Hard water is one of those factors that can be damaging your hair without thinking about it. Growing up in Washington State, our water was pretty soft. Fast forward to now, I live in Texas and it has drastically changed my hair from the texture, how it takes in products, and the moisture levels. Here are some hard water hair treatment ideas to help restore your hair.
Most places have hard water but the where on the scale varies on location. The scale of hard to soft refers to the concentration of minerals in the water ie the more minerals the harder the water is.
You can check the hard water map with your zip code and lets you know your hard water level.
Hard water can damage your hair if you don’t take precautions. Even extensive exposure to hard water can cause hair thinning and hair loss but don’t worry it’s not super common. The hard water harms the scalp, leading to potential hair loss because it dries it out. It also affects your hair. As you can tell, hair water is overall not good for your hair.
How do you know if you have hard water?
- Film/crystals deposits on your showerhead
- Powdery white and/or green coating around faucets
- Low water pressure as the minerals build up in pipes
- Your hair doesn’t lather shampoo easily
- Dry and/or brittle hair
- Even after using a high-quality conditioner, it still feels dry and tangly
- You can test it with an at-home kit
What are the common signs of hard water damage on hair?
When your hair is wet, the minerals seep into your hair and crystalize when it dries leaving your hair feeling crispy. You might have that more crispy hair if you tend to air-dry your hair most of the time. The crystallizing minerals on your hair create a barrier not allowing moisture in or out of your hair.
This leads to dry, dull hair prone to more tangles and breakage.
Certain hair textures are more prone to hard water damage than others. High-porosity hair textures absorb hard water more than other hair textures. Color-treated and chemically treated hair falls into this category as well. Curly hair types are highly affected by hair water as they are more susceptible to dryness and frizz.
Hard water can fade colored hair or even change it, cause a dry, flakey, or even more oily scalp, weigh your hair down, and leave hair looking flat.
- Dry, brittle hair
- Flakey scalp
- Oily scalp and hair
- Dull hair
- More prone to tangles
- Frizziness
- Color fades fast
Hard Water Hair Treatment
1. Filter for your showerhead
You can get a soft water system for your whole house but that is EXPENSIVE! By just getting a shower head filter, you can get the benefits of the soft water system but for fractions of the cost. Think of it like a Brita but for your shower.
There is a lot on the market but this AquaBliss one from Amazon has almost 50,000 4.4-star reviews for only $40. I’ve heard the Jolie one is really good too but it’s $165.
2.Pre Shampoo Shampoo
A pre-shampoo product is used on dry hair before you even jump in the shower. They create a barrier between the hair and hard water to minimize build-up from the minerals.
A great option is the COLOR WOW Dream FIlter. It contains Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate and Sodium Phytate which removes metals and minerals from hair.
3.Use a clarifying shampoo
I always say to use a clarifying shampoo especially if you use a lot of dry shampoo, but it’s also a need for hard water. A clarifying shampoo is also known as a chelating shampoo which binds to minerals and metals to help them rinse away. Whereas regular shampoos just wash out dirt and reside on your hair and scalp.
I use and love the Oaui Detoxing Shampoo. But only use it once a week MAX. You can learn more about clarifying shampoos here if you want to find one for you!
4.Cut back on hair washes
Depending on your hair type and activity level, try to cut back on washing your hair in hard water. If you usually do it every other day, try 2 times a week. Water is drying as is and hard water is just an additional factor that’s drying out your hair.
If you get an oily scalp and aren’t using dry shampoo, give it a try in between washes. But don’t overuse dry shampoo as it can clog your hair follicles adding fuel to the fire to already unhealthy hair.
My favorite dry shampoo is Living Proof Advanced Clean. It actually cleans your hair and doesn’t have a really harsh white cast.
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Dealing with the adverse effects of hard water on your hair can be frustrating, but with the right knowledge and treatment, you can restore your locks to their natural beauty. By recognizing the signs of hard water damage, investing in suitable hair care products, and incorporating targeted treatments into your routine, you can bid farewell to dull, lifeless hair and welcome back the vibrancy and shine you deserve.
