How water quality affects hair health is a topic of concern for many people, but does hard water cause hair loss?
First, let’s be clear on what is hard water.
Water is considered “hard” based on the amount of dissolved minerals (namely, calcium and magnesium) found in it. Hard water ends up leaving mineral deposits made up of calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, and calcium sulfate.
We generally notice this as spots, film, or residue left behind on fixtures, faucets, dishes, clothes, and your body … including your hair.
What Impact Does Hard Water Have on Hair?
With its high mineral content, hard water often is blamed for various skin and hair issues. The impact hard water has on hair can include the following:
- Dryness and Dullness. Washing hair with hard water can strip the natural oils from the scalp and hair, leaving them dry and lacking luster. The minerals in hard water can create a film on the hair, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate. And dry hair can become frizzy and hard to manage.
- Difficulties in Lathering. The minerals in hard water react with soap and shampoo, reducing their lathering ability. This can lead to you having to use more hair products and cleansers, potentially exacerbating the impact of harsh chemicals on both the hair shaft and hair follicles.
- Tangled and Brittle Hair. The mineral buildup from hard water can cause hair strands to become brittle and more prone to frizz and tangles. This can result in damaged hair, increased hair breakage, and split ends.
- Scalp Irritation. Hard water may contribute to scalp irritation and dandruff. The minerals can build up on the scalp, leading to dryness and itching.
Does Hard Water Cause Hair Loss?
Hair loss is a complex issue. It can be the result of genetics, hormonal changes, health, aging, lifestyle, environmental factors … or any combination of these things.
While hard water can contribute to various hair issues, the direct link between hard water and hair loss has not been firmly established by medical research at this time.
However, studies do show that the adverse effects of hard water on the elasticity and condition of hair can make it more prone to breakage and hair thinning.
Solutions for Treating Hard Water
You can try various hair treatments, like clarifying shampoo, vinegar rinse, leave-in conditioners, etc. to deal with how hard water affects your hair.
But a better solution is to treat the core problem — your water quality.
If your home water is showing any of the general signs of hard water — like soap scum, mineral deposits, or buildup affecting water flow through your shower head — or if you’re noticing hard water damage to your hair, there are solutions available to fix the water problem causing these issues.
Whole House Water Filters
How They Work: Whole house water filters are installed at the point where water enters your home. They use various filtration media to remove impurities, including minerals responsible for water hardness.
Benefits: Whole house water filters provide comprehensive water treatment for your entire home, ensuring that every tap delivers softened water for everything from bathing and doing laundry, to cooking and drinking water as well.
Considerations: The type of filtration media used in the system will determine its effectiveness in removing hardness minerals.
Water Softeners
How They Work: Water softeners use ion exchange to replace calcium and magnesium ions (responsible for hardness) with sodium or potassium ions.
Benefits: Water softeners are specifically designed to address hardness in water, providing a continuous supply of soft water throughout your home.
Considerations: Regular maintenance, including adding salt to the system, is required for optimal performance.
Test the Quality of Your Home Water
To understand the quality of the water in your home and its potential impact on your hair and overall well-being, we recommend scheduling a free in-home water test. Our water quality experts will assess the mineral content, hardness, and other factors affecting your water.
Contact us today to schedule your free in-home water test and learn more about solutions that will fix any specific issues and ensure your water is soft, pure, and beneficial for your hair and skin.