In daily life, bathing and washing hair may seem like a simple routine. However, the order in which these steps are performed directly affects the skin, hair, and overall health—especially during the colder months. Doctors warn that the habit of washing hair first, or letting water pour directly over the head immediately upon entering the bathroom, is unsafe. Yet, this is a practice that many Vietnamese people still maintain.

Why You Should Not Wash Your Hair First

According to Dr. Tôn Thanh Phương from the Department of Neurosurgery at Thụy Kim Hospital (Shanghai), cold winter temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict more easily. If you wash your hair while your body is still cold, blood circulation may be disrupted, increasing the risk of headaches, dizziness, and even cerebrovascular problems.

In addition, wetting the hair before warming up the body reduces cleansing effectiveness, can dry out the scalp, and may lead to increased hair loss. Experts emphasize that following the correct bathing sequence helps the body relax more effectively, improves hygiene, and reduces health risks.

Below is a scientifically recommended bathing routine endorsed by many doctors.

Step 1: Wash Your Face First

When you enter the bathroom, steam causes the facial pores to open rapidly. If you do not wash your face immediately, dirt, oil, and impurities that have accumulated throughout the day can penetrate deeper into the skin, leading to clogged pores and acne.

Dermatologists advise:

• Avoid washing your face with very hot water, as it can dry out the skin and damage the natural protective barrier.

• Lukewarm water is ideal for cleansing without irritation.

• Washing your face first helps remove excess oil and prevents bacteria from spreading downward when rinsing the body.

Step 2: Shower Your Body

After cleansing your face, your body gradually adapts to the warm steam. At this stage, showering the body helps to:

• Relax muscles and improve blood circulation

• Open pores, allowing sweat and dirt to be eliminated more effectively

• Support mild energy expenditure (a 10-minute hot shower at around 40°C can burn up to 200 calories)

However, doctors caution:

• Do not shower for more than 20 minutes to avoid dehydration and low blood pressure

• Keep the water temperature comfortably warm, not excessively hot

• Relax your body and practice deep breathing to reduce stress

Step 3: Wash Your Hair Last

This is the most ideal time to wash your hair. Once the body is warm, the scalp pores open slightly, allowing shampoo to work more effectively and reducing the risk of temperature shock.

Experts recommend:

• Thoroughly wetting the hair before applying shampoo

• Applying shampoo from the roots to the ends and gently massaging with fingertips

• Avoid scratching the scalp with fingernails

• Limit the use of very hot water to prevent dryness and excessive oil production

• After rinsing, apply conditioner for 3–5 minutes to enhance softness and smoothness

• Detangle hair with a wide-tooth comb while it is still damp

The optimal water temperature for washing hair in winter is 40–45°C.

Common Mistake: Scrubbing the Skin Too Hard

The skin has a natural protective barrier made up of sweat, oil, and a thin outer layer only about 0.1 mm thick. This layer takes approximately 10 days to regenerate. Vigorous scrubbing with rough towels or exfoliating stones can damage this barrier, causing the skin to become:

• Dry and rough

• Itchy and irritated

• Prone to folliculitis

• More susceptible to boils and skin damage

It is best to use a soft bath sponge or simply your hands, especially on sensitive areas such as the neck, chest, and lower abdomen.