Water is the hero of hair washing; you can’t do it without it, but because it’s so important, you probably don’t even consider it to be a part of wash day. It turns out, though, that your water’s temperature and quality have a significant impact on the condition of your hair and scalp.
What Takes Place When Hair Is Washed with Hot Water?
There are advantages to washing your hair in hot water; for instance, hotter water helps shampoo and other items reach the scalp by opening up pores. Hot water may be more effective than cold water at removing product, filth, and oil from your hair.
While hot water can strip the hair of its natural oils, which can cause dryness of the hair and scalp and create irritation and itching, higher temperatures do make it easier for products to permeate the scalp.
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A dry, unhealthy scalp with dandruff can hinder hair growth or weaken the strands since the condition of the scalp has a significant impact on hair health and growth. Washing your hair in hot water can aggravate skin diseases like seborrheic dermatitis and eczema in addition to causing a dry, itchy scalp.
Hot water hair washing can alter the way your hair looks as well: “Hot water hair washing exposes your hair follicles to oxidative and environmental damage which can cause hair fall.
What about using cold water to wash your hair?
Pros
Natural oils are preserved
Cold water, as opposed to hot water, does not dissolve natural oils, which is advantageous for the health and growth of the head and hair. “Maintaining the natural oils in your hair reduces dryness, itching, and irritation.
Increases shimmering
Cold water works on the hair by sealing the cuticles and pores in the scalp, increasing the shine of the hair by trapping moisture in the sealed pores.
Extra moisture
The natural moisture levels of the hair as well as any moisture you receive from conditioners are retained since cold water has the ability to shut the pores of the scalp. As a result, the hair is better able to benefit from the product, appearing and feeling moisturized and healthier.
Reduces dandruff
Moisture is required to treat dandruff since it is caused by a dry scalp. Since taking a cold shower encourages the scalp to retain moisture, doing so will lessen dandruff and the discomfort it causes.
Increases the flow of blood to the scalp
Although first painful, washing your hair in cold water can speed up blood circulation in the deep layers of the scalp. This promotes optimal health, including that of the brain, heart, and body’s healing processes. It also helps to maintain a healthy body temperature.
Cons
Reduces volume
The best way to keep hair moisturized is with cold water, but too much moisture can make hair look flat and lack volume. Although not everyone may experience this, pay attention to how your hair responds to cold water. Additionally, avoid using cold water as the temperature drops, especially in the winter.
Too much moisture
When hair maintains moisture, too much oil may be left in the head, giving the appearance and feeling of greasy and flat hair.
What’s the Best Temperature for Washing Your Hair?
If you want to take advantage of the advantages of a cold water wash, finish your shower with cold water to lock in moisture.
The ideal water temperature for washing hair is warm. Finish with a hotter rinse if your hair is oily to help remove product and oils more effectively.
When it comes to a specific temperature, wash your hair with water that is 100°F or 38°C (a little higher than the average body temperature). You can utilize water that is cooler in temperature throughout the heat.
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