SACT side effects: Hair loss and/or hair thinning

Some drugs cause hair thinning and some cause total hair loss. Hair loss usually starts 2 to 3 weeks after the first treatment. This includes all body hair including eyelashes, eyebrows, underarm, leg and pubic hair.

Hair will grow back once the treatment has finished. This often takes 4 to 6 months. Occasionally hair loss may be permanent.

For advice and support about wigs, please contact the FOCUS Support and Information Centre.

Hair care advice:

• Wash your hair less often
• Use a PH neutral and sulphate free shampoo, you will find this information on the label
• Use a soft hair brush or wide toothed comb
• Avoid perms, colouring, extensions, braiding, curling and straightening
• Use the cool setting on hair dryers or pat your hair dry
• Your scalp can become sore and sensitive so protect your head from the sun.
• If your scalp is dry and itchy or flaky, try an oil or moisturiser. Avoid anti-dandruff products.

Scalp cooling - for Oncology patients only

Scalp cooling treatment may be offered to you while having intravenous drugs. Scalp cooling is not recommended for everyone, it will depend on the drugs you are given.

Scalp cooling aims to reduce the rate of hair loss and hair thinning but it does not guarantee the prevention of hair loss.

Scalp cooling works by wearing a cold cap that cools the temperature of your scalp during treatment. This causes a reduced blood flow to the hair follicles and so less of the drugs will reach the hair follicles.

Volunteers will often fit the cold caps. They are trained to do this.

If you are eligible for scalp cooling a member of the team will discuss this with you. If you agree to have scalp cooling, the nurses will give you more information about what to expect and what you need to bring with you on the day of treatment:

• A soft headband to protect your forehead
• A wide tooth comb
• A colour, perfume and sulfate free hair conditioner
• Wear layers of warm clothing and bring a blanket. Small hospital blankets can be provided if need be. You will be offered warm drinks regularly during your treatment
• Something to cover your head for your journey home as your hair will be damp

Important information for scalp cooling:

• If you can, take paracetamol at home at least 30 minutes before your treatment appointment
• You must start scalp cooling from your first treatment. You cannot start it on your second or third treatment and so on.
• Scalp cooling can be stopped at any time.
• If you stop scalp cooling treatment, it cannot be re-started.
• You can go to the toilet while wearing the cold cap, you will be disconnected from the machine

For more information about the scalp cooling machines used and for hair care advice, please visit:

Paxman Scalp Cooling

Maggies