When trying to improve hair health and overall appearance, many people turn to specialized shampoos, conditioners, and clarifiers with the hope of magical results. What they don’t realize, however, is that washing their hair in hard water could actually be the underlying problem.
Yes, hard water and hair damage are connected! Let’s take a closer look at what hard water is, how it impacts hair health, and what you can do about it.
Hard Water Explained: What It Is and Where It Comes From
Hard water gets its name from the high levels of dissolved minerals it contains. These minerals, typically calcium and magnesium, make their way into water as it passes through soil and rock underground. While the minerals themselves are not visible to the naked eye, their effects certainly are. Homeowners with hard water will notice mineral buildup on sinks and fixtures, water spots on dishes, and other signs of hard water.
Hard Water and Hair Damage: 4 Ways Water Hardness Impacts Hair Health and Appearance
While hard water is silently impacting your household, it’s also affecting your hair. Here are the most common things you’ll notice if you routinely wash your hair with hard water:
1. Mineral Build-Up: The calcium and magnesium in hard water can leave deposits on your hair. Over time, this buildup can make your hair feel rough and look dull. These minerals can also interact with shampoos and soaps, making it harder to form a lather and effectively clean your hair.
2. Weakened Hair Structure: Minerals can create a coating on the hair shaft, interfering with the cuticle layer (the hair’s outermost part). This interference can cause the cuticle to lift, increasing porosity and making your hair more susceptible to damage. Consequently, hair becomes more likely to break and develop split ends.
3. Dryness and Frizz: Hard water can remove your hair’s natural oils, resulting in dryness. Without these oils, your hair may become frizzy and difficult to manage. The rough texture from mineral deposits can further worsen the problem, making your hair feel coarse and tangled.
4. Color Fading: For those who dye their hair, hard water can be particularly troublesome. That’s because hard water minerals often make color-treated hair fade more rapidly. These minerals may even cause discoloration, especially for individuals with blond or very light hair.
How to Prevent Hair Damage From Hard Water
Here are some simple ways you can help protect your hair from the damaging effects of hard water:
- Use a Chelating Shampoo: Chelating shampoos are designed to remove mineral build-up from your hair. Look for products containing EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid) or other chelating agents.
- Install a Water Softener: A water softening system can be installed in your home to remove calcium and magnesium from the water, effectively turning hard water into soft water. This can make a significant difference in the health and appearance of your hair.
- Rinse with Filtered Water: If installing a water softener isn’t feasible, consider using filtered water for the final rinse when washing your hair. This can help minimize mineral deposits.
- Condition Regularly: Use deep conditioning treatments to replenish moisture and help smooth the hair cuticle. Look for conditioners containing moisturizing ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, and glycerin.
- Clarify Occasionally: Regular use of a clarifying shampoo can help remove any residual mineral build-up. However, these shampoos can be drying, so they should be used sparingly.
Soft Water: The Ultimate Solution to Your Hard Water Problems
Did you notice that most of the ways to limit hard water hair damage have one thing in common? They’re temporary solutions! That is, except for installing a water softener. When you make the switch to soft water, you’re getting rid of hard water minerals which are the source of the entire problem. Plus, you can enjoy the benefits of soft water throughout your home, not just with your hair.
At CalSoft Water, we offer a variety of soft water systems to meet your household’s budget, lifestyle, and water usage needs. We have residential water softeners – the perfect solution for homeowners who want to increase their home’s value and enjoy an endless supply of soft water. We also offer portable exchange tank service, otherwise known as soft water delivery. This is a great option for renters, people with temporary living situations, and anyone who doesn’t want to worry about water softener installation or maintenance.
Simply contact us today to learn more and to find the best soft water solution for YOUR home.