Bathing is an essential part of the daily routine for many, and can act as a cleanser for the body and mind, and a way to relax and unwind.
Although showering brings multiple physical and psychological benefits, one expert said that the way we shower may actually cause hair loss.
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Sam Sinker, CEO of Este Medical Group, said people who shower in hot water are most at risk of damaging their hair strands.
He explained that this is due to the effect of hot water on blood flow and the overall health of the hair. Noting, “Most people like to take a hot shower before or after a long day. It can help us relax, but taking a very hot shower can do a lot of damage to the skin and hair. Hot water slows down the blood flow, while the scalp needs good circulation to encourage healthy hair growth.
The hair expert explained that steam showers can make hair more fragile and prone to breakage, which in turn leads to hair loss.
That’s, he said, “because when you have hot water on your scalp, it opens up your pores, making your hair roots weaker and allowing it to break out more easily.”
“Washing with warm water will open up your pores just enough to clean your roots and scalp but not enough to cause hair damage and hair loss,” he added.
But it’s not just hair loss that hot showers can cause, and if you suffer from dandruff, you may want to turn down the temperature.
Scalpitis, where the skin tissue on your head becomes inflamed and irritated, can exacerbate hair loss because it impairs the skin’s ability to absorb the oxygen and nutrients your scalp needs to maintain healthy hair, Senker explained.
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He continued, “Using water at such a temperature that it damages your scalp can not only be irritating, but can lead to severe dry skin that causes dandruff. Dandruff can be a common hair concern, and it’s not fun for anyone who struggles with dandruff.” It is best to avoid it wherever possible.
And when it comes to washing hair in general, Senker said taking a shower in very hot water can dry out hair, making it frizzy and unmanageable.
“It can also strip your hair of its natural oils, and your body will work to replace those oils, causing your hair to get greasy faster.”
Sinker recommends taking a warm shower and then rinsing the hair with cold water. He added, “There are many benefits to rinsing with cold water including improving circulation, preserving natural oils and maintaining a soft texture by locking in moisture.
