Can Hot Water Really Cause Hair Loss? Here's What You Need to Know

According to SAEDNEWS, Whether hot water damages your hair is a common question among many women. Washing your hair with water has many benefits, but some of our habits can turn it into a risk.

The harmful effects of hot water on hair

Hot water, meaning water at 100°F (37.8°C), has damaging effects on the scalp and causes swelling in the intercellular tissue. When this happens, lipids, small protein components, and other water-soluble elements in these layers quickly detach from the scalp. Any lipid without sebum on the surface of the follicular skin is affected by hot water, and the loss of many of these lipids leads to dryness of the scalp, hair breakage, loss of elasticity, and a lack of shine.

Lipids act as moisturizing buffers for the scalp and are hydrophobic. A lack of lipids causes a reduction in the moisture of the scalp, leading to dryness. The lack of protein components also occurs in such cases, causing the hair to become porous and lose moisture.

What does showering do to your hair?

Washing your hair helps clean the scalp and removes dirt and oil from the hair. Although it doesn't have a direct impact on hair growth or change the hair growth pattern, repeatedly showering with hot water can damage the scalp and hinder hair growth.

Hot water causes the hair to become porous, which in turn opens the pores. It attracts airborne pollutants, causing stickiness on the scalp, and leading to brittle hair.

While hot water does wash away dirt, pollutants, and oil, it also strips the scalp of its natural oils, disrupting hair growth. Without the beneficial oils, hair loses its shine and thickness, and as you age, the condition worsens. This can lead to inflammation in the scalp, which increases dryness.

Why does hot water cause hair loss?

Hot water does not directly cause hair loss, but it can affect the health of the scalp, potentially causing mild inflammation and weakening the hair shaft, leading to brittleness. There's no doubt that the water temperature should be balanced. Hot water is not balanced, so it's better to wash your hair with warm or lukewarm water to avoid damaging the scalp.

For shiny hair, it's recommended to use cool water, which can tighten the cuticles and stimulate blood circulation in just 10 to 15 seconds, which is enough to promote healthy, strong hair growth.

What is the best water temperature for washing hair?

Applying heat to hair can cause brittleness and dryness. When washing your hair, be mindful of the water temperature to improve its shine, health, and growth. Use lukewarm water for the best results.