Hair cut before cold cap?

Hi there!  I didn't have time before starting chemo to cut my hair, so just left it (shoulder length).  The nurses all said to avoid washing it at all if I could - so I didn't use shampoo (just rinsed in cold water every week or so) - after the first 3 or 4 weeks, your hair just balances itself and looks fine.  The only hair I lost was from one week where the cap wasn't fitted properly (lost a very small patch on the top of my head), so definitely agree that you need to speak up if you can feel that it isn't tightly fitted.  I took Panadol about 20 mins before the cold cap went on.  The first 20-30 minutes are unpleasant (think: ice cream headache) but definitely persevere.  I managed to get through the entire treatment without anyone noticing any hair loss and that was my goal.  Good luck with your treatment!

Second have said. My mum was told to cut her hair before chemo, long hair halfway down her back. She’s had her second chemo now and apart from some thinning where the cap wasn’t firm around the crown she hasn’t had much loss. She’s using a soft brush and limiting how often she washes her hair and the loss isn’t noticeable. We know there’s options of wigs, scarves etc but so far she’s upset with the loss but reassured that others can’t tell and has told me that at present she’s glad she didn’t cut her hair. Depending how the rest of treatment goes she may decide to cut her hair, but for now she’s glad she hasn’t. Up to you, that’s just our experience (I’m with mum at every appointment and I encourage her to decide for herself and just give her options/information, so it’s been others including staff who gave her pressure ironically, but she’s comfortable with her decision). 

I used the cold cap with good results. I thinned slightly on top.
I highly recommend trying it. I don't think a haircut is always necessary.
I had my hair cut shorter. The only reason being, that I have curly hair that is difficult to manage without blow drying and straightening.  I did see a lady at my Chemo place who had long hair, and was having excellent results.
If you have time before starting Chemo, I would recommend getting your hair coloured to your natural colour, as your roots will show before you finish Chemo.
I did not take any medications relating to the cold cap. 
I did not do any special  washing or conditioning on the day.
The main thing is that your hair must be very wet, to conduct the cold to your scalp. I believe curly hair needs to be wetter.
The cap must fit well, making contact all over.
Thinning occurs especially if the cap does not fit well.
Sometimes I had an extra strap over my head and under my chin.
I believe washing your hair infrequently, and not styling is the best.
I did risk gently blowdrying my fringe, with no additional thinning. I did feel that was risky business.
I know it doesn't work for everyone. You should know if it works for you, by your second or third Chemo.
If you want photos, just ask.
Wishing you all the best.

Dear Hann, I presume your question is new here. It seems to be in an old chain of discussion. My story is just above. As Abbydog. I recommend trying for sure. I think at most Chemo suites the nurses put the cap on. At least 1/2 hr before the infusion starts. They sprayed my hair wet. It needs to be wet to work well. And the cap needs to fit well. When I had my Chemo, there was a lady with long hair using the cold cap successfully. I don't think it is necessary to cut your hair, so long as the cold gets through to the scalp. Good luck with your Chemo. I was quite lucky. I had manageable side effects. Nothing serious. No nausea. Go with an open mind, but report any problems. The Drs and nurses have advice and solutions to some things. All the very best.