Vasoconstriction, this means when a patient is wearing a Wishcap that is cooled to a very low temperature (approximately -32 degrees C), the blood vessels that would normally carry the harmful drug agents to the scalp area become constricted and are now unable to damage the hair follicles. Every hair on the body grows out of a hair follicle. Small blood vessels in the scalp supply the cells of the hair follicles with food and oxygen, and carry away waste products. Any drugs in the bloodstream will also be carried to the hair follicles. When blood vessels in the scalp are cooled they become smaller, so less blood flows through them.
Cold caps are a therapy method of scalp cooling. A specially designed hypothermia cap made of a glycerine-based gel that maintains its suppleness (or flexibility) even at temperatures of -20° to -30°C. The cover material is a water resistant stretchable fabric. The chin strap assures good position maintenance.
Most experience a few minutes of mild discomfort when the first cap is put on. After about 10 minutes the scalp area becomes mostly numb. The most commonly reported side effects include headaches, complaints of coldness or uncomfortable sensations, dizziness and to a lesser degree, claustrophobia. In general, scalp cooling is very well tolerated with very few cases resulting in suspension of the scalp cooling process due to discomfort. Studies have shown that on a pain scale of 1-10, with 1 = “not tolerable” and 10 = “really well tolerable”, mean scores vary between 6.9 and 8.0.
Scalp cooling with Wishcaps can be very effective in preventing or reducing the loss of your hair, but you won’t know how well it will work for you until you try it. Despite scalp cooling, you will find that your hair may thin out. This process is called shedding. Shedding happens to everyone but every person is different so the amount of hair that you shed will be different from each patient. Some of the things that will affect how much your hair sheds are: metabolism, digestive shock, diet, other drugs you may be taking besides surgeries you’ve had in the last year, stress, your hair health and whether or not you have closely followed the protocol for cold cap therapy. Although the client may see and feel her hair has become thinner during treatment, most other people around her will not be able to tell her hair is thinner.
It is recommended that cold caps be worn for at least 60 minutes before the start of the treatment and leave it on for up to 4 hours after the end of the treatment. Note: the longer the caps are worn (after treatment) the more effective they can be.
They will be delivered to you at your home before your treatment date. If you live outside the greater Houston area, your wishcaps will be delivered by mail.
At Wishcaps we are committed to ensuring all users are completely comfortable with how the cap wearing and changing process works. We provide complete instruction manuals and all the tools necessary for the highest success available to you. Our system is designed so patients are able to complete their cold cap treatment without any additional help. We are also available by phone 24 hours a day 7 days a week to answer any questions or concerns you might have.
No. If you decide you do not wish to use the caps for your entire chemotherapy cycle you may cancel at any time. Our fees are all on a month to month basis and you are free to stop any time.
Please refer to the Pricing page for a complete description of fees and payment options.
It is recommended to keep your hair short prior to your first scalp cooling procedure, and to avoid excessive combing and brushing afterwards. Also recommended is to avoid hot rollers and curling irons, and to avoid products using alcohol or peroxide. It is best to avoid the use of hair dryers and let the hair dry naturally.
Wishcaps are effective in reducing hair loss in many patients, but success rates do vary. Determinants such as age, dosage and type of chemotherapy, and even hair characteristics are all factors that must be taken into consideration when determining whether scalp cooling will be a successful choice for you. It is advised to discuss all options with your oncologist prior to treatment.
This scalp cooling technology involves the use of flexible, high glycerin, gel that is covered
with a four-way stretch material and allows maximum conformity. The gel caps are cooled to a below freezing temperature. They are to be worn before, during and after each chemotherapy treatment.
The caps are up to 85% effective at reducing hair loss induced Alopecia (hair loss) by cooling the hair capillaries and reducing the metabolic rate of the hair follicles to a hibernated state preventing the absorption of drugs into th e hair bulbs of the scalp. This method has been proven for more than 15 years in Europe and we are making it available in the United States. Over 1,000 patients in the United States have successfully used cold cap therapy in the last few years. The use of cold caps will not only maintain your beautiful locks but boost your self -esteem and self- image through the treatment.
Cold caps are soft and pliable, even at below freezing temperatures. The caps are comfortable and do not restrict mobility of the user.
The cold cap can be applied in 10-15 seconds and no scalp preparation is needed.
Wishcaps can be used by men, women and children.
Wishcaps can be used by Men, Women and Children.