Washing Your Hair in Winter Can Increase Stroke Risk? Doctors Warn of 5 Critical Points Everyone Should Know
Washing your hair is a daily habit for many people, but in winter, doing it incorrectly can pose significant health risks.
Neurology specialists warn that when washing your hair during cold weather, people need to remember five important principles. This is not just a matter of personal hygiene—it is closely linked to overall health, especially the risk of stroke in low temperatures.
Why can washing your hair in winter increase the risk of stroke?
In winter, low environmental temperatures cause blood vessels in the body to constrict in order to reduce heat loss. While this reaction helps maintain body warmth, it also reduces the elasticity of blood vessel walls, making blood circulation more difficult and causing blood pressure to rise more easily.
For people with cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases, this sudden change can reduce blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of dangerous events such as stroke.
Important precautions when washing your hair in winter
First: Control the water temperature.
The water temperature should be moderate, ideally between 37–40°C, which is close to normal body temperature. Water that is too hot or too cold can strongly刺激 the scalp, causing sudden constriction or dilation of blood vessels and potentially affecting cerebral circulation. If necessary, a thermometer can be used to check the water temperature.
Second: Choose the right time to wash your hair.
Avoid washing your hair at random times, especially late at night or right before bedtime, as the scalp is more vulnerable to cold exposure. For people with heart or cerebrovascular conditions, the best time is around midday, when ambient temperatures are higher and the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures is smaller, helping reduce cold-induced vasoconstriction.
Third: Warm up your body before washing your hair.
Before washing—especially for those with underlying health conditions—it is advisable to do some light warm-up movements such as rubbing your hands together, rotating your neck, or gently moving your legs. This helps promote blood circulation and keeps blood vessels more stable, reducing the risk of sudden constriction when the scalp comes into contact with water.
Fourth: Wash gently and correctly.
During washing, avoid vigorous rubbing or scratching of the scalp, as this may damage blood vessels and hair follicles, increasing the risk of inflammation. The best approach is to massage gently with your fingertips, moving from the forehead to the top of the head and then to the back of the neck. The pressure should be moderate—comfortable or slightly tingling, but never painful.
Fifth: Dry your hair immediately after washing.
Allowing hair to air-dry naturally in winter is not recommended. A damp scalp for an extended period causes faster heat loss, leading to blood vessel constriction and a higher risk of stroke. After washing, gently towel-dry your hair first, then use a hair dryer to dry it completely, especially the scalp area.
By following these precautions, washing your hair in winter can remain a safe daily routine rather than a hidden health risk.
