When customers entrust their crowning glory to a hairdressing salon, it’s their dream to walk out with healthy, glossy locks. Only a small number of fortunate people are born with naturally shiny, bouncy, healthy hair. For the majority of us, it takes a lot of work to achieve that celebrity look - which is why we go to a professional.
Everything is taken care of, including factors you may not even consider - because according to scientists, even the temperature of the water used to wash hair has a direct impact on how well the finished look turns out.
Hot water for hair washing
While warm water is acceptable, using water that’s too hot can open up the cuticles, leading to moisture loss and potential damage to the hair shaft. Dry, frizzy and weakened strands can be the result. Scientists agree it’s better to use water at a lower temperature, rather than boiling hot.
On the positive side, using warm water can remove dirt, oil and product build-up, while promoting blood flow to follicles on the scalp. However, using excessively hot water can remove natural oils from the hair, causing it to become increasingly brittle.
Opening up pores by using water that’s too hot can also make the roots weaker and aggravate hair loss. Studies show around eight million UK women experience thinning hair, which can significantly impact their emotional wellbeing and confidence.
Less than 50% of women reach 80 years old with a full head of lustrous hair. Although the topic isn’t comfortable to discuss for sufferers, they commonly experience a general thinning of the hair across the whole scalp, rather than resembling male pattern baldness.
Thin hair in women tends to begin after the menopause due to hormonal imbalances, so treating hair kindly and gently during washing is of the utmost importance. Experts advocate finishing your hair washing regime with a cold rinse, after using lukewarm water, as this will close cuticles and pores.
Is cold water good for your hair?
Washing the hair in cold water can help to retain natural, healthy oils and seal cuticles, contributing to shinier, smoother hair, while also making the scalp feel less sensitive to grease, oil and dirt.
When it comes to colour-treated hair, hot water can accelerate fading by opening the cuticle, allowing dye molecules to escape. Cooler water helps lock in colour by closing the cuticle, helping to keep that new shade vibrant for longer.
However, there are also some disadvantages, as cold water doesn’t clean the scalp or hair as thoroughly as warm water. It can also create an unpleasant experience as icy-cold water comes into contact with the scalp, especially in winter weather, when people feel cold anyway.
Balancing the benefits of hair washing in lukewarm to cool water with the fact it may be zero degrees outside is an important part of enhancing the whole customer experience: after all, no-one wants to sit in the salon feeling uncomfortable.
Different hair types
Scientists divide hair into various types based on its characteristics and texture, with different water temperatures for washing having an impact on how it looks.
Pitta hair is characterised by its silky, fine texture. More commonly straight, it can look stunning and feel very soft, but those with this hair type may be prone to hair loss, with thinning all over the scalp. More vulnerable to hot water, which can result in irritation and redness of the scalp; pitta hair looks its best when washed in water that ranges from lukewarm to cold.
Vata hair can be straight, wavy or curly and is characterised by its dry, porous and brittle texture. While it tends to grow quickly, it can be unruly and hard to style, and the scalp is often delicate. It’s advisable to wash this type of hair in mild, warm water to achieve maximum volume. When treated well, Vata hair can remain healthy, despite its porous structure, but should never be washed in hot water.
Kapha hair tends to produce more sebum than other types. Prone to being oily at the roots, it can also lead to scalp buildups and itchiness, so it needs thorough cleansing. Cold water won’t get it clean due to the excess oil, so medium hot water will produce the best results - but never too hot, as this can cause scalp and hair cell damage.
Shampoo use
Also take into account how the water temperature can impact the efficiency of shampoos. Lukewarm water tends to work well with both shampoos and conditioners. Excessively dirty or greasy hair, especially if there’s a buildup of styling products, won’t come as clean if only cold water is used with the shampoo. Again, strike a happy medium, as repeated exposure to hot water and shampoo can lead to long-term damage such as thinning, breakage and excessive hair dryness.
A mixture of high temperature water and shampoo for a prolonged period can cause burning and redness of the scalp. For someone with sensitive skin, it can lead to hair loss, as the scalp may lose its abilities to absorb oxygen and nutrients.
Skin irritation
Just as exposing the scalp to various temperatures of water and chemicals can cause irritation, imagine the impact this has on a hairdresser’s hands. Studies show up to 70% of stylists experience some kind of skin irritation, with occupational hand dermatitis first becoming a noted medical condition among hairstylists as early as 1898.
Use high quality, reputable hairdresser supplies and keep your hands well moisturised throughout the working day and at night. Wearing vinyl gloves or latex gloves can protect your hands from frequent exposure to chemicals and changing water temperatures, which can help prevent skin sensitivity and dryness. Comfortable to wear, they’re fine enough not to impair the movement of the fingers.
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