Don't Know The Reason For Your Hair Fall? Here Is How Hard Water Affects Your Hair

The more we gather information, the more we come to know how so many things and common substances around us can be damaging to our bodies. One of the most common is water. Yes, water. Sure, we know how important water is for the overall growth and betterment of our internal bodies, but that is drinking water. But what about the water we wash our faces with or take a shower with?

Yes, I'm talking about hard water. Now, most of us have definitely heard about hard water and how it is damaging to the skin and hair. But exactly what is it?

What is hard water?

Hard water contains a buildup of calcium and magnesium, which in turn affects the moisture of our hair and does not let it penetrate it. It basically forms a film over our hair, which in turn damages it.

What is the effect of hard water on the hair?

The effect of hard water on hair is much more damaging than one would even imagine. As per a study titled "Scanning electron microscopy of hair treated in hard water", out of the 15 women who were participants in this study for 30 days, it was found out that the ones using hard water had severe damage to the hair. The sample found that the hard water decreased the thickness and led to the thinning of the hair.

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Here are some severe damages hard water does to the hair:

It leads to mineral buildup on the hair

As mentioned, the water leads to mineral buildup, which leads to a film on the hair. A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2011) found that exposure to hard water can lead to the accumulation of mineral deposits on hair, which may contribute to increased roughness and dryness.

It leads to reduced lather and the shampoo's efficacy.

When you shampoo your hair, it is not able to create lather, which is basically the cleaning agent of a shampoo. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2007) discusses the impact of hard water on the efficacy of cleansers. The study indicates that hard water can reduce the lathering ability of soaps and detergents, making it harder to rinse away dirt and products from the hair.

It leads to dryness and frizziness

If you don't have naturally dry hair and feel like your hair is drier than usual, this can be the reason. A review in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2015) suggests that hard water can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to increased dryness and frizziness. This effect may be more pronounced in individuals with naturally dry or damaged hair.

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It fades the hair colour

Your natural hair colour can fade due to washing it with hard water. The International Journal of Trichology (2013) discusses the impact of hard water on hair colour fading. The study suggests that the mineral content in hard water, particularly calcium, can interact with hair dyes and contribute to premature colour fading.

It can lead to scalp irritation

There can be irritation in the scalp, leading to itching. While direct studies on scalp irritation due to hard water are limited, the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (2010) highlights the potential for minerals in hard water to contribute to skin irritation. It is plausible that similar effects could occur on the scalp.

There is difficulty rinsing the shampoo

While there are many ways in which the mineral buildup creates a hindrance, it can also lead to difficulty rinsing off the shampoo. A study in the International Journal of Trichology (2010) indicates that hard water can create a film on the hair, making it difficult to rinse out shampoo completely. This residual film may contribute to a feeling of uncleanliness and may impact the manageability of the hair.

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What can you do to prevent the damage?

There are a few ways in which you can try to prevent further damage caused by hard water to your hair. Here are some ways:

Use a water softener

Even though soft water has some mineral compounds, it is not as bad as hard water. So, soft water is much healthier and cleaner. If you don't mind spending a little money, then you can surely install a water softener filter, which, as the name suggests, can do wonders right from the start. However, one can also use an alternative, which is using a water softener shower head. This has carbon, which helps filter out the calcium and magnesium content.

Use conditioners and hair masks

To restore moisture and shine in your hair, try using hair conditioners and hair masks. These help in maintaining the moisture of the hair, leading to less hair fall. Try using the ones that have low pH levels to maintain the balance in your hair.

Use apple cider vinegar to rinse

Apple cider vinegar is known for its pH balance. It helps reduce the mineral buildup. It also controls the sebum production in the hair, making it feel soft and even shiny. Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with three spoons of water. Wash this solution on your hair after shampooing, and then let it sit for a few minutes.

Using bottled water

This is an expensive alternative. For a lot of people, it is difficult to use bottled water. However, for people who travel to places with really bad-quality water, this can be used once in a while.

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So, if you are unaware of why your hair is suddenly losing its shine and becoming dull, this may be a reason you are ignoring it.