A scalp cooling specialist and a detangling hair brush company have formed a partnership that has helped hundreds of women across the US look after their hair during chemotherapy.
Tangle Teezer The Original detangling hairbrushes have been sent out across America as part of a ‘scalp cooling hair care kit’ designed to give patients the best results possible.
Chemotherapy works by targeting all rapidly dividing cells in the body. Hair is the second fastest dividing cell and this is the reason why many chemotherapy drugs cause alopecia. The hair follicles in the growth phase are attacked, resulting in hair loss approximately two weeks after the commencement of the chemotherapy treatment.
During chemotherapy hair follicles and scalp skin can become extremely fragile and sensitised, so it’s crucial that those undergoing scalp cooling use products that are gentle to their scalp.
It is important that the hair is brushed regularly to avoid knotting and Tangle Teezer was chosen by scalp cooling specialist, Paxman, a recommended hairbrush due to its gentle detangling features and the fact that it doesn’t pull or snag hair.
The partnership has been so successful in the US that the two companies are in discussions to work together in other countries including UK and Mexico.
Claire Paxman, director at Paxman Scalp Cooling said: “Having curly hair myself, I knew the difference a detangling brush can make to brushing your hair. The Tangle Teezer for us was the obvious choice as it doesn't pull hair vigorously whilst brushing and glides through any tangles that occur, which is essential when caring for your hair during scalp cooling treatment. For the last 18 months we have had a fantastic partnership with Tangle Teezer and I am so glad that two British companies can help so many people in the US maintain their hair.”
Hair loss is consistently ranked as one of the most feared and common side effects of chemotherapy treatment and often people will refuse the treatment because they do not want to lose their hair.
The damage that chemotherapy causes to the hair follicle can be alleviated by using the scalp cooling treatment; also known as the 'cold cap.' It works by reducing the temperature of the scalp by a few degrees immediately before, during and after the administration of chemotherapy.
Shaun P, inventor and founder of Tangle Teezer, added: "From personal experience with my mother, I know what a difficult and emotional time it can be to go through chemotherapy. The additional loss of hair or threat of it occurring during this time only adds to the trauma. I’m happy to be a part of something that helps with this process on a personal and psychological level.”
In the UK, scalp cooling treatment is offered free of charge through the NHS, but in America - due to the country’s privatised healthcare system - men and women currently have to pay for the treatment.
Every person paying for scalp cooling is sent a Personal Cap Kit which includes a Paxman Scalp Cooling Cap complete with the Tangle Teezer The Original detangling hairbrush, a towel, headband, spray bottle, shampoo and conditioner.
