8 Best Ways To Protect Your Hair From Hard Water

What does hard water do to your hair? How to protect your hair from hard water? Hair loss is a problem that affects people all over the globe. We frequently switch shampoos or buy hair care products in the hope of decreasing hair loss. But most of the time, we do not consider the water quality we use to rinse our hair and simply avoid making any changes.

Hard water contains too much magnesium, calcium, and iron that can weaken and damage your hair, causing significant hair loss. However, the consequences of hard water on hair can be rectified. Continue reading to learn how hard water may affect your hair and what you can do to make it healthy again and maintain proper hydration levels for lustrous tresses.

What Is Hard Water And What Are Its Effects On Hair?

All types of water contain minerals. But hard water contains an excess of them. Researchers state that hard water contains 212.5 ppm of CaCO₃ while soft water contains only 10 ppm of CaCO₃ (1). Moreover, soap or shampoo do not lather well in hard water. The bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulfates of calcium and magnesium combine with soap and form salt precipitates. These can lead to the following hair issues:

• Greasy hair: Your hair will feel greasy and unclean due to the excessive mineral deposits that stick to the hair strands.

• Dull hair: These mineral deposits can make your hair look dull. They get trapped in the hair shaft and reduce hair shine.
• Rough and frizzy hair: The mineral deposits can make your hair rough and frizzy.
• Clogged pores: The minerals get deposited on the scalp and lead to clogged pores. They also can block the natural sebum. As a result, your hair starts to look dry and lifeless. Mineral deposits on the scalp also lead to scalp infections, dandruff, and scalp sensitivity.
• Split ends: The mineral deposits on the scalp and the hair shaft also lead to split ends.

A lifestyle blogger talks about her experience trying the no-poo method for healthier hair, which started out fine until she realized the water was making her scalp waxy. “I realized that this waxy residue would by no means disappear as it formed due to the fact that I washed my hair with hard water. Unfortunately, I did not have access to soft water, and I would have to buy an expensive water filter to soften it (filters that only remove chlorine, for example, will not soften the water). So I slowly abandoned this method and focused on finding something that would work even with my hard water (i),” she says.

Trivia

The simplest way to identify hard water is by checking for white stains. Hard water leaves behind a chalky and stubborn residue.

The Science Behind Hard Water And Hair Fall

Hard water contains several minerals and oxidizers like copper, magnesium, calcium, and iron

. These minerals and oxidizers are positively charged while the hair is negatively charged. A positively charged oxidizer or mineral and negatively charged hair attract each other. This phenomenon reduces hair strength and leads to hair fall.

Interestingly, while certain research studies state that hard water could reduce hair’s tensile strength, another study shows no relationship between hard water and hair tensile strength or elasticity (1), (2). However, various studies link hard water to skin diseases and irritation (3), (4). Therefore, if you live in an area with hard water, you will see its effects on your hair and skin. It also could cause hair loss. But would this hair loss be permanent? Let us understand the same in the following section.

Does Hard Water Cause Permanent Hair Loss?

Hard water only causes temporary hair loss (also known as hair shedding). You can reduce this hair shedding by simply changing the water you use to wash your hair. If that is not possible, there are other ways you can reduce the mineral content in hard water and decrease your hair loss.

How To Reverse Hair Loss Due To Hard Water? 

• Install A Water Softening System

A water softening system works by replacing the calcium and magnesium ions in hard water with sodium ions, reducing mineral buildup on your hair and scalp. Install a water softener to directly use tap water to wash your hair. Over time, this helps prevent dryness, breakage, and dullness, promoting healthier hair. Additionally, using softened water can reduce the need for costly hair treatments and conditioners, leading to potential long-term savings on hair care products.

• Use A Shower Filter

A shower filter improves water quality by filtering out the excessive minerals in the water. It also reduces water hardness. It is an affordable device and can be detached from the shower head to be cleaned. Replace the filter every six months.

Quick Tip

A shower filter does not work as well as a softening system. It only filters out hard chemical contaminants to reduce the hardness.

• Use A Chelating Shampoo

Chelating shampoos help remove all traces of dirt, mineral deposits, and product build-up. If you live in an area with hard water, it is always a good idea to use a chelating shampoo instead of a regular one to remove mineral build-up. Chelating shampoos also keep your scalp and hair cleansed, light, and breathable.

• Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar helps reduce mineral build-up. You can mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with one mug of water. Rinse your hair with it to get rid of the mineral deposits.

• Use Lemon Rinse

Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with a mug of water. Use this water to give your hair a final rinse before towel drying your hair. Use this rinse after you shampoo and condition your hair.

• Use A Hair Mask

Use a deep conditioning hair mask for hard water hair treatment every once a week to keep your hair healthy. You can make a hair mask with avocado or mix coconut oil and rosehip oil. Apply the mask to your scalp and hair strands. Wash the mask off after 45 minutes with a chelating shampoo (or use a shower filter if you want to use a mild shampoo).  

• Use Purified Bottled Water

You can use purified bottled water as a final rinse for your hair. This can help prevent mineral buildup, preserve your hair’s natural softness and shine, and reduce the need for harsh clarifying shampoos and treatments to some extent.

• Use Club Soda

Using club soda for hair may sound uncommon, but it may protect your hair from the adverse effects of hard water. According to anecdotal evidence, its slightly acidic nature helps neutralize the mineral buildup caused by hard water, leaving your hair smoother and softer. Simply rinse your hair with club soda after regular shampooing and conditioning. Do not rinse with water afterward.

Infographic: DIY Hard Water Shampoo Recipe

Hard water contains an excess amount of minerals that can lead to clogged pores, greasy hair, and temporary hair loss. To combat this issue and improve hair health, you can use a hard water shampoo. Instead of buying commercial shampoos and conditioners, you can make one at home.

Check out the infographic below to know more!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Hard water vs. soft water – which is better for your hair?

Soft water is better for hair. Hard water contains excess calcium, magnesium, and iron. Their positive charge attracts hair (which is negatively charged) and results in hair shedding. Mineral deposits in hard water also make the hair dull, rough, and dry.

Can hard water cause hair thinning?

Yes, hard water can cause hair thinning. It can block the scalp pores. Its positively charged minerals can also attract negatively charged hair and cause hair thinning.

How often should I use a chelating shampoo?

To maintain the health of your hair without over-drying it, it’s recommended to use a chelating shampoo once or twice a month. This frequency effectively removes mineral deposits, keeping your hair clean and healthy.

Does hard water make your hair curly?

Hard water makes your hair messy. Your hair will feel greasy, no matter how many times you wash it. Hard water will dry up the hair strands, strip away the moisture and make hair look frizzy and lifeless.

Which shampoo is best for hard water?

A chelating shampoo is best for hard water. Chelating shampoos help remove mineral deposits, dirt, and product build-up.

Does baking soda reduce water hardness?

Yes, research suggests that adding a small concentration of baking soda to water may help soften water. However, adding baking soda in large quantities may increase its pH level which may cause frizzy and rough hair (5).

Does Epsom salt reduce water hardness?

Yes, studies suggest that Epsom salt helps lower water hardness by breaking down the calcium and magnesium ions in hard water (6)

Can hard water make your hair smell?

Yes, hard water might make your hair smell like rotten eggs.

Illustration: Best Ways To Protect Your Hair From Hard Water

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Shruti ChavanMBBS

   

Dr. Shruti Chavan is a consulting dermatologist at Dr.Sheth's Skin and Hair Clinic since 6 years. She is a co-committee member of CDSI (Cosmetic dermatologist Society of India). She is highly skilled in non-surgical facial skin rejuvenation and face lift by the use of injection treatments and lasers.

Read full bio of Dr. Shruti Chavan

Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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