Is it safe to wash your hair when it’s cold at home? Neurologist explains
Can you wash your hair in a cold apartment? (photo: Freepik)
Contrary to a common myth, washing your hair in a cold apartment does not in itself cause a cold. However, it can pose another significant threat to your health.
Ukrainian neurologist Anastasiia Honchar explained whether it is safe to wash your hair in a cold room and how to properly dry it before going out into the cold.
Risks of washing your hair in a cold room
Washing your hair in a cool home is not a direct cause of illness, but it can create conditions that lead to serious complications.
According to the doctor, the main danger is a spasm of the blood vessels in the skin and deeper tissues.
“This certainly doesn’t promote a comfortable state after washing, especially if you go out into the cold right away,” the specialist notes.
A sudden chill after warm water can lead to:
- Irritation of the mucous membranes and soft tissues;
- A local decrease in immunity;
- An increased risk of viral and infectious inflammation.
The neurologist emphasizes that staying with wet hair in a damp, unheated room is highly undesirable.
In addition, it is critical to avoid using water that is too hot or too cold. Sudden temperature changes trigger an overall stress response in the body, which further suppresses the immune system.
Why it’s dangerous to go outside after a shower
Many people now use showers in gyms or bathhouses and then have to go straight out into the freezing cold. This habit, especially with not fully dried hair, creates direct risks:
- Rapid body cooling (hypothermia);
- Dangerous strain on the circulatory system (vascular spasm);
- Bacteria and viruses can more easily attack the body due to weakened defenses.
“If there’s no way to use a hair dryer, it’s better to wait before going outside. Both the hair and the body should dry completely,” Honchar advises.
How to dress properly after water procedures
For those who have to go out into the freezing cold after bathing, the doctor gives a clear protection plan:
- Use the principle of layering in clothing;
- Be sure to wear thermal underwear and fleece layers;
- Protect your head with a hat and add a hood on top
These measures help retain heat and minimize the effects of the harsh external environment on the brain's blood vessels.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
