Hard water can be very damaging. It contains a high amount of minerals, especially calcium and magnesium. These two minerals are, of course, essential for our body. However, excessive levels of calcium and magnesium can cause severe issues, including stiff laundry, soap scum, spotty dishes, limescale buildup, and so on. But that’s not just it. There is more to it when it comes to the negative effects of hard water.
Wondering what?
Dull, damaged, and frizzy hair!
Yes, hard water negatively impacts your hair growth. But worry not! We have got you covered in this article.
There are ample hair treatment solutions to combat the issue of hard water hair damage. In this post, we are going to discuss some of the best solutions to treat hair affected by hard water. So, without any further ado, let’s get straight to the solutions. Here we go…
What Is Hard Water, and How Does It Impact Hair?
Hard water is water that contains a high concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium ions. It forms after water percolates through rocks and soil containing calcium and magnesium compounds such as chalk, gypsum, and limestone. The high concentration of calcium and magnesium can lead to severe outcomes, including severe hair damage. Washing hair with hard water for an extended period takes away the natural lustre of your hair and leads to frizzy, dry, and rough hair texture. The excessive presence of calcium and magnesium compounds leads to build up, leaving your hair looking dull and damaged. In severe cases, hard water can even lead to scalp irritation or flakiness. All in all, hard water is damaging to your hair and skin. Hence, you are advised to take preventive measures to reduce the negative impact of hard water on hair and scalp.
Hard Water Hair Symptoms
- Breakage
- Brassiness
- Dry Scalp
- Dullness
- Frizziness
- Green Hue
- Itchy or Flaky Scalp
- Thinning
- Tangled Hair
These are the symptoms that most people who use hard water for cleaning hair experience pretty frequently. These problems arise because hard water is less effective at cleaning. Read the next section for the treatment options…
10+ Ways To Treat Hair Affected By Hard Water
If you have tried everything in your capacity to get rid of damage caused by hard water and nothing has turned out to be effective, then here are your options. These treatment options are easy, practical, and highly workable. Take a look…
1. Apple Cider Vinegar Wash
Excessive minerals found in hard water leads to increased pH levels (the acidity and basicity) of water. Increased pH levels of water increase the pH levels of hair also, making your hair appear dull and lifeless. Apple cider vinegar comes in handy in such a situation. Apple cider vinegar is acidic. It helps maintain the pH levels of your hair. All you have to do is to rinse your hair with it.
How to Give Your Hair an Apple Cider Vinegar Wash?
Step 1: Take high-quality apple cider vinegar and mix it with water.
Step 2: Now pour this mix into a spray bottle.
Step 3: Now, apply the mixture to your hair all the way down to the ends.
Step 4: Allow the mixture to rest for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Finally, rinse and pat dry your hair.
2. Clarifying or Chelating Shampoos
Then there are specialized shampoos that you can consider using when washing hair with hard water. Both clarifying and chelating shampoos are meant to treat hair affected by hard water. Clarifying shampoo is meant specifically for removing build up and residue from your scalp and hair. People who apply hair colour or have had chemical treatment should avoid using this shampoo. You can consider using chelating shampoo. Chelating shampoo contains chelating agents that work well for chemically treated hair.
3. Hair Conditioners & Serums
If your hair has become frizzy and dull because of hard water, then try using a good quality conditioner along with specialized shampoos. Applying conditioner after a hair wash will help you have smooth hair texture. Aside from that, you can consider applying hair serum for the best results.
4. Use Shower Filters
You can also use shower filters to minimize the negative effect of hard water on your hair and skin. Shower filters are designed to remove hardness compounds that lead to damaged hair. More often than not, these filters come with activated carbon to absorb hardness minerals. Activated carbon absorbs dissolved minerals and minimizes negative impact.
5. Hair Masks and Oil Massage
Extended use of hard water on your hair makes them dry, dull, and frizzy. However, moisturizing them with high-quality hair masks can help you control the damage. Apart from that, you can try massaging your hair with coconut oil before washing it for better results. You can even DIY a hair mask at home.
Here is how you can DIY a hair mask:
Step 1: Take two spoon full of coconut oil and olive oil.
Step 2: Now, mix these oils with two spoon honey and four spoon full of yogurt/aloe vera gel.
Step 3: Mix all these ingredients using a whisker.
Step 4: Now, apply the hair mask, and leave it for an hour or two.
Step 5: Rinse your hair with normal water.
This provides deep moisture and reduce frizz. You can shampoo your hair immediately or the next day for the best results.
6. Pre-Shampoo Treatment
If your hair have become uncontrollably frizzy, then try a pre-shampoo treatment. This treatment is designed to control hair damage. It should be done prior to washing your hair with hair shampoo. It creates a barrier against hard water compounds and allows your shampoo to work its best.
7. Wash with Lukewarm Water
Undoubtedly, winters necessitates the use of hot water for bathing and washing hair. However, it is worth noting that hot water further damages your hair. Hot water strips away natural oils from your hair and make them appear dry and brittle. Hence, you are advised to use lukewarm water to wash your hair in the winter season. Doing so will protect your hair from further damage.
8. Air Dry Your Hair
Of course, blow dryers make life easier, especially when you have a busy schedule. However, it is worth noting that regular use of a blow dryer can cause significant hair damage. Instead of blow drying, consider air drying your hair. By doing this, you can safeguard your hair from additional damage, especially when your water supply is already ineffective to support your hair’s needs.
9. Avoid Heat Treatment
Avoid using hot tools or heat treatments. Heat treatments, such as blow drying, curling, ironing, etc., can add to the damage, especially if you are already dealing with hard water issues. Therefore, you are advised to avoid heat treatments as much as possible to protect your hair from damage.
10. Use Heat Protectants
Constant use of hot tools or heat treatments can lead to significant hair damage and breakage. If it is impossible to completely eliminate hot tools from your routine, then use heat protectants for different styles. Heat protectants are sprays or serums that are designed to form a protective barrier on the hair’s surface. Applying heat protectants before heat treatment or styling minimizes hair damage. They kind of protect your strands from damage and moisture cuticles.
11. Consult a Professional
Last but not least, consider consulting a hair care specialist for a robust solution. As you know, hard water can cause significant damage to your hair. Sometimes, this damage cannot even be controlled with the remedies mentioned here. In such scenario, it is best to consult a hair care specialist. Professionals can help you with the right solution after a thorough evaluation of your scalp and hair condition. Neoaesthetica is a leading haircare clinic in Lucknow. You can visit Neoaesthetica for the best solutions for your hard water hair damage.
How Can Neoaesthetica Help?
Neoaesthetica is a leading hair care clinic in Lucknow. We offer the most affordable and high-quality hair treatments in the region. We have a team of highly experienced and skilled hair experts who go above and beyond to provide you with workable solutions. Our doctors first evaluate the patient’s overall scalp and hair condition to provide customized treatment based on the test reports. No matter whether you have frizzy hair or you are struggling with significant hair loss, we have treatment for all. Just visit our facility for primary consultation and let us help you fix the issue.
The Bottom Line
So, there you have it: the 11 best solutions to treat hair affected by hard water. All of the solutions outlined above are suggested by our highly skilled and knowledgeable experts. You can choose to opt for any of the solutions that align well with your hair goals. The best thing about these solutions is that they are easy to follow and very affordable. If you still do not see any noticeable change in your hair texture after trying these solutions, then visit Neoaesthetica. At Neoaesthetica, we provide customized solutions after a thorough evaluation of your hair and scalp condition. Our treatments are practical, affordable, and workable for people of all age groups. Feel free to visit Neoaesthetica.