Introduction
Hard water can harm your hair by depositing minerals on the hair shaft and scalp, which over time can result in dryness, brittleness, and breakage. Additionally, shampoo and other hair products frequently struggle to adequately lather and rinse out in hard water, leaving behind a residue that can weigh hair down and make it appear lifeless and dull.
Impact on hair
Calcium and magnesium, two minerals found in hard water, can accumulate over time on the hair shaft and scalp, forming a barrier that keeps moisture from accessing the hair. The hair may become dry, brittle, and more likely to break as a result of this. Additionally, dandruff, inflammation, and itching can result from hard water robbing the scalp of its natural oils.
Hard water can affect your hair and scalp and make it more challenging to style your hair. It could take longer and more work to untangle and style hair that has been washed in hard water since it may be more prone to tangling.
Your hair's color may change if you use hard water. If you have colored or chemically treated hair, hard water may speed up the fading process or even modify or brassy the color. This is due to the possibility of your hair's chemicals and hard water minerals reacting and changing the color of your hair.
The intensity of the water hardness and the kind of your hair will ultimately determine how hard water affects your hair. Others may feel dryness, brittleness, and color loss, while some may not have any noticeable effects at all.
Remedies for hard water hair damage
Choosing hair products made specifically for hard water is vital if you reside in a hard water location.
Use a Clarifying Shampoo
Clarifying shampoos remove buildup from hair caused by styling products, minerals, and hard water. They work by using stronger surfactants and chelating agents to break down and remove mineral deposits and other buildup from the hair. You can use a clarifying shampoo once a week to get rid of mineral buildup and reduce the negative effects of hard water on your hair.
Get a Shower or Tap Filter
A shower filter can help in hard water by removing minerals and other impurities from the water, such as chlorine and heavy metals. This can prevent mineral buildup on the hair and skin, which can cause dryness, irritation, and dullness. A shower filter can also help to improve the lather and effectiveness of shampoos and soaps. You can think about purchasing a water softening system or installing a showerhead filter.
Try Oiling & Conditioning
A leave-in conditioner or hair oil can help moisturize and shield your hair from the harm caused by hard water. Oiling and conditioning can help reduce hair fall by nourishing the hair and scalp, which can strengthen the hair and reduce breakage. Oils and conditioners can improve the texture and appearance of the hair, making it smoother, shinier, and less prone to tangling and frizz.
Managing hard water with shower filter
One effective solution for minimizing the negative impact of hard water on your hair is to use hard water filter products. These can help to remove minerals and other impurities from the water, leaving it softer and gentler on your hair. By using WaterScience Shower and Tap filters, you can protect your hair from dryness, brittleness, and color fading that can be caused by hard water.
It's important to choose products that are specifically designed to filter hard water, such as showerhead filters and hard water filters, to ensure that they effectively prevent mineral buildup and provide the best possible results for your hair.
Watch the video above to learn more about hard water effects on hair by Dermatologist Dr Sushma Yadav.
