Does Hot Water Fade Hair Color? Tested On Real Hair Swatches
You’ve probably heard the claim that hot water can make your hair color fade faster. But is it true, or just a hair myth? In this post, I’m putting that theory to the test. I’ll be washing freshly dyed hair swatches in both hot and cold water, and even testing them alongside a blonde swatch to see if the color bleeds. By the end, you’ll know whether water temperature really affects your hair color, and how to protect your color for longer.
As a hairstylist, I know the science behind why hot water would cause hair color to fade faster than cold water, as well as how it can make colors bleed. But I’ve never actually put it to the test to compare the results side by side until now. Let’s find out whether washing your hair in cold water really makes a difference, and if it’s truly worth the effort.
How Hot Water Can Make Hair Color Fade Faster
First, let’s talk about the science behind this theory. The outer layer of hair (the cuticle) opens and closes like fish scales. These scales protect the cortex layer of the hair where dye molecules live. (See image below for a visual.)
Heat and steam open these outer layers, while cold closes them shut. So when we wash our hair with hot water, the cuticle is opened wide, which allows shampoo to penetrate deeper into the hair, removing more color molecules.
When cold water is used, the cuticle doesn’t open as much, so fewer dye molecules can slip out.
If you’d like to learn more about the anatomy of a hair strand, see this post here.
How Hot Water Can Cause Hair Dye To Bleed Into Blonde Hair
Now, when you have a base color or lowlights with blonde highlights, you run the risk of the blonde picking up some of the color molecules from the second color. This is especially true when you have a very light blonde next to a very bright color, like red or purple. But it can also happen next to a very deeply pigmented color, like black.
The more porous the hair is, the more likely this can happen. And the lighter the blonde, the more visible it is when it picks up tone from the second color.
Since hot water opens the cuticle more, this makes the blonde even more susceptible to picking up that base color tone. And when cold water is used, this should ideally help prevent the blonde from picking up some of that base color tone, because the cuticle isn’t opened as much.
Why Rinsing In Cold Water Isn’t Enough
You may be thinking that you can still take a hot shower as long as you rinse your hair in cold water, and you’ll be safe. Right? Well…
Since heat and steam open the cuticle, rinsing in cold water generally is not enough. The steam in the air from the hot shower will still open the cuticle of your hair, even if you’re rinsing your hair with cooler water.
So technically, you would need to wash your hair in cool water, prior to taking a warm shower. This is to avoid exposure to the steam.
When I did a lot of vivid colors in my own hair, I washed my hair in the tub in cold water prior to taking a shower. As unfun as it sounds, this produces the best results. And this is one reason why blondes and vibrant colors are considered high-maintenance. It’s not just about how frequently you need to have them done; it’s also high-maintenance to care for them.
Is Hot Water Fading Hair Color a Myth?
Now that we know the science behind it, it’s pretty safe to say that this is not a myth. But all things considered, how much of a difference does cold water actually make? Is it actually worth it to either take cold showers or wash your hair out of the shower entirely?
And the answer varies from person to person and situation to situation. If you have very porous hair, it will make more of a difference than if your hair is healthy and smooth.
And if you have a light blonde next to a vibrant red, hot water will matter more than if you have a neutral blonde next to a natural shade.
But let’s put this theory to the test and compare some actual results side by side.
Hot vs Cold Water Hair Color Experiment
Below, you can watch my experiment where I tested this theory on several different hair swatches. I used healthy hair swatches, porous swatches, and shampooed them in hot and cold water.
I also washed them next to blonde swatches, so that we could see the results for how much the dye bleeds into blonde hair in hot versus cold water.
Products Used
***Since I’m sharing the products that I love to use with you guys, this page includes affiliate links to these products. If you take action and purchase a product through clicking one of my links, I’ll make some commission money from it at no extra cost to you. This enables me to be able to continue giving you awesome hair tips, so thanks! ***
Tips to Prevent Hair Color from Fading
Below are seven quick tips to help slow down the fading process. If you’d like to learn more about each of these in detail, see this post here.
- Wash your hair less often
- Use color-safe shampoo
- Use cold water
- Use color-depositing shampoos & conditioners
- Avoid exposure to the sun, pools, and the ocean
- Avoid heat tools
- Keep your hair healthy
Conclusion: Protecting Hair Color From Fading
Hot water can absolutely contribute to hair color fading and even cause color to bleed, especially in porous hair or when bright and vivid shades are next to blonde. My side-by-side experiment with hot vs cold water hair washing confirmed that cooler water helps maintain color longer and keeps blonde swatches from picking up unwanted tones.
While cold water won’t prevent all fading, combining it with color-safe shampoos, limiting heat styling, protecting hair from sun and chlorine, and keeping your hair healthy will make a noticeable difference in your color longevity.
Whether you’re maintaining blonde, vivid colors, or deep, pigmented shades, being mindful of water temperature and proper hair care routines is one of the easiest ways to protect your investment in your hair. Follow these tips, and your hair color can stay vibrant and fresh for longer without compromising on your style or daily routine!
Leave me any questions you have in the comment section and be sure to subscribe below if you want to make every day a good hair day!
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