By Kerry Hale

Hot vs Cold Showers: What Are the Benefits?

  • 11th September 2025
  • 4 Minute Read

Showering is so ingrained in our daily routines that we often don’t consider the benefits beyond cleanliness.

From boosting immunity to enhancing recovery and mood, your shower temperature can have a bigger impact than you may think. Our guide evaluates the benefits of hot and cold showers, offering insight into our range of digital shower options to help revolutionise your shower routine.

Cold shower benefits

Cold showers offer a range of remarkable health advantages, including:

  • Improved blood circulation – Cold water causes blood vessels to constrict and then dilate when you warm up, promoting healthier blood flow.
  • Enhanced alertness – The cold shock triggers deeper breathing, which increases oxygen intake and leaves you feeling more awake and focused.
  • Potential immune boost – Research suggests that regular cold exposure may increase white blood cell count.
  • Elevated mood – Cold exposure can trigger the release of endorphins and noradrenaline, which are known to improve mood. 
  • Reduced muscle soreness – Similar to ice baths, cold showers help reduce inflammation after workouts.

 

Read more about the power of a cold shower in our guide.

How ColdBoost Technology enhances recovery

Experience the benefits of a cold shower with ColdBoost, the UK’s first guided cold water experience designed to provide cold shower therapy. Unlike traditional showers, ColdBoost offers four settings that lower the water temperature at your preferred pace and duration. This controlled exposure maximises muscle recovery by reducing inflammation, improving circulation and enhancing blood flow to recovering muscles.

Hot shower benefits

Whether you’re hoping to soothe post-workout muscles or unwind after a busy day, a hot shower is often the perfect remedy. These are some of the benefits:

  • Muscle relaxation – Warm water combined with a powerful shower head helps massage knots and tension, reducing pain and stiffness.
  • Eases stress – Studies have shown that hot showers trigger the release of oxytocin, which may help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation.
  • Better sleep quality – The stress-relieving benefits of hot water prepare your body for rest, improving sleep quality.
  • Congestion relief – Steam from hot showers may help clear nasal passages and provide relief from congestion.

Finding your perfect shower temperature

There is no specific rule for the temperature of your shower water, but it’s generally recommended to keep it between 37°C and 38.3°C. However, your ideal temperature may vary based on your specific needs.

Best temperature for healthy hair and skin

The ideal shower temperature for optimal hair and skin health is lukewarm or cooler. Hot water strips away natural oils, potentially causing dry skin or an itchy scalp. To maintain healthy skin and hair, keep your shower temperature between 37°C and 38°C.

Cold showers can also benefit your skin, as they’re more hydrating and help close pores, preventing a buildup of oil and dirt. With ColdBoost, you can create a personalised cold water experience that actively contributes to your skin health by sealing pores and locking in moisture.

Best temperature for children

Young children have very sensitive skin that’s easily scalded by hot water. For toddlers and small children, keep the water temperature between 37°C and 38°C, or 36°C for babies. Always check the water before your child gets into the shower to ensure it’s the right temperature.

Best temperature for the elderly

As we age, our skin and cardiovascular system become less tolerant of extreme temperatures. For elderly individuals, shower temperatures between 36°C and 38°C provide comfort while also reducing potential skin irritation and heart strain.

Post-workout shower recovery

For optimal recovery after exercise, take a cold shower using ColdBoost’s controlled temperature reduction.

This gradual approach helps accelerate muscle recovery and minimise stiffness. Follow with a hot shower the next day to increase blood flow to the affected areas if your muscles feel particularly tight or sore.

The best showers for temperature control

Enhance your shower routine with our range of shower options, featuring excellent temperature control, allowing you to experience the benefits of hot and cold showers.

Mixer showers

To maintain a consistent desired temperature, consider installing a thermostatic mixer shower, like Mira Opero. Thermostatic showers combine hot and cold water to create your ideal water temperature. This temperature is maintained for the duration of your shower, even if water is being used elsewhere in your home.

Digital showers

Digital showers are similar to thermostatic mixer showers, combining hot and cold water to achieve your desired temperature. They feature a digital valve and a smart remote controller, allowing precise temperature control from up to ten metres away.

Most of our models, including Mira Mode and Mira Activate, are controlled via the Mira Showers app. Here, you’ll get access to handy digital features like the warm-up function, which allows you to preheat your shower before getting in.

Ready to enhance your showering experience? Browse our range of showers today, featuring mixer, electric and digital showers.

Ready to enhance your showering experience? Browse our full range of showers today, including electric, mixer and digital showers.

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