FAQs
Amma™ gives patients a choice about whether or not they want to keep their hair during chemo.
Amma™ brings your scalp temperature down to 65 F before, during, and after chemotherapy. The cold temperature prevents your hair follicles from absorbing as much chemotherapy so you will be able to preserve most of your hair. Amma™ is designed to cool the scalp over the course of a chemotherapy session, beginning 30 minutes before an infusion, during the chemotherapy infusion, and continuing for 2 hours after. The device consists of three main components: 1) a Cooling Wrap that delivers a cooling solution to the scalp and 2) a Compression Cap that keeps the cooling wrap in place and 3) a Portable Cooling Unit that keeps the solution circulating through the Cooling Wrap at the correct temperature.
Your hair will still thin from chemotherapy, but successful scalp cooling will limit your hair loss to approximately 50%. Your hair will be thinner, but our goal is to preserve enough of your hair so you can look like yourself to the outside world. Amma™ also helps your hair regenerate more quickly after chemotherapy so you can get back to normal faster.
Amma™ has to be cold to be effective. We recommend you bring a warm jacket or a blanket with you to chemotherapy to help you feel warm. Most users say they get used to the cold feeling within the first 30 minutes of treatment.
Please do not use Amma™ if you have been diagnosed with any of the following:
- Cancers of the head and neck
- CNS malignancies (either primary or metastatic)
- Cold sensitivity or cold urticaria
- Cryofibrinogenemia
- Cryoglobulinemia
- Existing history of scalp metastases or suspected presence of scalp metastasis
- Hematological malignancies and non-solid tumors (leukemia, non-Hodgkin and other generalized lymphomas) or hematological malignancies that are being treated for cure
- History of cold agglutinin disease
- Imminent bone marrow ablation chemotherapy
- Imminent or previously received skull irradiation
- Post-traumatic cold dystrophy
- Scalp and/or cutaneous metastases have been reported in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer, colon cancer, renal cell carcinoma, ovarian cancer, and bladder cancer. Patients with advanced forms of these cancers may be more likely to experience scalp metastases with the scalp cooling system.
- Severe liver or renal disease from any etiology who may not be able to metabolize or clear the metabolites of the chemotherapeutic agent
- Skin cancers (melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma)
- Small cell carcinoma of the lung
You will use Amma™ beginning 30 minutes prior to your chemotherapy, continue for the duration of your entire chemotherapy, and then for an additional 2 hours after chemotherapy is complete. After your infusion is complete, you can leave the infusion chair to complete your scalp cooling therapy anywhere in the infusion center with an outlet. We will train you on how to prepare for scalp cooling and how to care for your hair so you get the best results.
Wash your hair on day 3 following chemo using lukewarm water (between 98-105 F, non-sulfate, paraben free shampoo and conditioner. You will blot your hair dry or let your hair air dry. Avoid hair dryers, heated styling tools, braids, ponytails, tight hats, and any excess heat that will make you sweat. It is not recommended to saturate your hair in pools or the ocean during this time.
Your infusion center will provide you with required accessories and will connect you with Cooler Heads Customer Care. Cooler Heads Customer Care will provide comprehensive training, a digital resource library, and virtual support during infusions.
Please contact us or your infusion center for pricing.
You may check with the following non-profit organizations to see if financial assistance is available for you:
- Sharsheret (sharsheret.org/)- is the “only national organization supporting Jewish women and families, of all backgrounds, facing breast and ovarian cancer.” Their subsidy program, Best Face Forward 2.0, includes scalp cooling and other services supporting breast and ovarian cancer.
- HairToStay (hairtostay.org) – is the “first and only national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping cancer patients afford scalp cooling.”
- Hope for Hair (hopeforhair.org) – partners with HairToStay, specifically for scalp cooling patients in North Carolina.
- Cold Capital Fund (coldcapitalfund.org) – provides financial assistance to scalp cooling patients in DC, Maryland and Virginia.
- Cap and Conquer (capandconquer.org) – provides financial assistance for scalp cooling patients in Southeast Michigan.
Scalp cooling brings a patient’s scalp temperature to 65 F before, during and for two hours following chemotherapy. The cold temperature on the scalp constricts the hair follicles so they don’t absorb as much chemotherapy, preserving the patient’s hair and follicles. To be successful at scalp cooling, patients must also change their hair care regimen with limited brush and washing so as to not stress their hair. The Cooler Heads Customer Care team will walk your patients through how they should use Amma and care for their hair to get the best results.
Patients with solid tumors who will lose their hair from chemo can use Amma™. Patients with blood cancers are not eligible for scalp cooling. Best results are expected for patients undergoing Taxane based chemotherapy. Patients with a regimen including A/C may see greater hair loss but will benefit from scalp cooling with faster hair regrowth because the hair follicles are not as damaged.
Amma™ is the first FDA approved Portable Scalp Cooling System and was developed by our founder, Kate Dilligan. After her difficult experience using a cold cap system requiring the use of dry ice during her chemotherapy, she designed Amma™ for patients to use on their own, free of dry ice, and made it portable allowing patients to leave the infusion chair when they are done with chemo.
Your patients will have hair thinning during treatment, but if scalp cooling is successful, their hair will look normal to other people. Patients will feel cold using Amma™ but users have described the feeling as tolerable.
The Cooler Heads Customer Care team will train your patients on how to use the system and be there to support them during their chemotherapy regimen. When Amma™ is being used, please have 1 ½ cups of water, 1 ½ cups of ice (as is used in a cold beverage), and 3 cups of isopropyl alcohol available for device set up.
Starting at the crown of their head, measure entirely around the forehead and back to the crown.
Sizing: Less than 21 ¾”, select size Small. Between 21 ¾” – 22 ¾”, select size Medium. Greater than 22 ¾”, select size Large.
AMMA™ IS AVAILABLE
CONTACT US FOR INFORMATION.
Contact us for more information about Amma™ and your specific needs. We are happy to answer all your questions and take the guesswork out of cold capping. We’ll explain the process and pricing, set you up directly with a local infusion center, and save you time and money while you keep your hair during chemo.
You are a candidate for scalp cooling with Amma if: You are over 21 years old, will be receiving chemotherapy for a solid tumor that can cause hair loss and starts no sooner than a week from today, and able to receive treatment at one of the hospitals offering Amma to their patients.
More about Chemo and Preserving
Your Identity with Cooler Heads
Chemotherapy, while a crucial weapon in the fight against cancer, often comes with the challenging side effect of hair loss. At Cooler Heads, we understand the emotional toll this can take, and we’re here to offer a solution that helps you keep your hair — introducing our cutting-edge scalp cooling system called Amma™. Scalp cooling is the mechanical version of cold caps – think of it as a less laborious process that provides patients with the confidence to use our system independently without relying on someone else to manage the caps for them.
Understanding Chemotherapy
Treatment Side Effects
Chemotherapy is a potent treatment that targets rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. Unfortunately, it also affects healthy cells, such as those in the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. This side effect can be emotionally distressing for many patients, impacting their self-esteem and overall well-being.
The Science Behind Cold Capping
Our scalp cooling system Amma™ works to combat the impact of the powerful impact of chemotherapy drugs on the patient’s hair follicles.. By cooling the scalp to a low temperature, the blood vessels constrict, reducing the blood flow to the hair follicles. This, in turn, limits the amount of chemotherapy drugs that reach the follicles, reducing hair loss.
Preserving your Hair
for Faster Growth After Chemo
Preserving your hair during chemotherapy not only helps maintain a sense of normalcy but also aids in the post-treatment phase. After completing chemo, most individuals experience faster hair regrowth since their hair follicles were not as damaged by the chemotherapy had they not used scalp cooling. Amma™ empowers patients with both confidence during chemotherapy and a quicker recovery to normal.
Where to Access Scalp Cooling
(or a Cold Cap) for Chemo
Wondering where you can get your hands on this revolutionary solution? Cooler Heads Amma™ is widely available. Contact us to help you get started or answer any questions about any steps in the cold capping process and recovery. Our scalp cooling system is designed for comfort, ease, portability, and effectiveness to alleviate the burdens that are associated with old fashioned cold caps.
Scalp Cooling and Confidence
We understand that the battle against cancer is not just physical but also emotional. Cooler Heads aims to provide comfort and confidence during this challenging time. Our scalp cooling system Amma is designed with your well-being in mind, offering a user-friendly solution to help you maintain your sense of self that gets rid of the expense and stress of traditional cold caps.
At Cooler Heads, we believe in the power of maintaining dignity and confidence throughout your cancer journey. Amma is not just a product; our company, Cooler Heads is a companion that will stand by you, helping you face each day with strength and resilience. Start your journey with chemotherapy with confidence, knowing that you have a partner in preserving your hair and your identity, one day at a time. Our founder had to use the antiquated cold caps when she was a cancer patient and became determined to provide patients with a more affordable and easy to use option. Contact us and discover the Cooler Heads difference, because you deserve to keep your hair and your confidence during chemo.
Scalp Cooling vs Cold Capping
Facing chemotherapy is daunting, and one of the most emotionally distressing side effects is hair loss. However, amidst this adversity, there’s a solution —scalp cooling. In comparison to traditional cold capping methods, scalp cooling is the superior alternative. Its precision, user-friendly design, efficiency in preserving hair follicles, adaptability, and reduced reliance on external assistance makes it a groundbreaking solution for individuals seeking a more comfortable and effective approach to maintaining their identity during chemotherapy. Scalp cooling is not just a solution, but a beacon of hope for a future where the impact of chemotherapy on one’s appearance is minimized, and dignity is preserved.
Precision Cooling with Amma™
Unlike cold caps, which rely on manual application and replacement, our Amma™ scalp cooling system is designed for precision and consistency. Amma’s advanced system maintains a controlled temperature throughout the chemotherapy session, ensuring optimal protection for hair follicles.
A User-Friendly Experience
Amma ™ is a user-friendly and hassle-free experience for patients. With automated temperature control, individuals can focus on their treatment without the need for constant cap replacement every 20 to 30 minutes. This not only reduces the burden on patients but also allows for a more seamless integration of the scalp cooling process into their chemotherapy sessions.
Efficiency in Preserving Hair Follicles
The precision and constant temperature maintenance of Amma’s scalp cooling system contributes significantly to the effectiveness in preserving hair follicles. By minimizing blood flow to the scalp consistently, Amma™ creates a protective barrier against the impact of chemotherapy drugs, reducing the likelihood of hair loss.
Reduced Reliance on External Assistance
Unlike cold caps, which often require the assistance of a friend, family member, or hired “capper” to replace them during each session, Amma’s™ system operates autonomously. This reduces the need for constant external assistance, empowering patients to manage their scalp cooling experience more independently and with greater confidence.
Investing in Future Comfort
Scalp cooling represents an important step toward the future of cancer care. By choosing scalp cooling over traditional cold capping, individuals not only enhance their immediate treatment experience but also invest in the preservation of their emotional well-being and overall quality of life during and after treatment.
Preparing for Scalp
Cooling with Amma
Preparing for Scalp Cooling with Amma™ involves a combination of communication, education, and personal readiness. By taking these steps, you set the stage for a positive and empowering experience during your chemotherapy journey. Cooler Heads is committed to supporting you every step of the way, providing not just a cooling system but a companion in your quest to retain your identity and face cancer treatment with dignity. Here’s a guide on what you need to do to prepare yourself for Scalp Cooling with Amma™ before your treatment day.
Consultation with
Your Healthcare Team
Before diving into scalp cooling, it’s crucial to have an open conversation with your healthcare team. Discuss your interest in using Amma™ and ensure that it aligns with your overall treatment plan. Your medical professionals can provide insights into the compatibility of scalp cooling with your specific chemotherapy regimen and offer personalized guidance.
Educate Yourself
Understanding how Amma™ works and what to expect during the process is empowering. Take the time to educate yourself on the technology behind scalp cooling and its potential benefits. Cooler Heads will provide you with resources, information, and answer any questions you might have that can help you feel more informed and prepared for the experience.
Fitting Your Cap
A proper fitting ensures that the cooling cap is comfortable and securely placed on your head during the treatment. So, we’ll show you how to fit it! On the day of treatment, typically the patient will prep for scalp cooling with their accessories which consists of a prepping hair, applying the cooling wrap that has been pre-fit-making small adjustments, then finishing with compression cap for a snug fit, then they will take their pre-meds to cool before chemotherapy begins.
Prepare for Treatment Day
On the day of your treatment, it’s essential to arrive prepared. Dress comfortably and consider wearing a button-down shirt to make it easier to put on and take off the scalp cooling cap. Bring any personal items you might want during the session, such as a cozy blanket, lip balm, a book, headphones, a journal to document your experience, a Netflix Series or crossword puzzle.
Arrange Support
While Amma™ is designed for ease of use, having a friend or family member accompany you during your treatment session can provide emotional support. Our Support Team is available for phone call or text anytime you need them. That includes during your treatment for an extra pair of eyes and ears!
Hair Care Instructions
How you treat your hair outside of chemotherapy can be just as important as scalp cooling. We will provide you with some hair care tips and tricks to help manage your hair at home.
Embrace the Experience
Scalp cooling with Amma is not just about preserving your hair; it’s also about empowering yourself during the chemotherapy journey. Embrace the experience as a positive step toward maintaining a sense of normalcy and confidence. The cooling process is designed to be as comfortable as possible, allowing you to focus on your well-being.
