Why Water Temperature Matters For Washing The Hair
The water temperature can make or break your hair. Very hot water can strip the hair’s natural moisture, making it dry, dull, and frizzy. Apart from freezing you and giving you a headache, very cold water makes the hair brittle, dry, and dull. Then, why do some people prefer washing their hair with hot water while others vouch for cold water? Well, both have their merits and demerits. Learn the benefits of using both so you know how to shower the right way for your skin issues.
What Hot Water Does To Your Hair
The outer layer of the hair is the cuticle – made of dead, overlapping cells that protect the hair shaft (1). When you wash your hair with hot or warm water, the cuticles open up. This helps eliminate the trapped dirt, dust, oil, and sweat from the hair. But there is a downside to it. Washing the hair with hot water causes swelling of the hair shafts or frizzy hair.
What Cold Water Does To Your Hair
Cold water closes the hair cuticles and helps reduce frizz. Unless the cuticles are open, water cannot penetrate the hair and eliminate unwanted oil, dirt, and sweat. As a result, your hair will feel rough and greasy, even after washing. However, water that is too cold might make your hair dull and lifeless.
Benefits Of Cold Water For Hair Wash
Reduces frizz Adds shine Helps eliminate dandruff Improves blood circulation to the scalp Helps retain the natural hair moisture
But is hot water any good for your hair? Yes! Here are the benefits of washing your hair with hot or warm water.
Benefits Of Hot Water For Hair Wash
Removes excess oil Eliminates dirt and dust Cleanses the scalp Prevents scalp infection Cleanses product buildup
So, what should you use – hot or cold water? Well, the trick lies in knowing when to use hot and cold water to wash your hair. Scroll down to know how to wash your hair with hot and cold water without damaging it.
Best Way To Wash Your Hair
The best way to wash your hair is to cleanse it with hot or warm water and use cold water for the final rinse. A hair wash with shampoo and warm water helps open the hair shafts and eliminate impurities. It also preps the hair to absorb the conditioning agents and lock in moisture. After washing off the conditioner with warm water, use cold water for the final rinse. This will help close the cuticles and prevent frizz for optimal hair care. Dani, a blogger, shared how she washes her dreadlocks to keep them clean. She writes, “ I wash with warm to hot water, and rinse with cold. That way I feel like I am opening my pores and cuticles and cleaning, and then sealing them with cold water. Rinsing in cold water also helps my dry scalp (i).” Now the question is, can anybody use cold water to wash their hair? Let’s find out!
Should You Wash Your Hair With Cold Water?
Wash your hair with cold water if you don’t have fever, cough and cold, and sinusitis. Avoid washing your hair with cold water if you stay in a very cold climate. Heat the water to room temperature for the final rinse. How frequently should you wash your hair? Check out the next section to find out.
How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?
The washing frequency depends on your hair type, scalp condition, and preference. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, here are some guidelines:
Oily Hair: Wash your hair once every 2 days to keep it fresh and clean. Normal Hair: Wash your hair every 2 to 3 days to maintain cleanliness and moisture balance. Dry Or Curly Hair: Wash your hair once or twice a week to retain the natural oils and prevent excess dryness. Fine Hair: Wash your hair every two days to maintain volume and freshness.
Does washing hair with hot water cause hair loss? It is possible. While washing your hair with hot water is not directly linked to hair loss, it may cause scalp irritation, loss of moisture, and dandruff, leading to hair fall. Does cold water make hair grow? No. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that cold water makes hair grow. However, it makes your hair shinier and prevents damage by closing the hair cuticles. Does washing hair with cold water help prevent hair loss? Cold water opens up blood capillaries in the scalp, which allows blood to flow more freely. As a result, the roots receive essential nutrients that are necessary for healthy hair growth. It also tightens the hair follicles, which prevents hair loss. Is washing hair with cold water safe for all hair types? Yes, it improves blood circulation, closes pores, and reduces frizz and breakage, which is beneficial for all hair types. Can cold water help reduce scalp irritation or inflammation? Yes, a cold water rinse can provide relief from inflammation around hair follicles and irritation resulting from a dry and itchy scalp. Can washing hair with cold water be used with other hair care practices, such as oil treatments or hair masks? Generally, it is safe to use cold water with oil treatments and hair masks. Consult a doctor if you have sensitive skin or a condition that may require special attention.
