A Tough Fight: Hard Water Harms Hair

It’s no secret: hard water harms hair. But what is hard water and how can such a common threat be slowed or even stopped?

Hard water is water that is high in mineral content. That is the simple answer. Imagine water as it flows through your city, to your neighborhood, and finally into your home. Over time, these carrying pipes develop mineral deposits. Sometimes the minerals break free and mingle with the passing water.

So how is hard water damaging to hair? Well, all that hard water leaves minerals in your hair, which can build up over time and make your hair dry, lifeless, and hard to manage.

Hard water also makes it more difficult to wash shampoos and conditioners from your hair. This can cause years of build-up of old hair care products that are hard to remove.

Shower Head Filter

A hard water softener shower head can be a cost effective addition to your shower. These products purify the water in your shower and can reduce the heavy metals that cause hard water. Like other softeners, these will need regular maintenance and up-keep.

Chelating Shampoo

Chelating shampoos help to remove hard water elements, like heavy metals, from the hair. Heavy metals and minerals bind to the hair and regular shampoos aren’t designed to remove these elements. Chelating shampoos contain EDTA, an acid that breaks down stronger chemicals, yet is water soluble and safe to use sparingly. These shampoos should only be used once a week.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Mix ¼ to 1 cup of apple cider vinegar with 16 ounces of water; if you are feeling particularly zesty, add a dash of lemon. After thorough shampoo, massage the vinegar rinse to your hair. The vinegar helps to restore the natural pH. Once your hair dries, the vinegar smell will disappear.

Argan Oil

Argan oil has high levels of Vitamin E and natural fatty acids which can help moisturize hair, giving it a younger, rejuvenated look. You can use the oil itself or find a products that contain the oil. However, be wary of any product which says it contains the oil; many are high in artificial preservatives, scents, and may contain very little of the actual oil.

While most of these methods are effective, they are simply stop-gap measures for the best solution to hard water: change your water. You can’t change the water that comes into your home, necessarily, but you can buy a hard water softener. Softeners don’t just change the water at a specific faucet, but through your whole house; this includes your washing machine and the ice maker in your fridge.

If you have questions or would like to learn more about winning the fight against hard water contact the professionals at Johnson Water Conditioning Co.