Everyone aspires to have gorgeous and healthy hair. However, there are many factors that can take a toll on our hair, causing hair-related problems. Hair loss is one of the problems many of us are dealing with. There could be so many reasons behind it. And to be able to get rid of it, it is essential to know the cause behind it.
Have you also been going through hair fall lately? One of the reasons for it can be washing hair with hard water. That’s right! The kind of water we use for washing our hair determines our hair health to some extent. In this article, we’ll see how hard water can affect your hair, and then we’ll move on to the ways you can prevent hair loss from hard water.
How does hard water affect hair?
Hard water has many undissolved minerals and salts loaded in it. This mineral build-up tends to have an unpleasant impact on your hair or skin.
The study of the Department of Dermatology, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, India demonstrated that washing hair using hard water could damage hair. It was found that the hair washed by hard water continuously was thinner. Another report suggests that hard water can decrease hair strength and cause it to break.
Other than that, hard water may increase the chances of your hair being brittle and dull. It can also make your hair frizzier.
9 tips to prevent hair loss due to hard water
We have discussed a few tips and tricks that you can try out to minimize the damage caused by the use of hard water. These will hopefully help you reduce the loss of hair that you have been experiencing due to that water.
1. Rinsing hair using apple cider vinegar.
Since hard water is alkaline, it can be neutralized by using something that is acidic. Apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature, and also good for the scalp.
Using Apple cider vinegar-based hair products can help you in removing the mineral build-up from your hair caused by the hard water. In fact, you can also go for diluted apple cider vinegar and rinse your hair with it after washing it. Just add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a mug of water and rinse your hair using it. Leave your hair like that for a few minutes, and then rinse it away.
2. Installing a water softener at the source of the water supply.
Installing a water softener can be the best way to get rid of hard water and the related problems it brings along.
There are ways that you can try at home to deal with hard water, but this one is the most effective.
The water softener is attached to the main source of water supply, and it converts your hard water into soft water. However, this can be a bit on the expensive end. You can also choose to buy a water softener shower head instead.
3. Installing a shower filter to reduce the effects of the hard water.
You can also try attaching a shower water filter to your shower unit. It will aid in removing some impurities from the hard water. We cannot expect it to be completely effective, but it can considerably reduce the impurities and chemicals from your water.
You can buy one from your nearby hardware store or find one online. Remember to follow the installation recommendations properly, and fix the filter firmly to avoid chances of leakage.
4. Using hair masks for moisturization.
Using hard water can make your hair frizzy and dry, hence right that you need to use products that will keep your hair hydrated and moisturized. You can use moisturizing masks for that or use nice conditioners that will add moisture to the hair and keep it hydrated. Using yogurt and banana hair masks can be great for your hair.
You can also try adding a few drops of coconut oil to your conditioner. It will help you tame the frizz and restore the moisturization to your hair.
5. Avoid washing your hair in hot water.
Another trick is to avoid washing your hair with hot water. It is always recommended to use either lukewarm or cold water to wash hair.
Hot water can rid your scalp of moisture, especially so in case if you’re using hard water. Using cool water will help you prevent damage and hair loss.
6. Using an alum block to purify hard water.
You can try using Aluminium sulfate to purify hard water. Before you wash your hair, collect the hard water in a bucket and leave a block of alum in it for about ten seconds. Wait for a minute, and you will notice the impurities settling down in the bucket. Your water is now ready to be used.
7. Using an egg mask for healthy and shiny hair.
While an egg is beneficial to your overall health, it is also good for your hair. Even the research paper suggests that eggs can aid hair growth. You can treat your hair with the goodness of eggs by applying an egg mask weekly. The egg mask can help you achieve shinier, silky, and healthy-looking hair.
8. Use drinking water for washing your hair.
You can use your RO filtered water to wash your hair. It can be a convenient way to save your hair from hard water side effects. Many of us have RO purifiers installed in our kitchens to filter the water and make it suitable for consumption. Using this water for hair can be safe.
However, make sure not to waste any water in the process.
9. Rinsing hair with lemon water.
Just like apple cider vinegar, lemon water is also acidic in nature. Rinsing with lemon juice will help in getting rid of the chemical and mineral build-up from your hair. Add two teaspoons of lemon juice to a mug of water and rinse your hair using this water after you are done shampooing. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then wash it off.
Tip: Remember to dilute the apple cider vinegar and the lemon juice before applying to your hair and scalp.
FAQs
1. How can you tell whether the water you are using is hard water or not?
Thankfully, there are ways to tell whether the water that is being used is hard water or soft water. Even though you can’t just decide that by looking at it, you can surely feel it. You will find that while using hard water and soap, the lather is not easily formed. Hard water also tends to leave spots or stains on utensils and clothes. You will also notice deposits of calcium on your taps, caused by hard water.
2. How to take care of hair properly?
You must try to have some sort of a hair care routine that you follow regularly. Make sure to use a good shampoo and hair conditioner that suits your hair and is not harsh on it. Also, avoid washing your hair every single day to retain its natural oil. Avoid using heat-based products too much. Always use a clean comb for your hair, and avoid sharing it with others. Other than you can use nourishing hair masks for your hair once in a while.
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Conclusion
If you are living in an area where you only get a hard water supply, you just know what to do in order to protect your hair from its impacts. We are hoping that you longer have to bother much about hair damage and hair loss problems, caused due to your water supply.
Meanwhile, do let us know in the comments below whether you know any other tricks for dealing with hard water.
