7 Benefits Of Cold Showers For Skin & Hair + How Long It Takes To See Results

We know, we know: If you love a long, spa-grade shower experience, shivering under the spray doesn't sound too enjoyable. But if you can get up the gumption to turn the faucet to freezing (if only for 60 seconds!) you may wind up with a bunch of beauty benefits. Here's a running list of reasons to withstand the chill: 

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Hot water has the ability to strip the natural, protective oils and lipids from your skin. When you compromise that lipid barrier (which makes up about 50% of your epidermis), tight, itchy, uncomfortable skin isn't too far behind. "In contrast, cold showers can soothe itchy, irritated skin, as the cold water does not dissolve away these oils," says board-certified dermatologist Ife J. Rodney, M.D., FAAD, founding director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics.

Just know that cold water isn't exactly a cure-all: "If you take a hot shower first, your skin's natural oils will already have been stripped off—the cold shower will not bring these oils back," says Rodney. Your best bet is to reintroduce those oils with a high-quality moisturizer after the fact. 

If you're already facing some skin irritation, a cool shower will feel oh-so-soothing. "It can reduce irritation, itching, or redness, helping to calm atopic conditions," says board-certified dermatologist Ava Shamban, M.D., founder of SKINFIVE, as a cold temperature can help reduce inflammation. Think of how you might use a cool compress to soothe a sunburn, eczema flare, or any other bout of irritation—a cold sensation can help dial down the discomfort. 

Shamban concurs: "The circulatory boost also gives an immediate, albeit temporary, improvement in the appearance of pores and skin tone," she says. "The tightening of pores can also temporarily help to reduce any ingress of pollutants and thus improve the skin's ability to function and respond to free radicals or fight cellular injury."

That's why celebrity hairstylist Annagjid "Kee" Taylor recommends a cooler shower to keep the scalp happy and hydrated. "Cold water, unlike hot water, does not dry out the naturally lubricated barrier that provides protection for your skin and hair, known as the sebum layer," she says. Bonus points if you incorporate scalp-specific oils (like jojoba oil) to further moisturize the skin: "Jojoba makes an excellent moisturizer for dryness since the active components of jojoba oil mimic the body's natural oils due to its waxy nature," notes naturopathic doctor Tess Marshall, N.D.

Cold water not only helps the scalp retain its moisture—it also seals down the hair cuticles and helps lock moisture into the strands themselves. "The cool water temperature closes and strengthens the hair cuticle, which can result in stronger, healthier hair over time," notes celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons. He especially recommends pairing a cold blast with deep conditioning treatments, as you want to immediately seal all of those five-star nutrients into the hair shaft. 

You want to seal down the cuticle after the hair soaks up all that moisture—when your cuticles are flat, your hair is healthier, shinier, and smoother. And that's where a cold shower comes into play: "Taking a cold shower leaves room for the cold water to close up your pores and cuticles, which helps keep the moisture in and creates smoother, shinier, and less frizzy hair," says Taylor. 

In summary: Brief yet intense cold exposures have been associated with a balanced inflammatory response1, improved sleep2, muscle and joint health3, and mood support4—it's why longevity experts love a good ice bath. And according to longevity expert and Harvard geneticist David Sinclair, Ph.D., a cold plunge also activates the production of brown fat5: "Brown fat is super healthy," he says on the mindbodygreen podcast. Brown fat burns energy to create heat and manage body temperature, which is why it's activated by colder temperatures.

If all these advantages make you curious about a cold blast, you might be wondering how long (and how often) to stand under a shiver-inducing spray. Short answer? It depends on the benefit you're after:

Finally, remember to slather on a body lotion after stepping out of the shower, regardless of water temperature. Those water droplets—whether hot or cold—can easily evaporate off the surface of your skin and leave it even drier than before.

If you can handle a cold blast (for at least 60 seconds), why not take advantage of the beauty benefits? Of course, there are other ways you can keep your skin and hair moisturized, but a cool water temperature is a quick and easy way to lock in hydration and shine.