Can I start using cold caps after my first chemotherapy session if I didn’t use them initially?

The Garde tes cheveux Foundation and manufacturers recommend starting the use of cold caps from the very first chemotherapy session, as this is a key factor for success. Why? Because their effectiveness relies on the principle of vasoconstriction: by cooling the hair follicles, blood flow to the scalp is reduced, thereby limiting the follicles’ exposure to chemotherapy agents. If cold caps are not used during the first chemotherapy session, irreversible damage may occur to the follicles, leading to hair loss that cannot be prevented later. You can learn more by watching our explanatory video in the "The Method" section of our website. That said, once cold caps are introduced, vasoconstriction begins to protect the follicles, and in some cases, this can even allow for early regrowth of weakened or partially lost hair. Typically, the first signs of hair loss appear between 17 and 21 days after the initial infusion — so it’s important to note that the effects of cold capping are not immediate. Some women choose to start using cold caps after their first chemotherapy session for a variety of reasons: • To protect any follicles that may still be intact and support healthy regrowth. • To reduce the risk of permanent hair loss, especially in treatments involving Taxotere (docetaxel), a lesser-known but documented side effect. Each person should carefully weigh the pros and cons to make the decision that best aligns with their personal needs and values.