Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Is Hard Water Bad For Your Hair? Experts Explain The Negative Effects

hard water hair

Over 85% of the households within the United States have hard water. This statistic was pulled from a water study performed by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). During the study, hair strands measuring at least 15 to 20 centimeters in length were taken from 15 female volunteers. Each hair sample was cut in half to allow for direct comparison.

Living Proof's Clarifying Detox Shampoo: Hard Water Hero - NewBeauty Magazine

Living Proof's Clarifying Detox Shampoo: Hard Water Hero.

Posted: Wed, 13 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

πŸ“– Signs of Hard Water on Hair

The calcium and magnesium in hard water come from mineral-rich rocks, like sandstone and limestone. They’re retained in water and aren’t removed during treatment because they have no major known health effects – in fact, we need calcium and magnesium in our diets. Hard water is water that contains calcium and magnesium minerals. Most drinking water in the US is derived from natural water sources that are naturally high in hardness minerals. So, when you’re dealing with hard water, they’re a great place to start, says Nathan. A shampoo that has added ingredients to help lock in moisture is important when you're doing a deep clean.

How To Know If Your Water Is Hard Or Soft

But if your biggest problem is poor hair health, perhaps you’ll prefer to spend less on a point-of-use softening solution. Switch your existing shampoo for a clarifying shampoo, which should counteract the effects of hard water while you’re showering. There’s still a lot we don’t know about the effects of hard water on hair loss – and it’s important to note the studies that paint hard water in a better light.

hard water hair

How to choose the best shampoo for hard water

5 Tell-Tale Signs Hard Water Is Affecting Your Home - GlobeNewswire

5 Tell-Tale Signs Hard Water Is Affecting Your Home.

Posted: Thu, 15 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Simply adding a hair oil, such as L’OrΓ©al Professionel Metal Detox Concentrated Oil, to your hair care routine can quickly help to neutralize and detoxify metals inside the hair. Ford says Sachajuan Anti Pollution Shampoo is great for dealing with hard water. When paired with the Anti Pollution Conditioner ($38), the two “actively work to protect the hair and scalp from exposure to environmental pollution like never before,” says Ford. Installing a shower filter is one of the simplest ways to minimise the impacts of hard water on both hair and skin. Prevention is always preferable to a cure, and this will help to filter the irritants out of the water you shower in. If you’re seeking a solution to repair your hair after exposure to hard water, contact the experts at Aqualite today to find solutions for any of your home’s water problems.

But that's not to say hard water can't produce buildup, which you'll want to avoid with regular washes (preferably with soft water). Azadganian offers a hot take on the subject, saying you should be cleaning your hair more than you probably already do. So there you go – 7 natural ways to remove hard water from hair and prevent damage.

Hard Water Makes Shampoo Ineffective

No matter what you use on your hair to cleanse it, it's best to always shampoo and condition it with tepid or cool water rather than hot water. Caspara says hot water strips the lead and lime off pipes and deposits onto your scalp and hair. While hard water can adversely affect all hair types, those with fine, fragile, and colored-treated hair may notice the biggest impact, says Garren, a hairstylist based in both Miami and New York City. To prevent hard water hair damage, you must use water-softening appliances in your home and chelating-based hair products that can neutralize the effects of hard water.

It’s a great shampoo to have on hand if you’re an avid swimmer, too. If you have oily hair, then this clarifying shampoo from Acure is a top pick. Thanks to its botanical blend, it is the perfect combination of gentleness and strength. It includes a paraben, phthalate, silicone, and sulfate-free formula and is normally relatively inexpensive. Just remember that some of these shampoos can dry your hair out, so be sure to pair them with a moisturizing leave-in conditioner.

Drugs & Supplements

Other than vinegar and lime juice, I also like to use herbal hair rinses. I place a tablespoon each in a pot and add 2 cups of hot water, bring to a boil, switch off the flame and let it steep until cool. When diluted in water, you can use it to remove residue and buildup, improving the hair’s overall appearance. Whether you have scalp psoriasis, dandruff, or just need to clean your hair of impurities, this Neutrogena formula has got you covered. Besides the EDTA, this formula contains lots of plant proteins to keep hair hydrated.

Whether it's apple cider vinegar or Vitamin C, chelating agents cleanse the hair thoroughly, so some may find them stripping. When used once every 1 or 2 weeks, these products can drastically improve the luster and texture of your hair. I recommend the Malibu Hard Water Wellness Kit as a color-safe chelating shampoo and conditioner set. My favorite color-safe clarifying shampoo is Kenra Clarifying Shampoo.

Installing a water softener or using filtered water for hair washing can minimize the harmful effects of hard water. Marcus explains that chelating agents such as apple cider vinegar and EDTA can help remove minerals and product buildup from hair. "Vitamin C is also an excellent mineral-removing ingredient to look for," according to Marcus.

Bear in mind though that these tools are an investment—costing up to $2,000. Dermatologist Dr Yulia Krasnaya from Evolution Aesthetics Clinic explains that “hard water can leave several signs on your skin, indicating potential damage. One common sign is dryness or tightness after washing, as hard water can strip away natural oils, leaving the skin feeling parched. A dry and flaky scalp is a common sign of hard water damage on your hair. However, prolonged exposure to hard water can make your scalp greasier than usual.

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