hair care: Here’s how hard water can wreak havoc on your hair

If you have been having one bad hair day after another, and despite maintaining a painstaking haircare regimen you have been dealing with massive hair fall ( that just refuses to go away no matter how you try) or dull and limp hair that just feels sticky come sunshine or rain, then you know who is the culprit.

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water is water with a mineral overdose. It contains a high amount of calcium and magnesite and oxidised iron. It often leaves a rust-coloured stain on clothes and floor surfaces.

India has an ongoing water crisis. Due to the huge population, water shortage is a problem that simply refuses to die. 60-70 per cent of the Indian population reside in villages where water supply is scarce and the people have to rely on hard water in their day-to-day life.

How Does Hard Water Damage Your Hair?

As hard water tends to be rather high in minerals it produces a film on the hair and makes it difficult to absorb moisture. As a result, the hair becomes more brittle and vulnerable to damage.

Hard water does not clean your hair, even after numerous rinsings. It leaves behind an unwashed patina of all the hair products you have used. ( Yes, that mild herbal shampoo which promised to decrease hair fall, will actually aggravate it if not properly washed ). This leads you to wash your hair more roughly, using more friction, thereby depriving it of its natural moisture.

High levels of magnesium and calcium put you at a higher risk of scalp diseases such as seborrheic dermatitis (flaking of the scalp), scalp eczema causing scalp redness, itching, flaking, and the formation of oily, scaly patches on the scalp.

According to Dr. Patrick Angelos, author of ‘The Science and Art of Hair Restoration’, hair loss can occur when the scalp is severely agitated by repeated contact with undistilled water.

It is important to note that hard water alone does not contribute to hair fall. But continuous exposure to hard water coupled with other factors like stress, dietary habits, and underlying health conditions, can all contribute to incessant hair loss.

How To Prevent Further Hair Damage

Install A Water Softener Shower Head

Agencies

You can also opt for a water-softening machine, that will filter out excessive minerals from your water. But these tend to be more expensive so opt for the more affordable water-softening shower head.

Opt For A Clarifying Shampoo

iStock

Once a week, rinse your hair with a clarifying hair cleanser. These shampoos tend to be a bit pricey, but are worth the cost as they can give your hair a new lease of life by removing the haircare product and mineral residue from your hair.

Don’t Ignore Hair Conditioner!

iStock

Apply a quality hair mask or conditioner once you are done shampooing your hair. Choose a conditioner with a low pH, this will help keep your hair cuticles smooth, lock back moisture, and keep those pesky minerals out.

Feed Your Hair Some Apple Cider Vinegar

iStock

The idea of ​​applying strong-smelling vinegar to your locks can be a bit iffy at first but we promise you won’t regret it. Apple cider vinegar can lower the pH of your hair and thus keep it smooth and silky. It also comes packed with vitamins B and C that can keep it dandruff-free.