You may believe it doesn’t matter which temperature your water is for washing and rinsing your hair. The truth is that cold water is beneficial for your overall hair health. Not only is rinsing hair with cold water better for your hair and scalp, but it also leaves you feeling refreshed.
We will discuss the advantages of rinsing hair with cold water and why temperature matters for your hair health.
Why Does Water Temperature Matter While Washing Hair?
Which temperature is better for washing your hair: cold water or hot water? Many people like taking fairly hot showers, but did you know water temperature has a significant effect on the health of your hair? If you wash with scalding hot water, you could damage your scalp. Your hair may also end up drier and more prone to breakage.
You want warm enough water that the dirt and grime will be washed away, but not so hot that damage occurs. Luke-warm water is the perfect heat for hair washing.
Benefits of Rinsing Hair With Cold Water
It’s a good idea to rinse your hair with warm water as it loosens oil and buildup for a deeper clean. However, when you are finished, try to rinse with cold water. A cool-water rinse can leave the hair feeling fresh and the scalp comfortable after washing.
Cold water rinsing is better for your hair for the following reasons.
#1. Preserves Natural Oils
Warm or hot water washes out oils crucial to the life and health of your hair and roots. Oils not only keep your hair hydrated and moisturized but also prevent dry scalp and hair breakage. Cold water rinsing helps maintain oils such as sebum, which protects your hair.
#2. Cleans More Gently
Warm water washes away moisture, oil, grease, and other grime your hair accumulates. While it’s good to rid your hair of dirt, it can be damaging when you strip your hair of all its oils. A cold rinse cleans more gently, keeping your hair clean while also leaving behind the necessary oils and moisture your hair needs to stay healthy.
#3. Controls Breakage and Frizz
Many products damage hair, such as straighteners, blow dryers, hair dye, or bleach. Weather and environment also play a role.
Water can get inside the hair shaft through a damaged cuticle, which causes it to swell. This swelling results in frizzy hair. Once your hair is damaged, it becomes frizzy, breakable, and untamable.
Cooler water and a lower pH help the cuticle lie flatter, so damaged strands are less likely to swell and frizz.
#4. Creates a Smooth and Shiny Texture
As you’ve learned, a cold rinse helps your hair hold on to moisture and sustains your scalp’s natural oils. As a result, your hair will shine and feel smooth and soft. Shine is a sign the cuticle is lying flat and smooth, while smoother texture means your hair is holding on to moisture.
#5. Feels Fresh and Invigorating
You may have heard that a cold rinse boosts blood flow to the scalp. In reality, cold water causes blood vessels to tighten (vasoconstriction), and once the cold passes, circulation simply returns to its normal state. If anything, it is warm water that increases blood flow to the scalp.
What a cold rinse reliably delivers is the feeling: it is invigorating on the scalp and a refreshing way to finish a wash.
Tips for Washing Hair With Cold Water
Let’s be honest. Everyone wants shiny, luscious, and healthy-looking locks. Still, not everyone wants to freeze while maintaining healthy hair. To see and feel the ultimate benefits of a cold water rinse, you’ll need to make it a consistent part of your regular wash routine.
Some tips and tricks you can try to make a cold water rinse more comfortable for you are:
- Rinse your hair after you’ve gotten out of the shower or bath in lukewarm or cold water.
- Wash your hair with cold water at least twice a week.
- Wash your hair with warm water and rinse only your head and scalp in cold water.
- Take a cold shower as often as you can stand.
As mentioned, cold rinsing has many benefits for your hair and scalp. If you want sleek, shiny, and stronger hair, try the cold rinsing method to see the results for yourself.
