Will cold capping work for me?
Published: August 11, 2025
How to know if you’re a good candidate for hair retention during chemotherap
For many patients, one of the first questions they ask after hearing about cold cap therapy is: “Will it actually work for me?”
The answer depends on a variety of factors, your chemotherapy type, hair characteristics, and consistency in using the caps. In this article, we’ll break down who cold capping works best for, what you can realistically expect, and how to maximize your success with Penguin Cold Caps.
What does “Success” look like?
Let’s begin by defining success. Cold capping doesn’t guarantee zero hair loss. But it can dramatically reduce the amount of hair shed during chemotherapy. Many Penguin Cold Caps users report retaining 60–90% of their hair—enough to feel like themselves and avoid full wigs.
“My hair is thick and and curly, which did start shedding a lot after my second treatment. It was all-over shedding, and my hair just got thinner, but I never experienced significant loss and estimated I saved around 80%.”“
– Christie
Your chemo regimen matters
Certain types of chemotherapy are more damaging to hair follicles than others. Here’s a general guide:
| Chemo Drug | Cold Capping Success Rate |
| Paclitaxel (Taxol) | 95.7% |
| Docetaxel (Taxotere) | 96.6% |
| Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) | 71.4% |
| AC protocol (Adriamycin + Cyclophosphamide) | Lower, but still possible with consistent use |
Source: Penguin Cold Caps – Clinical Evidence
If you’re unsure about your regimen, speak with your oncologist or a Penguin Cold Caps advisor to determine the expected results for your protocol.
Factors that affect cold cap effectiveness
- Timely and Consistent Use
Caps should be worn before, during, and after chemo, typically for 3–4 hours total. Skipping sessions or shortening post-infusion cooling can reduce effectiveness. - Hair Type
Cold capping has worked for all hair textures and colors, but those with very fine or fragile hair may notice more shedding. Keeping hair clean and tangle-free helps. - Health and Hormones
Hormonal therapies or additional medications may impact shedding. It’s important to manage expectations based on your full treatment plan. - Proper Fit and Technique
Caps must fit snugly and be changed regularly to maintain low temperatures. Many patients work with trained cappers or caregivers to ensure every cap is placed correctly.
Cold capping works—Here’s proof
Meet Erica
At just 38 years old, Erica, a wife, mother to three young girls, and insurance business owner from Michigan, was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Thanks to Penguin Cold Caps I retained all of my hair. I didn’t see any shedding beyond the normal amount. I’m beyond happy with my results.
Meet Morgan
Morgan, a 25-year-old interior designer residing in Oklahoma City, and was just months from her wedding when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
“I shed from the 2nd chemo treatment until a few weeks after it was over. I thought there wasn’t going to be any hair left! But I finished with an entire head of hair, and I was able to wear my hair down and curled at my wedding just four months later,”
When cold capping might not work as well
While Penguin Cold Caps have helped thousands of people keep their hair during chemotherapy, it’s important to know that some situations can make it more challenging to achieve the best results:
- High-dose chemotherapy given with very short breaks between cycles
- Caps that don’t fit snugly or aren’t cooled for long enough
- A delay in starting cold capping before your very first infusion
- Certain pre-existing scalp conditions
These factors don’t necessarily mean cold capping won’t work for you—but they may reduce your overall retention.
Your Penguin rep is here for you
Before you start, your dedicated Penguin Cold Caps representative will talk through your treatment plan, answer all your questions, and help you decide the best approach for your situation. They can guide you on cap fitting, cooling times, and how to prepare your helper for treatment days, so you feel confident from the start.
Key questions to ask before starting
- What chemotherapy drugs will I be receiving?
- Can I begin cold capping at my very first treatment?
- Who will be there to help me change caps during my session?
- Am I comfortable with some shedding as long as I keep most of my hair?
Your next steps
If you’re considering cold capping, now is the time to plan. Early preparation makes a big difference in effectiveness.
📞 Request a call back – complete the form below
📦 Penguin Cold Caps rentals start at $379/month
⏱️ Order at least 1 week in advance of your first chemo session
🧊 Find a supplier of dry ice in your area (your rep will be able to help)