Maintaining healthy and lustrous hair requires more than just nourishment; it is crucial to practice good hygiene by washing it regularly with appropriate hair care products. Amid conjectures about how often you should wash your hair, what shampoo and conditioner to use, what hair masks to make, and what to eat for better hair, there is also a common query that often leaves people perplexed — whether you should wash your hair with cold or hot water? If you also have the same query, we’ve got you covered.
According to Vandana Punjabi, consultant dermatologist, hot water is “extremely damaging for the hair” as it dehydrates the hair, and makes it dry, brittle, and harsh. “Even the cuticles of the hair get damaged with hot water, making them break open. Cold water, on the other hand, is best for the hair because it does not damage the cuticles in any way and instead maintains them,” she told indianexpress.com, adding that since cold water is not comfortable for everyone, one can use lukewarm water. “But hot water is definitely a no-no,” she stressed.
However, Dr Akanksha Sanghvi, aesthetic dermatologist, founder – Oprava Aesthetics has a slightly different take on the topic. “Hair must be washed with hot water, to begin with, as hot or warm water opens the cuticle and enables the shampoo to effectively clean up grime and scalp build-up. However, it is important to use cold or normal temperature water after shampoo to wash off the conditioner or hair masque as it helps close the cuticles, trap the moisture within the hair shafts, reduce frizz, and give your hair a good lustre.”
Further, on being asked about the various hair types, and how often each should be washed, Dr Sanghvi shared a lowdown.
Oily hair: It can be safely washed daily. Doing so reduces the chances of yeast overgrowth and therefore, incidences of seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff. However, whenever oily hair is washed, it is important to use a pH-balanced shampoo and conditioner on the ends only.
Frizzy hair: While some people are genetically born with frizzy hair, it can also turn frizzy due to damage caused by colouring or straightening. It is best to wash frizzy hair twice a week with sulphate-free shampoos. These shampoos help to keep your hair’s natural oils in place and prevent further drying. It is best to use a thick repair hair masque after every shampoo that is rich in natural butters and plant extracts that help deeply nourish the hair.
Do not comb your hair right after a wash. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Curly hair: This hair type requires an intense routine to keep the curls bouncy and hydrated. Not following a good curly hair routine can leave the curls opened up and hard to manage throughout the day. Curly hair can be washed two to three times a week with a mild or sulphate-free shampoo and a good hydrating conditioner. Curly hair needs to be pumped in with lots of moisture. Co-washing is a good technique to be adapted for individuals with curly hair. Co-washing is only required mid-week when the curls need a wash but you don’t want to use a shampoo to dry them out. Co-washing means using a conditioner to wash your hair. This technique is great for people who want to keep their curls wet and bouncy without having to wash their hair every day. After washing and conditioning, curly hair must be coated with a curl cream or a leave-in conditioner rich in shea butter and cocoa butter.
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What is the biggest hair makes one is likely to make after washing them?
“Combing wet hair with a normal brush or a fine-toothed comb. Using a wide-toothed comb or a detangler brush with flexible bristles is advisable as it will not break the hair shaft. Using a wide-toothed comb after applying hair masque in the shower detangles the hair as well as spreads the conditioner easily everywhere, and works great for thick dense hair,” she shared.
What are the dos and don’ts when it comes to washing hair?
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Do: wash hair at least twice a week
Don’t: use harsh shampoos and conditioners
Do: brush your hair before a wash
Don’t: tie wet hair
Do: wash shampoo as soon as it lathers. Exception: Only leave anti-dandruff shampoos for a minute.
Don’t- scratch your scalp with your nails while cleaning
Do: use a scalp scrubber with bristles
Don’t: rub your wet hair with the towel
Do: use a microfiber towel to dry or wrap your hair
Don’t: use too much shampoo
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