Does Hard Water Cause Hair Loss? Everything You Need to Know

Hard water has long been known for its damaging effects on hair, though the effects that can be seen may vary from person to person. So does hard water cause hair loss?

In short, not directly, but hard water can negatively affect your hair, which can indirectly lead to hair loss or at least the appearance of it.

To learn what hard water does to your hair and how to stop the damage from happening too soon, scroll down.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is water high in mineral content like calcium and magnesium.

According to the U.S., hard water is present in up to 85% of homes. Geological Survey, posing problems for everyone from customers of urban municipal services to owners of rural wells.

Related Post: Does Hard Water Cause Dry Skin?

Does Hard Water Cause Hair Loss?

Hard water does not lead to hair loss directly but can lead to hair breakage after prolonged use. Studies have shown that hard water does not directly affect the tensile strength and elasticity of hair.

Hard water, on the other hand, can have a disastrous effect on the health of our hair due to the high concentration of minerals like calcium carbonates, magnesium sulfates, toxic lead, and chlorine.

Some of us start noticing hair loss as our hair starts to become lifeless, brittle, and dull.

It isn’t because minerals have a direct impact on hair; rather, the salts in hard water interfere with shampoos’ ability to clean hair and leave behind a scum.

As a result, shampoos are less able to effectively remove unwelcome dirt and extra oil from hair strands, giving the appearance that the hairs are virtually thinning.

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What Are the Signs of Hard Water Damage on Hair?

Every day hair washing in hard water can damage your scalp and hair. The following is a list of typical signs of hard water damage.

• Dry, frizzy, dull hair with possible split ends
• Dry, itchy scalp due to mineral build-up
• Limp, weighed down hair that is difficult to style
• Gradual hair thinning due to blockage of hair follicles
• Frail, discoloured strands that are prone to tangles and breakage

Also Read: Does Hard Water Cause Dandruff?

How Do You Prevent Hair Loss from Hard Water?

Here are some tips to help you prevent hair loss from hard water.

1. Use a Water Softener/ RO

A water softener would be a wise investment if your water came back as hard. A home water softener is a device for filtering hard water that converts hard water to soft water using an ion exchange process.

Water passes through a bed of resin beads in the softener. The negative sodium ions in these beads are charged. The sodium ion is released into the water as the positively charged magnesium and calcium ions are pulled up as the hard water flows through the resin beads.

You receive softened water as a result, but it lacks iron and some calcium and magnesium minerals.

The fact that water softeners add sodium ions with a negative charge to the water is their biggest flaw. Thus, the amount of salt in the water may rise.

Additionally, the process may make the water too soft for cleaning. Too soft water makes it difficult to remove shampoo and soap, leaving you with a slippery sensation after every bath.

2. Get a Shower Filter

Compared to ROs or water softeners, shower filters are less expensive. The main benefit of a shower filter is that, unlike a water softener, it does not soften water excessively. This maintains the water’s suitability for cleaning.

If you have water with a lot of chlorine in it, it works especially well. Shower filters also remove harmful chemicals, giving you cleaner water that won’t harm your hair.

3. Use Purified Bottled Water

It’s safe and healthy to wash your hair with bottled water. Although it costs more, it is always preferable to dealing with hair loss brought on by hard water.

Because it is safe to drink, bottled water is also kind to your hair and scalp.

4. Use Moisturizing Masks

The moisture that has been lost in your hair can be replaced using moisturizing masks. Your hair will be revitalized and the cuticle layer, which is most negatively impacted by hard water, will be smoothed with a hydrating mask.

Utilize organic hydrating ingredients like honey, aloe vera, and avocados to lock in moisture and stop your hair from breaking from dryness.

5. Right Shampoo and Conditioner

If none of the aforementioned options work for you and you are forced to wash your hair in hard water, use a mild shampoo.

The best shampoos to use are those without sulfates, parabens, sodium chloride, harmful colors, or fragrances. Mineral buildup on the scalp can be removed by occasionally using a clarifying shampoo.

6. Natural Ayurvedic Remedies

Mineral buildup and dryness are the two main factors that harm hair when it is exposed to hard water for an extended period of time.

You should concentrate on using natural remedies that replenish natural oils and get rid of mineral buildup on your scalp and hair strands if you want to reverse the effects of hard water on your hair.

Related Post: Can Hair Loss Be Reversed?

Takeaway: Does Hard Water Cause Hair Loss

Washing your hair is a daily requirement. But it’s time to act if the water you’re using starts to do most of the damage.

Hard water is frequently faced problem especially in areas when the groundwater is exposed to harmful minerals. Your hair is deprived of its natural oils by the abrasive minerals dissolved in hard water, and your hair follicles become clogged.

Your hair gradually loses its strength and shine due to a lack of nutrition reaching the follicles.

If adding a water softener is not an option, alter your hair care routine to provide extra nutrition for your hair to combat the harm caused by hard water.

Also Read: How Much Hair Loss is Normal in the Shower?

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