Washing your hair with cold waster in Abingdon
If you have struggled with your hair whether it be frizz, unruliness, managing curls or your overall health of hair, you may have come across the best water temperature for your hair and likely lots of conflicting advice about cold hair washes! Advice typically varies with many claiming that cold water can make hair shinier and healthier, while others argue that warm water is necessary for proper cleansing.
In this blog we detail what the science says, whether you should be rinsing your hair with cold water or whether it’s a myth!
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Cold Water Hair Washing FAQ’s
How does water temperature affect your hair?
Your hair history, type and texture matter. However more broadly, hair is made of keratin, a protein that forms its structure, with the outermost layer called the cuticle. The cuticle is crucial for maintaining hair health, as its cells overlap to create a smooth and shiny appearance when healthy. Not all hair will respond in the same way given the above, however assuming that hair is of reasonable health and structure, water temperature directly influences this layer.
- Hot water: Much more ideal for cleansing hair (not to mention it feels great!). Hot water opens up the hair cuticle, making it easier to remove dirt, oil, and product buildup. However this is balanced by excessive heat which can strip natural oils, leaving hair dry and prone to breakage. It’s too worth noting that excessively hot water directly on the scalp can affect how oily your scalp becomes.
- Cold water: Causes the cuticle to contract and lie flat, sealing in moisture and creating a smoother surface. This can enhance shine but may not cleanse as effectively as warm water.
Does cold water make hair shinier?
The science behind the application of cold water is its ability to flatten the cuticle which in-turn makes hair look and feel softer. If you take your thumb and index finger along a section of hair and if it feels fry to the touch, it can be an indication that your cuticles aren’t behaving as we need them to. This effect is particularly noticeable on straight or wavy hair therefore but sealing the cuticle, it promotes healthier looking and feeling hair.
What are the downsides to washing with cold water?
While cold water has benefits, it isn’t perfect and there are downsides:
- It isn’t ideal when cleaning hair. If ever you have tried to do the washing up, it doesn’t clear oils or grease efficiently. The same applies to your hair.
- Washing with cold water… Is cold!
- Cold water doesn’t hydrate hair but rather helps retain existing moisture. The most efficient hair washing ties in hot water along the way.
What’s the best way to use hot and cold water?
In short, the most effective hair wash combines hot and cold water in stages. You may look to adjust this depending on your hair type, however in its simplest form, here’s how:
- Use warm water/shampoo: Begin with warm water which is most effective when commencing a wash both to cleanse your hair and scalp with a shampoo.
- Conditioner: Apply conditioner trying to avoid much, if any irritation to your scalp.
- Cold rinse: Use cold water to seal the cuticle and lock in moisture. This step can also reduce frizz and improve overall hair smoothness. Here’s some DIY fixes for frizzy hair.
Does hair type affect the ideal water temperture?
Your hair type can really effect the way you should wash your hair, not just the ideal temperature:
- Straight hair: Warm water is most effective for cleaning straight hair.
- Curly hair: Cold water helps define curls and minimise frizz, but alternating with warm water supports hydration and cleansing.
- Oily hair: Warm water is better for dissolving excess oil, but a cold rinse can still enhance shine, minimising irritation on the scalp and excessive hot water directly on the scalp.
- Dry/damaged hair: Minimise hot water exposure to avoid further dryness, and use cold water to retain moisture and improve texture. Dry hair? Here’s some other ways to help.
Conclusion
Should you wash your hair with cold water? It depends on your hair’s needs and what you hope to achieve. The obvious downside is that cold water can feel unpleasant, particularly when showering is a relaxing experience however cold water under the right circumstances can improve shine, frizz and overall appearance. That being said, cold water is best used alongside warm water and and it’s not a substitute for proper cleansing and conditioning. By combining warm and cold water in your routine, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
If you are feeling lost in what could work best for you, leave it to us. Our consultations work through any question you might have, logistics and we too make recommendations based upon your lifestyle and hair type.
