When it comes to washing your hair, water temperature plays a crucial role in the health of your scalp and hair. So, should you opt for hot or cold water? Let’s take a look at the benefits of each option and find out which one is best for your hair routine.
The benefits of hot water
Hot water is often considered the best choice for washing your hair. This is because it opens up the hair cuticles, making it easier to remove impurities and styling products. Plus, a hot shower can be very relaxing and enjoyable. Hot water also helps remove product buildup from your hair more effectively. However, it is not without its drawbacks.
And there's hot water and scalding water! You can wash your hair just fine with lukewarm/room temperature water.
Disadvantages of hot water
Frequent use of hot water can have harmful effects on your hair and scalp. Indeed, hot water activates the sebaceous glands and therefore the production of sebum. This can lead to oily hair more quickly and an irritated scalp. If you have colored hair, hot water can also affect the vibrancy of your color, making it less durable. Hot water will have a greater tendency to remove the artificial pigments located at the heart of your hair fiber after a color, a patina or a gloss.
The benefits of cold water
Now let's move on to cold water. Although it may seem counterintuitive, rinsing your hair with cold water can provide many benefits.
Why choose cold water?
1. Color Preservation: For those with color-treated hair, cold water is a great choice. It helps keep your color vibrant by closing the hair cuticles, which reduces pigment loss. So if you have color, balayage, toner, or gloss, it's best to rinse your hair with cold water.
In order to preserve your color, you can also use products that help maintain it. Such as Olaplex brand products that are used to repair and protect your hair fiber or the different ranges for colored hair that we offer on the e-shop ( the shine range from Authentic Beauty Concept , the color care range from Alter Ego , the Minu range from Davines ). These products are used to keep the pigment of your patina, coloring or gloss at the heart of your hair fiber and to limit bleeding. In addition, these products provide unparalleled shine to bring out the pretty highlights of your color.
2. Scalp Protection: Cold water helps to sensitize your scalp and limit sebum production. This can be especially beneficial if you have a sensitive scalp or want to space out washes.
3. Shine and Softness: A cold water rinse can also make your hair shinier and softer. This helps smooth the cuticles, which reduces frizz and improves the overall appearance of your hair.
Conclusion: What is the right choice?
In short, while hot water may seem pleasant and effective for cleaning your hair, cold water has many benefits that should not be overlooked. By choosing to opt for cold water, you will not only help keep your color vibrant, but also maintain a healthy scalp.
For a balanced hair routine, consider starting with a warm wash to remove impurities, followed by a cool rinse to seal in shine and color. Ultimately, the water temperature you choose can have a significant impact on the health and appearance of your hair. So go ahead and embrace cold water for vibrant, healthy hair!
