Save Your Hair During Multiple Myeloma Treatment: How Scalp Cooling Can Make a Difference
Published: August 19, 2025
A Breakthrough in Hair Preservation During High-Dose Chemotherapy
Imagine going through aggressive chemotherapy and looking in the mirror without seeing your hair gone. That’s now a reality for many – thanks to a simple, yet powerful innovation.
At a conference in February 2025, researchers shared results from a trial involving 30 patients with multiple myeloma undergoing autologous stem-cell transplantation and high-dose melphalan chemotherapy. Each patient wore a Penguin Cold Cap for one hour before and five hours after melphalan infusion on both treatment days.
The outcome? Median hair loss was only 2.5% after three months. In other words, 29 of 30 patients had hair so intact that no one would suspect they’d had intense chemo. The procedure was well tolerated, aside from mild cold discomfort.(astct.org)
Why This Matters to You
- Regain a Sense of Control
Chemotherapy can make you feel powerless. Choosing to preserve your hair is a proactive step-restoring autonomy when it matters most. - Ease the Emotional Burden
Hair loss often accompanies identity and confidence loss. Penguin Cold Caps help you keep your own image-so you’re not mourning what you’ve lost. - Minimise Life Disruption
Maintaining your hair lets you return to work, family life, and social routines faster-no wigs or constant explanations needed. - High Effectiveness with Low Trade-Offs
This scalp cooling approach cuts hair loss nearly to zero-unlike the near-universal hair loss expected without it-and is safe and feasible for most.
Real Results, Real Hope
- Consistency: Almost all patients reported undetectable hair loss.
- Comfort: Cold-but manageable.
- Appearance: Preserved, normal-looking hair.
- Outlook: No reported skin reactions; patients said they’d do it again.
Think of it as a small, predictable ritual that returns a piece of normalcy to your day-when everything else may feel uncertain.
Penguin Cold Caps: How It Works
- The Concept: Scalp cooling slows blood flow to hair follicles, reducing chemo exposure and preventing damage.
- In Practice:
- The first cap is applied 45 minutes before infusion starts.
- Caps are then changed every 25 minutes during the infusion.
- After the infusion finishes, caps continue to be changed every 25 minutes for 5 additional hours.
- Why It Works Better in This Study: Melphalan-used in multiple myeloma-has a short half-life, enhancing the effectiveness of scalp cooling compared to other cancers.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Some Discomfort Is Expected: Feeling cold or slight scalp discomfort is common-but short-lived.
- Coverage Matters: Hair loss may occur where the cap doesn’t fully touch; proper fit is essential.
- Availability: The device is used globally.
Key Takeaways
| Benefit | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Hair Retention | Most patients maintain their hair—helping preserve identity. |
| Emotional Relief | Keeps your appearance familiar and comforting. |
| Quality of Life | Continue daily routines without interruption. |
| Low Risk, High Reward | Simple, safe, and effective with minimal side effects. |
Final Thoughts
If you’re facing aggressive chemo for multiple myeloma, scalp cooling with Penguin Cold Caps isn’t just about preserving hair. It’s about preserving you -your sense of self, confidence, and normal life rhythm.
This isn’t just a medical innovation – it’s a quiet act of rebellion against chemotherapy’s toughest side effects. And sometimes, feeling like yourself again can be the most powerful treatment of all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Does scalp cooling work for all types of chemotherapy?
Scalp cooling is most effective with certain chemotherapy drugs, like melphalan. Effectiveness may vary depending on the drug, dose, and schedule. Always ask your oncologist about your specific treatment. - Will I still lose some hair?
Most patients experience little to no visible hair loss when scalp cooling is used correctly. However, small areas may thin, especially where the cap doesn’t make perfect contact.
👉 Important note: The 2.5% median hair loss reported in the study was specific to patients receiving high-dose melphalan for multiple myeloma. Results can differ with other chemotherapy regimens. - Is scalp cooling safe?
Yes. The procedure is widely studied, and generally well tolerated. The main side effect is temporary cold discomfort on the scalp. - How long do I need to wear the cap?
For high-dose chemotherapy like melphalan, patients typically wear the cap for one hour before infusion and up to five hours afterward. Times can vary based on your treatment plan. - Is it covered by insurance?
Coverage varies. Some insurance providers cover part or all of the cost. For others, patients may need to self-pay or use support programs. Check with your provider in advance. - How much does it cost?
Costs differ depending on the length of treatment and location. - Can I manage scalp cooling on my own?
Most patients have a helper (often called a “capper”) to ensure the caps are changed and fitted properly. This is crucial for comfort and effectiveness.