Hair Loss: How to Protect Hair from Hard Water?

One cannot differentiate between regular and hard water until one sees the latter’s symptoms. So, how to prevent hair loss due to hard water, and is hard water hair loss reversible? Let’s answer these questions.

Hard water is a mineral-rich type with an excess of calcium, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium bicarbonates, and carbonates.

The water’s hardness could be temporary or permanent. One can remove temporary hardness by boiling the water. But permanent hardness requires a range of treatment procedures to remove the hardness.

Hard water’s calcium and magnesium content isn’t considered potentially harmful. But it can affect the hair’s health. Besides, chloride, copper, silica, iron, lead, manganese, and cadmium in water, usually seen in groundwater near industrial or coastal zones. These minerals affect the scalp and hair, resulting in hair loss over a period.

Hard water doesn’t show signs and symptoms on hair after the first shower. It affects the hair after repeated use. Some signs and symptoms include the following.

• Dry and itchy scalp 
• Dandruff
• Dull, frizzy, and dry hair
• Split ends
• Discoloured strands vulnerable to breakage and tangles
• Blockage of hair follicles
• Loss of volume

Here are some ways to prevent hair loss due to hard water.

• Water Softener: Water softeners help exchange calcium and magnesium ions with sodium to soften water. Thus, using a water softener can help significantly.
• Moisturizing Masks: Moisturizing masks with argan oil, jojoba, or almond oil can help moisturize the hair. Using a leave-in conditioner can moisturize the hair and provide a smooth finish.
• Shower Filter: Installing shower filters is another prevention measure. Shower filters reduce the mineral and chlorine content in water. Consequently, they reduce the damage that hard water causes.  

Note: Consult a dermatologist before going for any of the above preventive measures.