When people wash their hair, most of them pay attention only to shampoo and conditioner, but they often overlook one key thing: the water temperature.
It may seem insignificant, but the temperature of the water has the capacity to impact your scalp health, your hair strength and your hair texture. Certain temperatures assist in better cleansing, while others seal in moisture and diminish frizz.
Using the right water temperature is essential to maintaining healthy, strong, shiny hair. So, what’s the best temperature to wash your hair in? Let’s talk about it.
Hot, Warm, or Cold? What is the Best Temperature to Wash Your Hair
There are advantages and disadvantages of each water temperature. Here’s what different temperatures do to your hair and scalp:
| Water Temperature | Effects on Hair | Best For |
| Hot Water (Above 100°F / 38°C) | Opens hair cuticles too much, strips natural oils, can weaken hair strands | Deep cleaning, removing heavy oils and buildup |
| Lukewarm Water (90-98°F / 32-37°C) | Cleans hair without over-drying, keeps cuticles slightly open for product absorption | Most hair types, daily washing |
| Cool Water (Less than 85°F / 29°C) | Seals cuticles, seals moisture, improves shine | Last rinse, smoothing, split end prototector |
The right water temperature is up to your hair type, scalp condition, and season. So, what kind of an effect do the various temperatures have on hair? Let’s look at them below.
Is Cold Water Good for Your Hair?
Cold water is good for your hair — if you use it the right way. It helps to smooth out the hair cuticle, which helps strands look shinier and feel softer. A cold rinse at the end of your shower seals in moisture and helps to reduce frizz.
But washing with cold water isn’t ideal for cleansing. It doesn’t clean dirt and oil as effectively as warm water. Washing your hair with only cold water may not help your scalp; if you’re not activating the scalp, dirt piles up, and this is why your hair may feel itchy and dull.
Best Way to Use Cold Water:
- Rinse your scalp with lukewarm water to wash away.
- Put in conditioner and wash it out with lukewarm water.
- Follow up with a rinse of cold water to seal the cuticle and enhance shine.
Can Steaming Hot Water Ruin Your Hair?
Steaming hot water feels relaxing, but it’s not great for your hair. High temperatures strip away your scalp’s natural oils, leaving your hair dry and brittle. It also weakens the protein bonds in hair strands, increasing breakage and split ends.
If you love hot showers, try to keep your head out of the direct stream and use lukewarm water instead.
Signs You’re Using Water That’s Too Hot:
- Your scalp feels dry or itchy after washing.
- Your hair looks dull and frizzy instead of soft and shiny.
- Your color-treated hair fades faster than expected.
What Heat Temperature Is Best for Fine Hair?
Fine hair is sensitive, therefore requires additional treatment. Using water that’s too hot will weaken the fine hair and make it more prone to break. If you use water that is too cold, it won’t clean properly.
Best Temperature for Fine Hair:
- Use lukewarm water (90-98°F / 32-37°C) to wash and rinse.
- Avoid steaming hot water to prevent dryness.
- Finish with a cool rinse to boost shine and reduce static.
How to Wash Your Hair the Proper Way
Now that you know the proper temperature, here’s the best way to wash your hair to ensure it stays healthy:
- Wet your hair with temperate water — This opens the cuticle just enough to wash without the risk of damage.
- Distributor shampoo and massage lightly – Do not scrub hard, it will weaken hair roots.
- Lukewarm rinse — This helps wash out product buildup but doesn’t strip all moisture.
- Apply conditioner and focusing on the ends – Allow to sit for a minimum of 3 minutes before rinsing.
- Cold rinse — This seals the cuticle and keeps hydration in.
Should You Adjust Water Temperature Based on Hair Type?
Yes! Different hair types react differently to water temperatures. Finding the right balance helps maintain moisture, prevent frizz, and keep hair looking its best.
Best Water Temperature by Hair Type
| Hair Type | Best Water Temperature (°F) | Why? |
| Oily Hair | 95-100 | Opens cuticles enough to remove excess oil without over-drying. |
| Dry Hair | 90-95 | Cleans hair without stripping too much moisture. |
| Curly Hair | 85-95 | Helps retain natural oils and reduces frizz. |
| Thick Hair | 95-100 | Cleans scalp properly while keeping hair hydrated. |
| Fine Hair | 90-98 | Prevents breakage and keeps volume intact. |
Tip: If your scalp gets oily fast, wash with warm water to remove buildup, then do a cool rinse to seal the cuticles.
Should You Use Cold Water in the Winter?
Cold water rinses are great for sealing the cuticle, but using icy water in the winter isn’t practical. Instead, use lukewarm water for cleansing and a slightly cooler rinse (not freezing cold) to keep hair shiny.
Winter Hair Care Tips:
- Use lukewarm water to avoid drying out the scalp.
- Deep condition weekly to prevent dryness.
- Rinse with cool (not cold) water to maintain shine.
According to dermatologists, washing hair with very cold water in winter can reduce blood circulation to the scalp, slowing hair growth.
Does Water Temperature Affect Hair Growth?
Water temperature alone won’t make hair grow faster, but the wrong temperature can lead to scalp issues that slow growth. Using hot water too often can cause scalp dryness, irritation, and even dandruff.
Best Practices for Hair Growth:
- Wash with lukewarm water to keep the scalp healthy.
- Massage your scalp to improve blood circulation.
- Avoid extremely hot water to prevent hair thinning.
How Frequently Should You Wash Your Hair?
How often you should wash your hair relies on your scalp condition, hair types, and how active you are on a daily basis. Here’s an advice on how often you should wash your hair:
- Oily Hair—Shampoo every 1-2 days to control excess oil and ensure scalp fluffiness.
- Normal Hair—The perfect balance: wash every 2-3 days.
- Dry hair—Keep a wash every 3-4 days to avoid aggravating dryness to balance moisture.
- Curly/Coarse Hair—Wash every 4-7 days. These hair types produce significantly less oil than straight hair so they don’t need to be washed as frequently.
- Color-Treated—Wash every 3-5 days to help keep the color intact and prevent it from fading too soon.
Tip: If your hair gets greasy before it’s time to wash it, dry shampoo will absorb the excess without overwashing your locks.
What Is the Proper Way to Rinse Out Conditioner?
The most common mistakes people make when rinsing conditioner are doing it too early or using water that is too hot. Here’s the best way:
- Only apply conditioner to the mid-lengths and ends, away from the scalp.
- Allow it to sit for at least 3-5 minutes and then rinse.
- Now rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and lock in moisture.
- To add even more moisture, leave some conditioner in rather than rinsing all the way.
Is It Better to Wash Hair With Bottled Water or Filtered Water?
Tap water can disrupt hair health because it contains minerals and chemicals. If your hair seems dry or dull, try using filtered water.
How does it help you?
- Diminishes dryness-causing chlorine and hard minerals.
- Maintains hair’s softness and shine.
- Helps prevent buildup that can lead to scalp irritation.
Common Hair Washing Mistakes You Should Not Make
The correct water temperature may be only one part of the equation, as other washing habits can influence the health of your hair. Here are mistakes to steer clear of:
- Using Too Much Shampoo—Shampooing too much removes natural oil from hair, leaving hair dry and brittle.
- Rubbing Hair Too Hard—This weakens hair strands and causes breakage.
- Skipping Conditioner—The conditioner helps replenish moisture and smooth the hair cuticle.
- Not Rinsing Well—Residual shampoo and conditioner can cause buildup and scalp irritation.
- Using Hard Water—The minerals in hard water can make hair harsh and frizzy. A filter can minimize the damage.
Last Words
So, what’s the best temperature to wash your hair in? Lukewarm water wins. It cleanses without causing damage and keeps hair healthy.
