Does Washing Your Hair in Cold Water Really Make It Shinier?

It’s a beauty tip we’ve all heard time and again: If you wash your hair in cold water, your strands will come out shinier. Yet despite the popularity of this hack, the debate around its merit continues. So, should you pivot from your steamy shower to a glorified ice plunge for better hair? According to experts, it might actually be worth it. 

Why a Cold Rinse Is Worth It 

It turns out, the first step to shiny hair does rely on turning down the heat — at least in part. According to New York-based trichologist Shab Caspara, hot water pulls heavy metal from your pipes, which reacts to your hair color and binds to shampoo, and can be harmful to your color if you dye your hair. Warmer water also lifts cuticles and can weaken hair, something those with damaged or fine hair need to look out for. 

Cold Water Helps Seal the Cuticle

Once you’re ready to give cold water a try, think of your shampoo and conditioner routine as part of a fine balance. As Los Angeles-based hairstylist Matt Newman explained on TikTok, after hot water opens the cuticle, it preps hair for maximum hydration. A cold rinse will seal the cuticle (and the hydration along with it), preventing frizz and adding shine.

Liyah B, a Chicago-based hairstylist, elaborated on the value of a closed cuticle: In addition to ensuring hair isn’t left overexposed and prone to frizz, a cold rinse will ensure the benefits of your conditioner don’t (literally) go down the drain, as hot water can dissolve the fatty lipids in your conditioner.

Warm Water Still Has Its Benefits 

Caspara’s solution, if you’re not ready to crank the faucet from one extreme to another, is to shampoo and condition using warm water instead of hot. Warm water is important because it helps get rid of dirt and oil on your scalp. This way, excess sebum will be washed away, but you’re not overexposing your tresses to ultra-steamy temperatures. Then, if you’re up for it, you can do a short cold rinse at the very end of conditioning.