anything that will tug at your hair, including putting your hair in braids, ponytails, or tight hats. 
• Avoid excess heat that will make your scalp sweat. 
• Avoid getting your hair wet in pools or the ocean while going through treatment and cold capping.

Results of Cold Capping with Amma

Scalp cooling gives people with cancer a choice in whether they lose all of their hair during chemotherapy. While your hair will thin from chemotherapy, Amma scalp cooling typically limits hair loss to approximately 50%. Your hair will be thinner than normal, but you can maintain your self-image. This impacts how people react to you, including co-workers and family members. By avoiding complete hair loss, patients feel more in control of their cancer journey and can regrow hair faster than if they did not use scalp cooling during chemotherapy.

How to Get Scalp Cooling During Cancer Treatment

Scalp cooling machines are available through your cancer center. At New York Oncology Hematology, we provide access to Amma, among other supportive care activities throughout treatment. 

If Amma is not available at your cancer treatment facility, you can reach out to them to see if a machine is available near you. Other scalp cooling options include Paxman, a less portable version of cold capping, and manual caps that you can fill with dry ice several times throughout the day of chemo.

One of the most commonly asked questions is whether insurance covers the cost of cold capping. In some cases, yes. This is an FDA-approved product that shows a benefit to patients. Because of that, Medicare offers at least some coverage. Commercial insurance plans vary. Call them to find out if there is coverage included in your plan.

If you need assistance with the cost of scalp cooling, non-profit organizations such as HairtoStay.org may be able to help with the cost of using Amma during treatment.

A Cancer Care Team Looking Out for You

Your self-image matters – to you and to the New York Oncology Hematology team. We want to help you throughout every step of your cancer journey, including side effect management. Feel free to ask questions about the options available to you for reducing hair loss. And talk openly about side effects you may be experiencing or that you have questions about before treatment begins.

If you were recently diagnosed with cancer and you’re in the Albany area, request a consultation with one of our cancer specialists at a location convenient for you in Albany, Amsterdam, Clifton Park, Troy, and Hudson.