In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we had the privilege of sitting down with Gayle Fulbright, salon owner and K18 Future Now partner, to discuss the important role of cold capping—also known as scalp cooling—in supporting those undergoing chemotherapy.

During our conversation, Gayle also outlined ways for everyone to raise awareness and funds for this crucial cause in the #ColdRinseChallenge. Read on for more details on how to get involved. 

what is cold capping?

Cold capping is a method that allows anyone undergoing chemotherapy to wear a specially designed cap during infusions. This cap cools the scalp to help prevent chemotherapy drugs from entering hair follicles, which can help stop hair from falling out. 

why is this cause important to you?

Having faced uterine cancer myself, I understand the emotions involved when a diagnosis hits. Although I was fortunate not to need chemotherapy, my first call upon receiving my diagnosis was to my stylist. I remember the feeling of panic of potentially losing my hair. Outside of close family, stylists are often the first point of contact for clients facing such news. They’ll come and tell us, “I’m starting chemo in two weeks; can you shave my head or cut my hair extremely short?”

Thanks to Hair to Stay, we’re able to give them options now—even if insurance won’t cover it. We can guide them to resources  that allow them to maintain their hair without facing financial roadblocks. 

how can stylists support clients during chemotherapy?

First of all, educate yourself as much as possible. The more stylists know about cool capping, the better they can assist their clients, and also fundraise. Then, when a client mentions needing a drastic haircut due to upcoming treatment, you know how to help them. Start by asking if they’re familiar with cold capping. If not, take the time to explain it to them.

Unfortunately, insurance often doesn’t pay for it, which is why it’s so important to raise awareness around available financial options. Over 6,000 people have received assistance from Hair to Stay already.

how does hair confidence support mental health during such a hard physical + emotional time? 

Keeping your hair isn't just ego or vanity. It’s about going through your treatment, looking in the mirror, and feeling like yourself. It also helps stop unwanted inquiries from people, allowing you to focus on what’s important–and not about what other people think. 

Did you know 8% of people that have been told to have chemotherapy will decline it for fear of going bald? For some, like a client of mine who has a young child, keeping her hair felt essential to avoid scaring her kid. 

Even for me, revealing my cancer diagnosis to my clients was difficult. People come from a place of caring, but it's just not something that you just want to talk about all the time. You want to continue your real life.

Can you share some Hair to Stay cold-capping success stories?

I’ve witnessed the impact with a friend of mine's daughter, who was 35 at the time. She had such success–she lost her eyebrows (which can be remedied with makeup), but she didn't lose her hair. 

We also had a client come in recently who was going to be starting chemo and I asked, “Are you familiar with cold capping?” She wasn’t, so I explained that they didn’t necessarily have to lose their hair and I could direct them to someone that could help financially if needed. They were so grateful, and I was happy to be able to do that for them.

What is the #ColdRinseChallenge + how can people get involved?

Inspired by the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge from a few years ago, the Cold Rinse Challenge is both to raise awareness and fundraise for coldl capping. At my salon, Headlines, we’re inviting every client to participate in a quick 10-second cold rinse, and then they have to challenge three others to do it too. You can also join the challenge on social media with the hashtag #ColdRinseChallange, and then tag three people.

For more information on how to participate, check out the details here.