How does cold capping work?
Published: September 1, 2025
One of the most common fears people have before starting chemotherapy is losing their hair. It’s not just about appearance, it can be a daily reminder of illness and something that impacts confidence.
Thankfully, scalp cooling (also known as cold capping) offers a proven way to help reduce hair loss. If you’ve ever wondered, “How does cold capping actually work?” this article breaks it down step by step.
The basics of Cold Cap Therapy
Cold cap therapy uses a specially designed cap filled with a cooling gel, like the Crylon gel found in Penguin Cold Caps, to lower the scalp’s temperature before, during, and after chemotherapy. By keeping the scalp consistently cold, the treatment helps limit how much of the chemotherapy drug reaches the hair follicles.
This cooling effect causes a process called vasoconstriction, where the blood vessels in the scalp narrow. As a result, less blood (and fewer chemo drugs) circulate to the hair follicles.
The cold also slows the follicles’ activity, putting them into a kind of “rest mode” and making them more resistant to damage.
The Science: Why it works
Chemotherapy targets fast-dividing cells, like cancer cells. But it also affects other rapidly growing cells, including those in the hair roots. Cooling the scalp slows down this cell division process in the hair follicles, making them less vulnerable to the damaging effects of the chemotherapy drugs.
A clinical study published by the National Library of Medicine found that scalp cooling significantly reduced chemotherapy-induced-alopecia in breast cancer patients. Penguin Cold Caps has supported this with real-world data from hundreds of patients, with retention rates reaching over 80% in many cases.
Penguin Cold Caps: The original innovators
Penguin Cold Caps is not just another cold capping brand, they are the original inventors of the method. Their Crylon gel technology ensures even cooling throughout the cap and treatment duration. Caps are changed periodically to maintain optimal cooling.
What sets Penguin apart:
- Inventors of Cold Cap Therapy
- Used globally by patients and hospitals
- Backed by clinical evidence
- Personalized customer support and guidance
What to expect during a Cold Cap session
Cold capping typically involves wearing the cap:
- At least 50 minutes before chemotherapy
- During the entire chemo infusion
- 1 to 2 hours after treatment depending on your regimen
The full session can take several hours, depending on your chemo regimen. It’s important to work with a trained capper or a support person to help you through the process, especially when changing caps to maintain consistent temperatures.
Most patients report that the initial chill can be uncomfortable, but it often becomes tolerable after the first 15 minutes. Some liken it to the brain freeze you get from ice cream, but it eases as the scalp becomes numb.
If you want to learn more, you may be interested in: What to expect on the day
Is Cold Capping for everyone?
Cold capping can work across many chemotherapy types, but results vary depending on the regimen, dosage, and individual hair and health conditions. Penguin Cold Caps has seen excellent results with patients undergoing:
- Taxane-based chemotherapy (e.g., Paclitaxel, Docetaxel)
- AC-based chemo protocols (e.g., Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide)
- Combinations of chemo regimens used in breast and ovarian cancers
For best results, consult your oncologist and Penguin’s support team to assess suitability. You can also find out more by reading Penguin Cold Cap customer stories.
Common questions answered
Q: Does cold capping always work?
A: While not guaranteed, most patients using Penguin Cold Caps report retaining 60–90% of their hair. Results vary by treatment type.
Q: Is cold capping painful?
A: Some discomfort from the cold is normal in the first 15 minutes. After that, the scalp typically goes numb.
Q: Do I need to change caps during treatment?
A: Yes, Penguin Cold Caps provides multiple gel caps that are changed every 20–30 minutes to maintain cold temperatures.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Rentals start at $379/month plus a $199 refundable deposit. Additional costs include dry ice. To find out exact pricing in your area go to our Penguin Cold Caps pricing page.
Action: Ready to retain your hair?
If you or a loved one is starting chemotherapy soon and concerned about hair loss, Penguin Cold Caps offers a safe, proven, and non-invasive option to maintain your identity and confidence.
To find out more, or for online support from people going through their own cancer and chemo journey’s, check out our socials:
Facebook Chemotherapy Support Group
Instagram Penguin Cold Caps Global