18 Jun , 18:16
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Hot showers forbidden: why high water temperature is the enemy of your hair
Many of us cannot imagine our day without a hot shower, especially when it's cold outside. Warm water relaxes, relieves fatigue, and creates a feeling of comfort. However, specialists are sounding the alarm: when it comes to washing your hair, excessively hot water can cause serious damage to your hair and scalp.
Hot water damages the scalp
The scalp is particularly sensitive. When in contact with hot water, blood vessels instantly dilate and the skin becomes irritated, which provokes dryness, flaking, and tormenting itching. For people with sensitive or problematic skin, this can cause dandruff or seborrhea to worsen.
Disruption of sebaceous glands
The higher the water temperature, the more aggressively it washes away the natural protective film from the scalp. The body reacts instantly: sebaceous glands begin to work with doubled force, trying to restore the lost protection. The result doesn't take long - hair becomes greasy rapidly, forcing you to wash it more and more frequently, creating a real vicious cycle.
Weak and brittle hair
High temperature mercilessly opens the hair cuticle - its upper protective layer. If the water is too hot, the cuticle doesn't just open, it gets irreparable damage. Hair becomes porous, loses shine, becomes dull and brittle, and retains moisture inside poorly.
Slowed hair growth
Systematic washing of the head with hot water negatively affects blood circulation in the scalp. As a result, hair follicles experience a deficiency of nutrients, which leads to slowed hair growth and increased hair loss.
Danger for colored and chemically treated hair
Hot water mercilessly washes out pigment from colored hair. The color rapidly fades, locks lose saturation and require more frequent coloring. Hair after chemical procedures (straightening or perming) becomes even more vulnerable to temperature effects.
How to wash your hair properly
The ideal water temperature for washing your hair is slightly warm, leaning toward the cool side. Such water effectively cleanses the skin and hair without disrupting their structure and natural balance. A final rinse with cool water will help close the cuticles and give your hair additional shine.
Washing your hair with hot water is a dangerous habit that can ruin even the healthiest hair. Excessively high temperature destroys the protective mechanisms of the scalp and turns hair into brittle, dull, and weakened strands. A simple adjustment of water temperature can significantly improve the condition of hair and scalp within just a few weeks of regular application.