Does Washing Hair and Going Under Bath Water Cause Damage to Your Hair?

Medically Reviewed by Dr Ali, FRCP (Edinburgh), FRCP (London), MBBS, MRCS, LRCP, DCH, DRCOG, MRCGP

Washing your hair and soaking in bath water can have an impact on your hair’s health, but whether it causes damage depends on factors like water temperature, the products you use, and your hair type. At HHC, we believe in offering guidance to help you maintain healthy hair while following a suitable hair care routine.

How Washing Hair Can Affect Its Health

Washing your hair can benefit its cleanliness and appearance, but it’s important to avoid over-washing or using harsh products, as they can contribute to hair damage:

• Over-Washing: Shampooing too frequently can strip your scalp and hair of natural oils, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage.
• Harsh Shampoos: Using shampoos with strong detergents or sulfates can weaken the hair over time, especially for dry or chemically treated hair.
• Hot Water: Washing with hot water can open the hair cuticle, leading to moisture loss, dryness, and increased frizz. It may also irritate the scalp, contributing to dandruff or itching.
• Cold Water: On the other hand, rinsing with cold water is gentler on your hair, helping to close the cuticle and enhance the appearance of shiny, healthy hair.

The Effect of Bath Water on Your Hair

Bath water, in itself, is not harmful, but certain factors can make it damaging for your hair:

• Hot Bath Water: Just like washing with hot water, soaking in hot bath water can weaken the hair and strip away essential moisture, leaving your hair dry and prone to breakage.
• Chlorine or Hard Water: Bath water that contains chlorine (such as from swimming pools) or hard water (with high mineral content) can build up on your hair, leading to dullness, dryness, and damage over time.
• Prolonged Exposure: Spending too much time in hot water can lift the hair cuticle and result in moisture loss, which can be particularly damaging for dry or color-treated hair.

How to Protect Your Hair While Washing or Bathing

At HHC, we recommend these simple steps to help protect your hair during washing or bathing:

• 1. Use Lukewarm Water: Avoid hot water to prevent stripping your hair of natural moisture. Opt for lukewarm water to clean your hair gently.
• 2. Limit Shampooing: Wash your hair no more than 2–3 times a week to preserve its natural oils. Conditioner can be used more often to keep your hair hydrated.
• 3. Hair Protection: Before a bath, apply a leave-in conditioner or deep conditioning mask to protect your hair from damage and help maintain moisture levels.
• 4. Rinse with Cold Water: After washing, finish with a cold water rinse to seal the cuticle, enhancing shine and locking in moisture.
• 5. Avoid Excessive Heat: Keep your hair’s exposure to hot bath water to a minimum, or use a shower cap to protect your hair if you prefer soaking in hot water.
• 6. Clarify When Necessary: If you live in an area with hard water or frequently swim in chlorinated pools, use a clarifying shampoo occasionally to remove any buildup from minerals or chlorine.

Conclusion

Washing your hair and soaking in bath water can damage your hair if exposed to extreme temperatures or harsh conditions. At HHC, we recommend using lukewarm water, avoiding over-washing, and incorporating hair protection strategies to keep your hair healthy and hydrated. If you need personalized advice or further assistance, our physicians at HHC are available for free consultations to help you maintain your hair’s health and address any concerns.

📞 Call us today at Nottingham 0115 897 6696 or London 0203 500 4604 or Schedule a Consultation Online to take the first step toward thicker, healthier hair!