If you’ve ever washed your hands and noticed a film on them afterward, this is the result of hard water. Can hard water cause hair loss?

Although using hard water for an extended period of time can cause hair breakage, it does not cause hair loss directly. Magnesium and calcium are present in excess in hard water.

Thankfully, there are some things you can do to counteract these effects. Discover these hair-saving methods by continuing to read.

What is Hard Water?

Calcium and magnesium are two minerals found in abundance in hard water. The U.S. government estimates that up to 85% of homes in the country have hard water. Geological Survey, causing problems for everyone from rural well owners to urban municipal customers.

Does Hard Water Cause Hair Loss?

Although using hard water for an extended period of time can cause hair breakage, it does not cause hair loss directly. There is no direct correlation between hard water and the tensile strength and elasticity of hair, according to research. However, the high concentration of minerals such as calcium carbonates, magnesium sulphates, and toxic lead and chlorine in hard water can play havoc with our hair health.

Our hair starts becoming dull, lifeless, and prone to breakage, which some of us notice in the form of hair loss. It isn’t because minerals have an adverse effect on hair directly; 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.

How Can You Reverse the Effects of Hard Water on Your Hair?

1. Soften Your Water

Installing a water softening system will enable you to achieve this. This will make the water softer and better for the health of your hair by keeping the minerals and other compounds from leaking through.

and a a a used a a. a. a. a. a a. a. a in. However, to ensure its efficacy, you should change it after every 6 months.

2. Chelating Shampoos

A chelating shampoo combats the negative effects of hard water and leaves your scalp feeling lighter, cleaner, and grease-free.

These work by leaving molecules onto your hair and scalp that lift up the dirt and residue left behind.

You can undo the harm that hard water has done to your hair by purchasing a chelating shampoo. These aid in removing product residue and mineral buildup. Your hair feels cleaner, lighter, and even grease-free after using them.

Chelating shampoos, on the other hand, can be pricey, so not everyone may be able to afford them.

3. Demineralizing Products

Demineralizing shampoos are made specifically to remove the mineral buildup on your hair that is caused by hard water. Their results are instant and you will be able to notice differences in the shine and softness of your hair after 2-3 washes.

How to Prevent Hair Damage Due to Hard Water?

Follow the below tips to prevent hair damage due to hard water:

1. Either install a water softener over your taps or use distilled water to wash your hair. Use soft water as little as possible.
2. When using a pool, always wear a swimming cap to shield your hair from chlorinated water.
3. As hard water dehydrates your hair, it is essential to hydrate and moisturise your hair using a suitable hair conditioner and mild shampoo.
4. Once a week, remove any mineral buildup on your scalp by using a clarifying shampoo that a dermatologist has recommended.
5. When washing your hair, use filtered or bottled water for the last rinse.
6. Avoid letting acidic rainwater touch your hair as it may contain dangerous pollutants.
7. Use leave-in conditioners to give your hair more strength and softness.
8. Remember, chemically treated hairs like coloured hairs and permed hairs are relatively more prone to damage by the minerals in the hard water. To stop further harm, you must give them extra attention.

3 Signs of Hard Water on Hair

Shampoo Doesn’t Form a Lather

– this is because the minerals in hard water negatively interact with the fatty acids in soaps. It is very challenging to rinse away the sticky solid that forms when calcium sticks to the cleaning agents. Because that is what causes soap scum to accumulate on your shower walls, this may sound familiar. You can be sure that soap scum is present there and in your hair.

Hair is Dry and Frizzy

– this is because hard water actually dries out your hair (and skin, which can lead to issues with dandruff, too) by not allowing moisture into the hair strands. In addition to making hair more likely to tangle and frizz, dryness also causes it to become thinner over time.

Hairs Break Off at the Base

– this is due to calcium deposit build-up on the scalp and is what many may mistake for hair loss. Perhaps the hair shaft’s fragility rather than the hair root is the issue. No matter how well your follicles are functioning, hard water will make your hair weak.

Wrapping Up

Hard water can cause a mineral build-up on your hair, making it feel extra greasy even after a wash. Due to frequent washing, it might also contribute to dry, damaged hair. Changes to your home’s water system or the addition of a filter to your shower can be made to address hard water. You can even use products like chelating shampoos and other demineralizing products that help in reducing the damage caused to your hair by hard water.

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