New Study Reveals How Cooling and Antioxidants Can Help Prevent Hair Loss During Chemotherapy
For many people going through cancer treatment, losing hair can be one of the most upsetting side effects. Hair loss caused by chemotherapy—called chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA)—can impact how patients feel about themselves and may even lead some to delay or refuse treatment.
But new research brings promising news: combining scalp cooling with antioxidants may be a powerful way to protect hair during chemotherapy.
What Causes Chemotherapy Hair Loss?
Chemotherapy drugs are designed to kill fast-growing cancer cells. Unfortunately, they also affect other fast-growing cells in the body—like the ones in your hair follicles, the tiny organs in your scalp that grow your hair.
One way these drugs cause damage is by creating oxidative stress, which leads to the production of harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS). These molecules can kill the cells responsible for hair growth.
How Does Scalp Cooling Help?
Scalp cooling is already used in many clinics to help reduce hair loss. It works by lowering the temperature of the scalp, which slows down blood flow. This may limit how much of the chemotherapy drug reaches the hair follicles.
What this new study shows is that cooling the scalp to about 18°C (64°F) not only limits drug exposure but also reduces oxidative stress. This means fewer damaging molecules are created, and more hair follicles stay healthy.
However, if the cooling isn't cold enough—like at 26°C (79°F)—it doesn't work as well. That’s where antioxidants come in.
What Are Antioxidants and Why Do They Matter?
Antioxidants are substances that protect your cells by fighting those harmful ROS molecules. This study tested antioxidants like:
Resveratrol (found in grapes and berries)
Trolox (a form of vitamin E)
When these antioxidants were used together with cooling, even at sub-optimal temperatures, they greatly reduced hair follicle damage. In fact, some combinations worked just as well as the best cooling temperature.
The Study's Big Takeaway
The research was done using both lab-grown skin cells and real human hair follicles. In both cases, cooling combined with antioxidants:
Prevented cell death in hair follicles
Allowed hair to keep growing
Protected the natural color of the hair
Reduced signs of damage, even from powerful chemotherapy drugs
What This Means for Patients
If you're undergoing chemotherapy and are worried about hair loss, this study gives new hope. While scalp cooling already helps some patients, adding antioxidant support could make it even more effective, especially when the cooling isn’t cold enough or when using strong chemotherapy drugs.
What’s Next?
Scientists hope that future treatments could include topical antioxidant products—like a cream or serum applied to the scalp—used together with scalp cooling devices. This combined approach could make a big difference in preserving hair and improving emotional well-being during treatment.
Talk to your oncology team about the options available at your treatment center. As always, treatments should be guided by your doctor based on your personal needs and therapy plan.
If you'd like help understanding scalp cooling systems or choosing hair care during chemo, Humolyte is here to support you every step of the way.
Reference
For more information on how HuMOLYTE can support your gut health during chemotherapy, visit our product page or consult your health care provider.
This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.
