Can Hard Water Cause Hair Loss?
You probably have seen the hard water build up on the end of your faucets or showerheads.
If hard water can ruin your faucets, then imagine the damage it can cause to your hair.
Hard water refers to water with an excess amount of minerals.
In general, minerals in water are actually essential for our health. But hard water contains particularly high and unhealthy concentrations of these minerals.
Over time, these minerals can build up on your scalp, causing several hair problems.
In the following article, we’ll discuss the potential effects of hard water on your hair and several ways to stop that damage.
Hard water
Hard water refers to water with high mineral content.
Excess amounts of the following elements in groundwater can cause water to harden.
- Magnesium bicarbonates and carbonates
- Calcium
- Sulfates
- Iron
- Copper
- Zinc
- Chloride
Water’s hardness can be permanent or temporary, depending on its content.
Water is temporarily hard if it contains Magnesium and Calcium carbonates. You can remove this hardness by boiling the water.
Soluble salts of calcium and magnesium in the form of chlorides and sulfides in water can harden it permanently.
In such cases, you can not remove the hardness by boiling.
Although hard water is not a potential health risk, long-time use can affect your hair.
Can hard water cause hair loss
Repeatedly washing your hair with hard water can make your hair fragile.
Overexposure to hard water can cause mineral build-up on the scalp preventing required nutrition and moisture from entering hair follicles.
This can result in malnourished and dry hair, giving your hair a dull appearance.
Calcium deposition on your hair follicles can also interfere with hair growth.
Chloride in water can dry hair shafts, making them brittle and prone to breakage.
Signs of hair damage from hard water
Washing regularly with hard water can affect your hair in many ways.
It can make your hair frizzy and dull with split ends.
Mineral build-up from hard water can make your scalp dry and itchy.
Calcium and Magnesium can bind with your hair shaft, weighing it down and making it difficult to style your hair.
Your hair will start thinning and lose its strength making it more prone to breakage.
Is hair loss from hard water reversible
You can counteract the damage from hard water by making some changes in your hair care routine.
Keep reading if you are looking for ways to stop the damage inflicted on the hair by hard water.
Water softener
Hard water contains excessive amounts of minerals responsible for damaging your hair.
Water softener purifies your water, making it softer, cleaner, and healthier.
While it is an effective method to purify your water, it can be expensive.
Instead, you can purchase a cost-effective water softener shower head.
“These [shower heads] have cartridges that are filled with carbon to remove the minerals before the water touches the hair.”
says Martino Cartier, hairstylist and owner of Martino Cartier Salon.
Clarifying shampoo and conditioner
You can revive the damage from hard water by using clarifying shampoos.
Using shampoos that do not contain Sulfates, Sodium chloride, Parabens, and fragrances occasionally is essential for removing mineral build-up on your scalp.
Conditioners can hydrate your hair and reduce the dryness caused by hard water.
You can also use a hair mask at least once a week to restore moisture and shine to your hair.
Citrus and vinegar rinse
Starting at the scalp to fight the damage is your best bet.
A mixture of water, lemon, and vinegar is a good solution for damaged hair.
Vinegar helps balance the hair’s pH and cleans the hair shaft allowing it to breathe and grow naturally.
It also gives your hair shine by eliminating frizz.
You can also add a few drops of essential oil if the acidic smell is too powerful for you.
However, be careful while using the vinegar. Always dilute it with water before applying it to the skin.
Takeaway
Hard water can damage the hair in many different ways.
It can make your hair dry, frizzy, and brittle, among other things.
Damage from hard water can make it hard to style the hair.
However, luckily, hard water rarely causes permanent damage to your hair.
If you take preventive measures by including a healthy hair care routine, you can regain your normal hair in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hair loss from hard water grow back?
Hair loss from hard water will most likely reduce once you start making a few changes in your hair care routine. Hard water causes a mineral build-up on your scalp and hair shafts. Your hair will start to grow back once you start taking steps to clear the minerals.
How do you stop hair loss from hard water?
The most effective way to stop hair loss from hard water is to stop using hard water to wash your hair. You can install a water softener or use a cost-effective alternative, a soft water shower head. These softeners remove the minerals harmful to your hair before the water reaches your scalp.
How do you know if your hair is falling out from hard water?
Hair damaged from hard water use is prone to breakage and frizz. Minerals in hard water cause dryness and give your hair a dull appearance. Moreover, Calcium and Magnesium weigh your hair down, making it difficult for you to style. If you see these signs, implement a water hardness test.
How do you treat hard water in your hair?
There are several effective methods to reduce the damage from hard water. You can add clarifying shampoo to your hair wash routine. Conditioners and hair masks can help lock in hair moisture. Citrus and vinegar rinse is an excellent way to clear the mineral build-up caused by hard water.
Does oiling hair help with hard water?
Hard water causes the dryness of your scalp and hair. Oils can help ward off that dryness while promoting hair growth. Coconut oil is effective as a moisturizer with its essential fatty acid content. Also, Argan oil is rich in Oleic, Linoleic, and Palmitic acid, which helps retain hair moisturizer.
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