EVA MARIA, 56 years old, self-employed. Married with 3 adult sons. Lives in Gilleleje. Was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025 and has undergone 12 chemotherapy treatments (3 x EC and 9 x Paclitaxel).
When Eva Maria received the news that she would have to undergo chemotherapy, one thing weighed particularly heavily on her mind: the thought of losing her hair.
Her family was shocked, and she quickly started researching what the treatment would entail. When she read about the type of chemotherapy she would receive, it became clear that hair loss was almost inevitable. "I was also told during the conversation with the oncologist: 'Yes, you will lose your hair.'" But Eva Maria had already decided to explore options for preserving it.
WHAT DID IT MEAN TO YOU TO KEEP MOST OF YOUR HAIR AFTER CHEMOTHERAPY?
"For me, it meant the world." Being able to keep her hair made Eva Maria feel more like herself during the treatment. "I felt more whole. I felt less sick." She also experienced being spared the pitying glances that many cancer patients encounter.
"There is a lot of personality in long hair. My entire identity, the feeling of being myself as a woman - and my history - is in my hair." Therefore, the thought of going bald was difficult for her. "It would have been unbearable."
WHAT DOES YOUR HAIR MEAN TO YOU?
For Eva Maria, hair is closely linked to her identity. It is a part of her personality and her sense of being a woman. "There is so much strength and femininity in my hair."
Although she considered other ways to deal with hair loss - perhaps with a wig - it was completely different from being able to keep her own hair. "I even considered a pink wig - a bit Kardashian-style," she says with a smile. But deep down, she primarily wanted to keep her own hair.
WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE COOLING CAPS?
Eva Maria first heard about cooling caps through a Facebook group for breast cancer patients. Here, she read about women who had preserved their hair during chemotherapy. She began to research the method further and found Rapunzel's cooling caps. When she started the treatment, she followed the instructions carefully.
Initially, the cold was a challenge. "I didn't think it would be as uncomfortable as it actually was." But after a few treatments, her body got used to it. "After about four times, it became routine, and then it wasn't actually that bad."
She also found little tricks that made it easier. "A panty liner on the forehead, cotton pads on the ears, something warm to drink and some snacks - then you're all set."
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST SUPPORT FOR YOU IN YOUR JOURNEY - BOTH EMOTIONALLY AND PRACTICALLY?
Her family has been a great support for Eva Maria throughout the process. Her husband, in particular, played an important role. He helped practically during the treatments and ensured that the cooling caps were fitted correctly. "He was very attentive to making sure the caps were pulled down properly."
But the community with other women in the same situation also meant a lot. In online groups, women shared experiences and good advice with each other. "If it hadn't been for them, I would have been lost." It gave her strength to see that others could get through the process. "If they could do it, then I had to be able to too."
5 TIPS FROM EVA MARIA TO OTHERS CONSIDERING COOLING CAPS
Eva Maria has several tips for others considering using cooling caps.
1. The most important thing is to follow the instructions carefully. "It's really important that the cooling caps are pulled down well."
2. Be very gentle with your hair throughout the process. Avoid massaging the scalp when washing your hair, and instead use diluted shampoo that is gently rinsed through the hair.
3. Use plenty of moisture on the lengths and avoid products directly on the scalp.
4. Use a very soft brush. "The hair roots need rest."
5. Braid your hair at night to prevent tangling.
ONLY LIMITED HAIR LOSS
It was all worth the effort. She herself experienced only limited hair loss, about 15%. For Eva Maria, it made a big difference. It gave her a sense of maintaining a part of herself throughout an otherwise demanding process.