Artistic director and stylist at Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa, Paul Labrecque says his “toppers” have helped numerous shoppers going by chemotherapy as they regrow hair misplaced in the course of the remedy. “Plenty of my shoppers will go for a cooling cap and plenty of falsely imagine it’s going to save their hair. Nevertheless it actually doesn’t cease all hair loss. That’s one thing I want extra folks would know,” says the stylist.

Dropping one’s hair is usually a distressing expertise for most cancers sufferers, as it’s usually a visual signal of sickness that may impression their vanity and high quality of life. Nonetheless, cooling caps provide a promising resolution for avoiding hair loss throughout chemotherapy. New York dermatologist Julie Russak, MD says, “chilly caps and scalp-cooling programs are helmet-like hats stuffed with a chilly gel or liquid worn earlier than, throughout, and after chemotherapy to stop or cut back hair loss.” She additionally stresses that full hair-loss prevention isn’t assured, and a few shedding should happen.

How Cooling Caps Work

Cooling caps apply chilly temperatures to the scalp, which reduces the metabolic exercise of hair follicles and constricts blood vessels. This reduces the quantity of chemotherapy medicine that attain the hair follicles, which might help stop or cut back hair loss. Whereas success charges fluctuate, research have proven they are often efficient in lowering hair loss from 10 to 100%.

“The eligibility for cooling-cap use is dependent upon the kind of most cancers and chemotherapy utilized,” says Wayne, NJ facial plastic surgeon Jeffrey B. Clever, MD. “Folks that have excessive reactions to the chilly akin to Raynaud’s illness will not be candidates for cooling caps. Sure cancers are additionally contraindicated for chilly cap use. It’s additionally not suggested should you’re receiving radiation to the cranium.” Dr. Clever says the most important disadvantage is the inconvenience of getting to put on them persistently for a number of weeks.

Efficacy and Facet Results

New York dermatologist Sejal Shah, MD explains that “the success of cooling caps could also be affected by the kind of chemotherapy medicine used, the drug dosage, hair thickness, how effectively the cap matches, and affected person’s means to tolerate chilly.” She provides that research have proven the advantages of utilizing computer-controlled scalp cooling programs, which have been proven to be efficient in lowering hair loss in girls with early-stage breast most cancers receiving chemotherapy.

Dr. Russak notes that widespread unwanted side effects of cooling caps embody complications, neck and shoulder discomfort, scalp ache, brow ache, dizziness, and nausea. Sufferers can also expertise generalized chills attributable to the chilly temperature. 

An In-Between Resolution

Labrecque says hair topper wigs enable most cancers sufferers to regain a way of confidence and normalcy. “They’re designed to resemble a hat that simply snaps on. They’re meticulously handcrafted on a mesh base to create a seamless match with the wearer’s scalp. I exploit a variety of shades to make sure an ideal mix to realize a pure look. The method is consistently evolving, as I introduce new colours to cater to particular person preferences.”

Because the hair begins to develop again, Labrecque says the hair could appear as if that of child doll, with seen dots indicating regrowth. “I at all times inform my shoppers, making selections relating to these therapies requires cautious consideration of 1’s monetary state of affairs, willingness to tolerate discomfort, and understanding the restrictions of every choice.” Within the meantime, his hair-topper wigs are offering invaluable assist and advantages to most cancers sufferers throughout a difficult time when hair loss can considerably impression vanity.