Why you shouldn't wash your hair with hot water: harm that many don't know about

Many of us love a hot shower, especially during cold weather. Warm water relaxes, relieves fatigue, and creates a feeling of comfort. But when it comes to washing your hair, excessively hot water can do more harm than good.

Here's why you should be more careful with water temperature during hygiene procedures.

Hot water damages the scalp

The scalp is very sensitive. Hot water causes blood vessels to dilate and irritates the skin, which can lead to dryness, flaking, and itching. People with sensitive or problematic skin may experience worsened dandruff or seborrhea.

Disruption of sebaceous glands

The hotter the water, the more it washes away the natural oil layer from the scalp. In response, the sebaceous glands begin to work more actively to restore protection. As a result, hair becomes greasy faster, and a person is forced to wash it more frequently, getting caught in a vicious cycle.

Weak and brittle hair

High temperature opens the hair cuticle - the outer protective layer. If the water temperature is too high, the cuticle doesn't just open but gets damaged. Hair becomes porous, dull, and brittle, retains moisture poorly, and loses shine.

Slowed hair growth

Regular washing of the head with hot water can impair blood circulation in the scalp. As a result, hair follicles receive fewer nutrients, which can slow down hair growth and increase hair loss.

Danger for colored and chemically treated hair

Hot water washes out pigment from colored hair faster. The color fades, hair loses saturation and requires more frequent coloring. Chemically treated hair (for example, after straightening or perming) becomes even more vulnerable.

How to wash your hair properly

The optimal water temperature is slightly warm, closer to cool. Such water effectively cleanses the skin and hair without disrupting their structure and natural balance. And at the end of the procedure, you can rinse your hair with cool water - this helps close the cuticles and adds shine.

Washing your hair with hot water is a harmful habit that can damage even the healthiest hair. Too high temperature destroys the protective mechanisms of the scalp and makes hair brittle, dull, and weak. A simple change in water temperature can significantly improve the condition of hair and scalp within just a few weeks.