Shower First or Wash Hair First? Doctors Warn: The Wrong Order May Trigger Dangerous Health Risks

For most people, showering and washing hair is a simple daily routine. However, many do not realize that the order in which these are done can significantly affect the body — especially the heart, blood vessels, and brain.
Doctors warn that washing your hair at the wrong time and in the wrong order can lead to sudden drops in blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, and in severe cases, even stroke or sudden death.

Below are the reasons behind this important health warning and the safest way to shower, according to medical experts.

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Why washing your hair first can be dangerous

When you wash your hair at the beginning of a shower — especially with cold water or in cold weather — the body experiences a sudden temperature shock. This causes:

• Strong constriction of blood vessels

• Sudden increase in blood pressure

• Reduced blood flow to the brain

• Dizziness or blackouts

• Triggered arrhythmias in heart-risk individuals

Doctors report that these physiological reactions can be dangerous for people with hypertension, heart disease, atherosclerosis, or poor circulation.

In some countries, emergency departments have documented strokes and collapse episodes occurring right after people washed their hair with cold water, particularly during winter.

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Showering first is the safer approach

Experts recommend showering the body first because:

1. It warms up the body temperature gradually
   This reduces the blood vessel shock that happens when the cold water touches the scalp.

2. It improves blood circulation before washing the hair
   Once blood vessels have expanded and stabilized, the scalp can adapt more safely to water temperature changes.

3. It reduces dizziness and fainting risks
   Many people experience blackouts when suddenly lowering their head under a cold shower.

4. It helps relax muscles and stabilize breathing
   A warmed-up body responds better when shampooing.

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Who is at highest risk if they wash hair first?

Doctors emphasize that the following groups must be extra careful:

• People with hypertension

• People with heart disease or arrhythmia

• People with atherosclerosis

• The elderly

• Individuals with chronic migraines or poor circulation

• People with low blood pressure (risk of fainting in the bathroom)

For these individuals, washing hair first is associated with significantly higher risk of stroke or sudden cardiovascular collapse.

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The correct and safe order when showering

1. Rinse the body with warm water first

This helps the body adjust to temperature.

2. Wash the body

Allow at least 2–3 minutes for circulation to stabilize.

3. Wash your hair last

By this time, the body is warm, circulation is even, and the scalp can safely handle temperature change.

4. Avoid very cold water — especially on the head

Always use warm or lukewarm water.

5. Never shower when overly hungry, overly full, or immediately after intense exercise

These conditions increase the risk of fainting.

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Conclusion

Although washing hair first may seem harmless, it can create a dangerous temperature shock that affects blood circulation and brain perfusion. Medical professionals strongly recommend showering the body first and washing your hair last to avoid preventable health risks.

Understanding this simple change in daily hygiene habits may protect you and your family from sudden, potentially life-threatening episodes.