The Benefits of Using Cold Water to Rinse Your Hair

The Hair Health Hotline stands as your gateway to professionals such as dermatologists, trichologists, hairstylists, and various beauty experts. This series delves into common hair and scalp issues, presenting solutions backed by science.

Finishing off a hair-washing routine with a cold rinse has been part of many beauty regimens for years. This practice, handed down across generations, is favoured due to the perceived benefits it brings to the hair, such as enhanced shine and increased strength. However, a nagging question remains — are these claims supported by scientific evidence?

To answer this, we leaned into the knowledge of Harikiran Chekuri, MBBS, MS, a certified dermatologist, medical head of ClinicSpots, and the mind behind Redefine Clinic. Join us as we explore the true impact of cold rinses on your hair and scalp, and whether this could be a worthwhile addition to your hair care routine.

A: The short answer is, yes. There is a degree of truth to the advantageous properties of cold water in relation to hair health. A cold rinse can enhance the health and look of your hair, argues Dr. Chekuri. The cold water aids in the sealing of hair cuticles, locking in moisture and essential nutrients while keeping grime and bacteria at bay. The outcome is hair that is softer, sleeker, more lustrous, and less likely to break or become frizzy. For individuals with dyed hair, a cold rinse could also help maintain the colour’s vibrancy.

Additionally, cold rinses may improve the overall well-being of your hair by increasing oxygen delivery (through blood circulation in the scalp), according to Dr. Chekuri. The end result is hair that’s not only healthier but also easier to manage and style in the long term — all strong arguments for lowering the temperature towards the end of your wash.

In regards to your scalp, Dr. Chekuri points out that cold water has the potential to lessen inflammation, irritation, and itching. It also balances the PH level of your scalp, safeguarding against problems such as dandruff and infections, while providing relief from the effects of heat, chemicals, and styling products. Furthermore, cold water assists in regulating sebum (natural oil) production, which may be beneficial for people with oily hair.

Despite the limited existing research, Dr. Chekuri underlines that many experts believe cold water promotes blood flow to the scalp, nourishing hair follicles and thereby promoting growth, a notion loosely linked to the practice of cold plunging among athletes after workouts. In this context, cold water is used to enhance blood vessel elasticity.

This straightforward rinse could also help lock in the useful properties of your hair products, thus ensuring that moisturising and nourishing elements from your conditioners and leave-in treatments remain bound to your hair rather than being washed away, explains Dr. Chekuri. Cold water can also help keep the active ingredients of the leave-in treatments, such as antioxidants, proteins, or vitamins intact. 'This can make the hair more substantial and more resilient.'

On the downside, cold water rinses could be uncomfortable for some, especially during cold seasons or for those with low tolerance to chilly temperatures. If a cold rinse leaves you shivering during your shampooing session, it may be worth reconsidering whether the benefits outweigh the discomfort.

Dr. Chekuri also observes that cold water could cause temporary constriction of the scalp capillaries, hampering blood flow and oxygen delivery. “To mitigate this, use lukewarm water instead of freezing water and limit the duration and frequency of the cold rinses."

While the benefits of cold rinses in a hair-care routine are extensive, their effectiveness and suitability can differ on the basis of individual hair types, scalp conditions, and personal preferences. The ultimate achievement would be a balanced routine that caters to the health of your hair, as well as your own comfort.

If you have a hair health query you want resolved, do send your question to [email protected] and it may be featured in an upcoming edition of the Hair Health Hotline.