Do you ever feel like your hair is always flat, dull and lifeless no matter what you try? If you have tried every hair care product to solve this problem, the real issue might not be your hair care routine, but it could be your water.
Hard water is a leading cause of many skin and hair conditions, such as dryness, itchiness, oiliness and even inflammation like eczema and psoriasis. Although, do we care enough about water?
It’s easier and less overwhelming to reach for a clarifying shampoo or a deep conditioner than to invest in a filtered showerhead. However, if we don't address the root cause, these hair and scalp concerns will remain.
Let’s explore the effects of hard water on our hair health and what we can do to prevent it.
What is hard water?
Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. As water passes through rocks and soil, it picks up these minerals, which can leave behind a residue on your hair and scalp.
This buildup can lead to dryness, dullness, and even breakouts on the skin.
The signs of hard water damage
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Dryness
Hair dryness is one of the leading damages you would notice. When minerals build up in your hair, it produces a barrier on the strands, which locks out the moisture, making the hair dehydrated.
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Oily scalp & hair
When the scalp and hair are dry due to mineral buildup, they produce more sebum (oil) to maintain moisture and protect the hair. However, this can be excessive, causing an oily scalp and hair.
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Split ends & breakage
The lack of nutrients and moisture in the hair shaft causes split ends and breakage. It also makes it harder for the hair to grow, and when it grows without sufficient nutrients, it becomes weaker.
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Hair loss
In the most severe scenario, hard water can cause hair thinning and loss. Hard water directly affects scalp health; dryness and a lack of nutrients contribute to weak hair strands that easily fall out.
How to prevent hard water damage
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Install a filtered showerhead
A filtered showerhead helps prevent the dissolved minerals from reaching your hair and scalp. Although these filters need to be replaced periodically, investing in a high-quality showerhead could be a more sustainable solution than continuously experimenting with new hair care products.
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Hair oiling once or twice a week
As a pre-hair wash step, apply hair oil, massage it into your scalp and hair, and leave it on for at least 20 minutes. This helps the oil to penetrate nourishment and nutrients to the hair.
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Scalp treatments
Another solution is to apply a chemical exfoliant to your scalp before the shower and massage it with your hands or a scalp massager. This will gently exfoliate dead skin cells while promoting blood circulation and cellular renewal. This can be done once a week, and it is recommended that you leave the treatment for at least 15 minutes.
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Apply a clarifying shampoo
A clarifying shampoo is essential for breaking down and washing away mineral buildup. Incorporating this into your routine once a week can help maintain a clean, healthy scalp.
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Apply a deep nourishing conditioner
Once your scalp has been cleansed, it needs hydration and nourishment. Using a deep nourishing conditioner like our Glowing Hair Mask is a perfect way to give your hair some extra care. You can use this mask as a conditioner as it will instantly detangle the hair while deeply hydrating the scalp, locking in the moisture and protecting the hair from hard water.