Another common question! Unfortunately, there's no solid research showing that water temperature – hot or cold – actually impacts hair growth. So that just busted the myth about rinsing your hair in cold water if you want it to grow faster.
No, water temperature has no effect on oil production or hair growth. In fact, cold therapy has been used for chemotherapy patients to prevent loss of hair.
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that hair grows faster in cold climates compared to warmer ones. However, some people might perceive that their hair grows differently in colder weather due to changes in hair care routines, humidity levels, and scalp health.
Among the many myths about the causes of balding — such as wearing hats or exercising strenuously — you can add the myth that hot showers cause hair loss. Hot water can't cause hair loss. However, boiling water could result in hair loss, by burning or scalding your scalp.
The high temperature damages your strands by destroying the keratin and lipid bonds on your hair cuticles. This ruptures the cuticle layers, causing frizz. Cold water shrinks the pores and keeps them shut, hence reduces hair fall. It seals the ruptured cuticle layers while restoring the keratin and lipid bonds.
Cold water strains your body — it goes into “survival mode,” working hard to maintain its core temperature. This stimulates your body to increase blood flow circulation. “Increasing circulation redistributes blood and delivers freshly oxygenated blood to areas of the body that need to recover,” Dr. Hame says.
Heat can weaken your hair, leading to breakage and split ends. Cold water, on the other hand, enhances blood circulation in the scalp. This means better hair growth and stronger strands.
The cold temperature can help to stimulate blood flow to the scalp, which can promote hair growth. Additionally, ice therapy can help to reduce inflammation and irritation on the scalp, which can contribute to hair loss. Ice therapy can also help to reduce hair breakage and split ends.
Drinking enough water helps energize and support hair growth from root to tip and is vital for maintaining a thick, luscious, touchable head of hair. Water hydrates your hair and provides essential minerals to hair follicles, creating an ideal environment for hair growth that results in healthier hair.
Wash Routines and Hair Growth
While washing your hair won't necessarily cause it to grow, there is a correlation between the two. “As a rule of thumb a clean scalp is more than likely to be a healthy scalp,” says Kingsley. And a healthy scalp is more likely to produce long, full, healthy-looking hair.
The winter months can cause havoc with your hair, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. Colder temperatures versus central heating along with woolly hat wearing and the after effects of a 'full-on' festive period can all have a negative impact on your hair's overall health, leaving it in need of some TLC.
If you would like your hair to look shinier and healthier, we highly recommend using distilled water instead of your regular tap water. Distilled water is pure and free from any hard mineral build up or harsh chemicals like chlorine. This makes distilled water an excellent addition to your hair care regimen.
Surprisingly, hair growth doesn't speed up in the winter, despite the need for a little extra warmth. In fact, it may slow down slightly.
Research shows that cold water immersion (CWI) may improve mental health by increasing endorphin and norepinephrine levels. CWI may also improve resilience to stress by decreasing cortisol levels. CWI can be adapted to meet different wellness goals, whether for immediate relief or long-term mental health benefits.
Coconut oil can have many benefits for your hair and scalp. It is used to relieve dandruff, restore luster to dry and damaged hair, tame frizz, and protect hair against styling damage. It is safe to use on all hair types.
"There is no evidence or scientific data that cold water has an impact on hair growth," Longsworth said. "Instead, using properly pH-balanced products to wash and condition the hair is far more important. Ideally, hair products should have a pH between 4.5 and 5.5 to mimic the scalp's natural pH."
The bottom line. A soothing scalp massage may do more than just make you relaxed — it may also help stimulate hair growth or thickness. So far, limited research shows that scalp massages may promote blood flow to the scalp and encourage longer, thicker strands. But there's a need for more evidence.
Cold water seals the hair cuticle, the outermost layer of the hair shaft, which helps to reflect light more effectively. When the cuticle is smooth and flat, it enhances your hair's natural shine. The result is glossy, healthy-looking locks that catch the light beautifully.
Frequent cold finishing also stimulates scalp circulation for healthier follicle growth cycles. However, some strands (like excessively dry or thin hair) require extra omega fatty acids, which are best extracted through gentle pore cleansing with warm washes.
With porous hair fibers and pillow rubbing, your hair will tangle and break. If washing hair at night is to be avoided for all hair types, it's a real no-no for fine hair. In fact, your hair will tend to grease overnight, making it heavy the next morning. As you can see, it's best to wash your hair in the morning.
Taking cold showers every day for 30 days may lead to increased energy levels and alertness as well as improved overall health. Your skin and hair may feel and look better due to the reduced drying and irritating effects of a hot shower. However, remember, individual responses to cold therapy vary.
How does washing your face with cold water benefit your skin? Washing your face with cold water tightens your skin, reduces puffiness, and helps minimize pores, giving you a smoother complexion.
While there is no ideal frequency, experts suggest that showering several times per week is plenty for most people (unless you are grimy, sweaty, or have other reasons to shower more often). Short showers (lasting three or four minutes) with a focus on the armpits and groin may suffice.