Can you use cold caps with Taxol and Herceptin?

For many people starting chemotherapy, hair loss is one of the most visible, and distressing, side effects. But with modern scalp cooling techniques, that experience can be very different.

If you’re about to begin TH chemotherapy, a treatment that combines Paclitaxel (Taxol) and Trastuzumab (Herceptin) for HER2-positive breast cancer, you may be wondering: Can I use cold caps to save my hair?

The short answer is yes. Cold capping is safe and effective alongside Taxol and Herceptin, and many patients on this regimen have successfully retained most of their hair throughout treatment.

What is TH chemotherapy?

TH chemotherapy is a commonly prescribed combination for HER2-positive breast cancer.

• Paclitaxel (Taxol) is a plant-derived chemotherapy drug that works by stopping cancer cells from dividing and growing.
• Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is a targeted therapy that specifically attacks HER2-positive cancer cells, leaving most healthy cells untouched.

Together, these drugs are used before surgery to shrink tumours (neoadjuvant therapy) or after surgery (adjuvant therapy) to help prevent the cancer from coming back.

Why hair loss happens

Chemotherapy targets cells that divide rapidly, which includes not only cancer cells, but also the cells in your hair follicles. As a result, hair loss is common, particularly with Taxol.

For many patients, it’s not just about appearance; it’s about identity, control, and privacy. Preserving your hair can make a huge difference to how you feel during treatment, and that’s where cold capping comes in.

How cold capping works

Cold capping, or scalp cooling, involves wearing a chilled gel-filled cap before, during, and after chemotherapy. The cold temperature causes blood vessels in the scalp to constrict, which in turn limits the amount of chemotherapy drug that reaches the hair follicles.

This process helps protect the follicles from damage, dramatically reducing the risk of hair loss.

Many people report retaining between 60–95% of their hair while using Penguin Cold Caps during TH chemotherapy, depending on individual factors such as dosage, timing, and hair type.

The benefits of cold capping with Taxol and Herceptin

While results vary, the majority of Penguin Cold Caps users report noticeably less hair loss compared to those who don’t use scalp cooling. Beyond the cosmetic benefit, there’s also an important emotional one: keeping your hair can help maintain a sense of normalcy and confidence throughout treatment.

“One of my biggest fears was losing my hair,” says Kathy, who used Penguin Cold Caps during her TH chemotherapy. “Despite some daily shedding, I kept around 80% of my hair.”

Teresa, another user, says she “could not be happier,” retaining around 95% of her hair. “Without a doubt, it helped preserve my mental health and move on more quickly after treatment.”

Their experiences are echoed by thousands of other Penguin Cold Caps users around the world, and supported by growing clinical evidence showing that scalp cooling can significantly reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss.

Common side effects of TH chemotherapy

While cold capping helps with hair preservation, it’s still important to understand the broader side effects of TH chemotherapy. These can include:

• Hair loss (61%)
• Fatigue (38%)
• Nausea (42%)
• Peripheral neuropathy (46%)
• Diarrhea, (67%)
• Low blood cell counts (53%)

Your oncology team can help you manage these symptoms, and scalp cooling offers an additional layer of support, helping you feel more in control of at least one aspect of treatment.

Is cold capping right for you?

Cold capping isn’t suitable for everyone, so it’s always best to discuss it with your oncologist before starting. Most patients on weekly or bi-weekly Taxol and Herceptin schedules are good candidates, but results can depend on your overall treatment plan and personal tolerance to cold.

Before deciding, it helps to:

• Research how cold capping works and what to expect.
• Talk to your care team about compatibility with your chemo schedule.
• Get personalised guidance from a Penguin Cold Caps representative, who can explain the process, costs, and preparation in detail.

You can request a callback to get individual advice tailored to your treatment plan.

The emotional side of saving your hair

Chemotherapy can affect how you see yourself, not just physically, but emotionally too. Many patients describe cold capping as “empowering” because it allows them to take an active role in their treatment experience.

It’s about more than vanity; it’s about identity and dignity. The option to keep your hair can help you maintain confidence, continue working, or simply feel more like yourself through a difficult time.

Finding support

Going through chemotherapy can feel overwhelming, but support is available.

• Connect with others: Join online communities like the Chemotherapy Support Group on Facebook to share tips and encouragement.
• Stay informed: Follow Penguin Cold Caps on Instagram or Facebook to hear from others using scalp cooling through TH chemotherapy.
• Lean on your circle: Honest conversations with friends and family can make a huge difference.

The bottom line

Yes, you can use cold caps with Taxol and Herceptin, and for many people, it works.

Scalp cooling with Penguin Cold Caps has helped thousands of patients undergoing TH chemotherapy preserve their hair, confidence, and emotional well-being. While results vary, the ability to maintain a sense of normalcy during cancer treatment can be a powerful part of the healing journey.

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