If you told me 10 years ago that there was a right and wrong way to shower, I’d tell you you’re full of shit! 

But one of the best things about this journey we call life is that if we put in the work we learn, grow, and evolve over time.

Well, one thing I’ve learned since starting Live Bearded and trying to understand all things Beards and beard grooming, is that there are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to showering.

At least when it comes to beard and hair growth and health.

It turns out that the temperature of the water you use can have a significant impact on your hair health and growth.

So, let’s dive into the world of hot and cold water therapy for your hair and beard, and discover the benefits that each can offer.

The Science Behind It All

Before we jump into the specifics, let’s briefly explore the science behind why water temperature matters.

Hair follicles contain tiny blood vessels that nourish the hair roots and facilitate growth. Altering the temperature of the water during your shower can affect blood circulation and, in turn, impact hair health.

Cold water constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the hair follicles, while hot water relaxes blood vessels and increases blood circulation.

Hot Water:

Ah, the soothing sensation of a steamy shower!

I think we’d all agree that a hot shower feels fantastic, however, using water that is too hot can actually be damaging to your hair and beard by weakening the protein structure of your hair strands and stripping away too much natural oil.

Warm water, however, gives you lots of benefits without the damage.

So if you like scorching hot showers, avoid it on your hair and beard for optimal beard growth and health, and turn the temperature down when washing and conditioning and here’s why:

Deep Cleansing:

Warm water helps open up the hair cuticles, allowing for a more thorough cleansing of dirt, excess oils, and product buildup.

Enhanced Absorption:

With the cuticles open, your hair and beard can better absorb the nutrients from your shampoo or beard wash, conditioners, and other products like beard butter.

Cold Water:

While the thought of a cold shower might not sound appealing, cold water works wonders for your hair and beard health when used in the right way.

Cold water has been shown to:

Improved Blood Circulation:

Cold water tightens blood vessels, leading to increased circulation.

This boost in blood flow can provide your hair follicles with essential nutrients they need for optimal growth.

Sealing the Cuticles:

Cold water helps to close the hair cuticles, which can make your hair look shinier and feel smoother, giving it a noticeably healthier appearance.

Strengthening Hair:

Cold water can help strengthen the hair shaft by promoting tighter and more resilient hair strands.

The Perfect Balance: Alternating Temperatures

So as you can see, both hot and cold water offer benefits when it comes to your beard health and growth.

Start with Warm Water:

Begin your shower with lukewarm water to cleanse and open up your hair cuticles for better product absorption.

Rinse with Cold Water:

Towards the end of your shower, switch to cold water for a quick rinse. This can help seal the cuticles, enhance shine, and stimulate blood circulation.

Cold Showers For The Win!

However, I would challenge you to consider doing more than just rinsing with cold.

I personally love sitting under the cold water for a minimum of 3 minutes as part of my morning ritual as cold showers have additional benefits beyond the beard.

They have been shown to energize the body, boost your immune system, release endorphins to make you less stressed and happier, improve mental clarity, and build mental strength and discipline.

If you think that’s a load of crap, well, give it a shot for a couple weeks and you’ll quickly see how beneficial they can be!

Final Thoughts

Alright guys, that’s all I have for you today. If you found this video helpful please hit the like button and subscribe to the channel for more content.

Throw a comment up if you prefer hot or cold showers and hit us up if you need anything at all.

And as always, Live Beaded, Brother!