HAIR WASH – How hot or cold water plays a role
During hair wash, does the temperature of the water you use affect the quality of your hair, or Is the choice of water temperature you use play an intense role in keeping your hair’s health and volume? Some people believe that cold water saves natural oils and retains your hair’s softness.
You must have heard many experts saying that a cold rinse at the end of the shower does wonders like it will leave hair stronger, shinier, bouncier, and healthier. So does it mean that washing your hair with cold water will keep the scalp cleaner for a long time by closing the pores and making it less greasy? For lustrous, healthy hair the cold water works like magic? Is there any evidence to recommend that cold water makes your hair grow quicker? On one hand, cold water is claimed to be ideal whereas on the other hot water. Such a big confusion, isn’t it? Not to worry read on to find more about it.
What does Ayurveda say about the temperature of the water we use during hair wash?
Ayurveda says that it depends on the different doshas that exist in a human being. Poring warm water below the neck gives energy, but the same over the scalp ends in hair loss. So the use of warm water on the head is not good for the eyes, hair, and heart, though Coldwater is good for people undergoing Pitta and Kapha dosha, like liver disorders, indigestion, burning sensation, respiratory disorders cold and cough, etc. Hot water is preferably good for people with Vata dosha such as arthritis, joint pains, etc.
1- Vata hair type — Can wash hair using hot or lukewarm water
2- Pitta hair type — Should avoid hot water for hair cleansing
3- Kapha hair type — Should use cold water.
How does water temperature affect your hair health?
The temperature of the water plays a very significant part in hair wellness. Hot water opens the hair cuticles whereas cold water locks them, Coldwater keeps the hair hydrated and frizz-free.
So which water is the best water for your hair wash?
Until now we know that the best water for your hair is cold water. If your well-being does not allow a cold water head bath then you can certainly use lukewarm water for shampooing (can use good quality shampoos like — Loreal professional shampoo, Tresemme defense shampoo, The body shop banana shampoo) and cleaning your hair, but the final rinse should be of cold water- this will help in sealing the open pores.
Advantages of cold water and disadvantages of hot water for hair
Few positive and negative features related to hair wash with cold and hot water
Benefits of cold water
1- Maintains essential oils
2- Exposes smooth and sparkling surface
3- Increases scalp blood circulation
Drawbacks of hot water
1- Promotes dehydration and frizz.
2- Reduces the health of hair roots.
3- Increases hair damage and produces infection on the scalp.
Remember washing your hair with hot water is not a good idea and the quality of water also makes a lot of difference. If the quality of water at your place is not up to the mark then you can use a good quality water purifier* like — Kent gold +water purifier, HUL Pureit RO water purifier, R.K.Aquafresh water purifier to name a few to refine the quality of water. Using a good quality water purifier will certainly make a difference. I have provided associate links to certain products which will unquestionably magnify your bathing pleasure.
Cold and Hot Showers
Until now the focus was on the impact of cold or hot water on hair health. Let us now discuss the pros and cons of taking a hot or cold water shower.
Research shows that both hot and cold showers have health advantages. We should be cognizant of it.
Cold shower – Pros
Some of the benefits of taking cold showers include –
1- Calms itching skin.
2- Wakes you up.
3- Enhancement in blood circulation.
4- Reduce muscle soreness post-workout.
5- Probably promotes weight loss.
6- Bestows hair health and gives radiating skin.
7- Brighten your mind
8- It increases your energy and alertness
Cold exposure to water in the body enhances the balance of Cortisol and Norepinephrine which has three positive impacts on the human body.
1-It drastically strengthens the immune system of our body and reduces the risk of diseases by 29%
2- It improves activities of the cardiovascular system of our body and improves overall speed and accuracy.
3- Reduces anxiety and stress and keeps us calm and relaxed for good brain health.
Cold shower -Cons
The list is surprisingly short.
1- If you are already suffering from a cold and cough then a cold shower might not be a good idea if. The colder temperature will make you even cooler, and increase the amount of time it will take for your body to warm up.
2- It may not be a good idea to take a cold shower if you are sick.
What about Hot Showers?
1-If you have trouble relaxing or falling asleep at night, you might be tempted to take a hot shower. It will ease the stress of the day.
2-Hot showers provide relief from respiratory symptoms.
3- Can cure blemishes.
4-Helps in muscle relaxation.
The negative side of Hot Showers
1-Hot showers can irritate your skin. The skin will be dehydrated
2-It causes damage to the keratin cells, located on the most outer layer of our skin, the epidermis. Obstructing these cells creates dry skin and prevents the cells from locking in moisture.
3-They can worsen some skin conditions like eczema.
4-Increases blood pressure. Not advisable for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
Conclusion
There are obvious benefits to both hot and cold showers. Nobody is obstructing you from taking a hot shower(if you like it). All you need to do is reduce the temperature of the water and enjoy your bath.
