What does cold capping feel like?

When facing chemotherapy, many patients worry about hair loss; a visible reminder of illness that often affects self-esteem and confidence. Fortunately, cold cap therapy offers a scientifically backed solution.

If you’re wondering “What does cold capping actually feel like?”, you’re in the right place.

What is Cold Cap Therapy

Cold cap therapy involves wearing a specially designed cap filled with a cooling gel, such as the Crylon gel used in Penguin Cold Caps.

The cap is worn before, during, and after chemotherapy infusions. Its primary function is to reduce the scalp’s temperature, minimizing the amount of chemotherapy drugs that reach the hair follicles.

This process is known as vasoconstriction, the narrowing of blood vessels. When blood vessels in the scalp constrict, less blood (and thus fewer chemo toxins) flow to the hair follicles. By cooling the scalp to near-freezing temperatures, hair follicles go into a dormant, or hibernated, state. This reduces their metabolic activity and makes them less susceptible to chemotherapy-induced damage.

The physical sensation of Cold Capping

Let’s talk logistics. Cold capping involves wearing a series of chilled caps filled with a special Crylon gel. These caps are worn:

• At least 50 minutes before chemotherapy
• Throughout the chemo infusion
• One to two hours after the infusion ends, depending on your regimen.

The caps are kept extremely cold’ typically around -25°C to -30°C, and are replaced every 20–30 minutes during your session to maintain the right temperature.

So, what does it feel like?

– The First 10–15 Minutes: The Chill Begins

Most people report a sharp, ice-cream-headache-like sensation during the first 10 to 15 minutes. It can feel shocking at first, like pressing your forehead against snow.

“Yes, the caps are cold, but they’re not intolerable and any discomfort I had was minimal and absolutely worth it to save my hair.” – Liesl

– After 15 Minutes: Numbness Sets In

As the scalp cools, most users begin to feel numb. The initial discomfort fades, and many people find it tolerable, especially with distractions like music, a podcast, or a supportive friend. Some people bring heated blankets or wear warm layers during sessions to stay comfortable.

“The first few minutes were intense, but once the cold settled, it was okay. I just focused on warm thoughts and reminded myself why I was doing this.” – Valeria

– Duration and Patience

Because sessions can last several hours, patience is key. But most patients say the results are worth it. Retaining hair helps them continue daily routines without the added burden of explaining their illness to everyone they meet.

“It was definitely cold and a bit heavy, but not painful. After a few minutes, your scalp feels numb, and I found warm blankets and an electric heating pad helped a lot.” – Josie

Real Patient Experiences

Hearing from those who’ve undergone cold capping can provide invaluable insight:

Sophie’s Story:

“I was nervous about how I would cope with tolerating the cold. I’m generally a cold person and was worried I would be shivering the whole time with a brain freeze. But it was absolutely nothing like that. The first cap was always the worst, but you become numb to the cold after a while, and they really are tolerable.”

Read Sophie’s full story

Rachel’s Story:

“When asked how she coped with the cold, Rachel wants to reassure others that it ‘wasn’t that bad’. I thought it would be, but it wasn’t. I have thick hair, so I was worried it would freeze right off the bat, but it didn’t. And I was capping in winter in Cleveland. We even stopped in a parking lot to change caps in the snow! At most, I used a blanket if I got chilly.”

Read Rachel’s full story

Cold Capping with confidence

If you’re considering cold capping, knowing what to expect physically and emotionally can be empowering. While the process may feel daunting at first, many find it entirely manageable, and deeply worth it. By choosing Penguin Cold Caps, you’re not just preserving hair. You’re preserving control, dignity, and the ability to recognize yourself in the mirror.

You might also find the Penguin Cold Caps Instagram a great research resource, with many people sharing their personal stories of cold capping.