Water is a vital part of our everyday lives. As well as helping us to stay healthy and hydrated, especially when temperatures rise during the summer months, water is an essential beauty elixir whatever your skincare regime.

We recently discovered how cold water can revitalise our appearance, with people hitting that coveted eight glass a day target unlocking several great advantages for the skin.

But what effect does water have on our hair? And should your hair be washed in hot or cold water to guarantee the best results?

Here we answer that question so you can tweak your beauty routine to realise all the benefits.

Hot or cold – the great hair debate

Washing your hair is certain to be a mainstay in your beauty regime, but have you been washing your hair all wrong?

Most people up the temperature of their shower or bath to enjoy a nice, thorough cleansing of the hair and scalp.

But while the warmth of the water opens the pores on your scalp and rids your mane of unwanted oil, dirt, and sweat, it can also take the natural oils and moisture that are essential to hair health with it.

Hot water has been proven to weaken the hair roots causing loosening and even hair loss, particularly if you spend a long time washing your hair or do so daily.

For those with naturally curly or wavy locks, this regular stripping of moisture can dull hair and result in extra frizz, which can be difficult to control, especially in warmer weather.

Whilst a less comforting experience, cold water can unlock many more benefits for your hair and scalp.

The pros and cons of going cold

Cold water therapy isn’t just good for your skin, it’s great for your hair too. Unlike hot water, going cooler locks in essential moisture to smooth out strands and keep them healthier and stronger. This smoothing effect means less frizz, fly-aways, and breakages, which is great for those who have naturally curly or wavy hair.

The moisture saved by opting for cold water instead of hot makes the texture and appearance of your hair softer and shinier to ensure a healthy, glossy look.

Whilst a better alternative to hot water, washing your hair in cold water does have its downsides. For those with already flat hair, the extra weight of moisture can be negative. With this in mind, those looking for volume may want to up the temperature to add texture and fullness.

Washing in cold water can also leave your hair less clean as that hard to shift excess oil and dirt has a lot more staying power.

The solution?

You could try and enjoy the best of both worlds by opting for a temperature between hot and cold. A lukewarm wash is beneficial in many ways, but whether you should wash in hot or cold water comes down to your hair type.

Those with straight, thick or very fine hair, as well as people with excess oil or a significant lack of texture, will find it more beneficial washing in warmer water.

People with curly, dry, frizzy, or breakage-prone hair, on the other hand, will enjoy the taming and moisturising plus-points of cold. Individuals who shower daily should also keep the temperature down.

If you’re looking for a moisture boost for your hair, you should consider increasing the amount of water you drink as StyleCraze details:

“Water helps in absorbing essential nutrients. This may help nourish the hair and scalp. Dehydration can dry the hair shaft and may lead to split ends and hair breakage. Water also helps in removing toxins from the hair scalp through sweat.

Water is essential for shiny and healthy hair. Sufficient quantity of water can help in hair growth. Adequate moisture in hair can help in reducing frizz and tangling.”

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