The key here is the role that the hot water and cold water play on your scalp. Hot water opens hair cuticles, which allows shampoo and conditioner to properly work; while, cold water closes the cuticles which results in shiny and healthy hair, as the conditioner is sealed in.

In looking online for the benefits behind a cold water rinse, I also wanted to put the process to the test.

I have particularly straight hair, little volume, and years of investments in hair products. I have never been happy with the style of my hair and found that, after I realized I needed to budget my money on more important things, my hair needed a little natural TLC. I had experimented with coconut oil, purchased expensive conditioners, and stayed away from heat treatments. Still, the advice remained the same: “Wash your hair with cold water.”

For the past two weeks I have ended my showers with a splash of cold water and have surprisingly enjoyed it (most of the time). I always blow dry and straighten my hair and when showering in cold water, I found that even when I let my hair air dry, it was smooth and silky.

When I first began rinsing my hair with cold water, I was using a basin and handheld shower head. I decided this was not working out for me, personally. Also, why not utilize the cold water for my entire body, since it can also benefit my skin? Rinsing your face with warm water opens up your pores, allowing the soap or face wash to properly do its job. Closing off your pores and making them appear smaller comes from chilled water, which I always make sure to do once I am finished washing my face at night. Like your skin, your cuticles are closed off with cold water, making your hair glossy and smooth.

After two weeks, my hair has improved. It’s not blatantly obvious. My friends aren’t oohing and ahhing over my beauty change, but my mornings are more productive and I spend less time trying to comb and straighten the frizz out of my hair.

Here are the benefits washing your hair with cold water include:

Detoxification 

Cold water allows toxins, waste, and grime, to easily wash away from the scalp.

Hydration

Hot water dries out hair, while cold water hydrates and moisturizes. The result? A sleek and shiny look.

Strength

Because the hair cuticle closes when washed with cold water, the hair won’t be as easily damaged when coming into contact with dirt or oils.

Additionally, when blow drying your hair, set your blow dryer to the “cool” setting and blow directly down on the hair, as the heat from the blow dryer can also cause damage.

Toleration is key. Don’t force a cold shower on yourself if it’s torture. A little bit of hot and a little bit of cold never hurt anyone though and for myself, my hair, and my skin, it’s working.

IMAGE COURTESY OF GETTYIMAGES.

By S. Nicole Lane on October 18, 2016
Nicole is a women's health journalist living in Chicago. Her sex and art column, "Intimate Justice" can be found on Sixty Inches from Center. She also contributes to The Establishment, HelloGiggles, GO Magazine, and elsewhere. In addition to writing she is an artist who works with assemblage and sculpture. She tweets at @snicolelane.