Do you end up with dry hair every time you wash despite using conditioners? Chances are you might be rinsing off using hard water. Well, you would have heard this term before in school or college as a student. Back then, our teachers might not have taught us that hard water could actually damage hair, making our scalp more prone to dandruff. But, it is never too late to learn and prevent dandruff induced by it. This blog is all about hard water, what role it plays in hair maintenance, the disadvantages and the solutions provided.

What Exactly is the Hard Water?

We call it hard water when the water has minerals in higher concentrations. Hard water contains two primary minerals: magnesium sulphate and calcium. Both barely dissolve with other substances if used along. For example, if you use hard water with shampoo, the minerals of hard water do not dissolve with the molecules of shampoo. As a result, you see a pile of lathers stuck up in the sink.

How Could I Know Whether am Using Hard Water?

You might doubt if the water you use is the water that we are talking about. Identifying hard water is a one-step simple process. When you are done washing off, look at your bathroom sink for lather residues. If so, then your home supplies hard water. Another method of finding it is through a soap test. Fill a clean, empty bottle one-third full with tap water, add a few drops of pure liquid soap, and shake vigorously. If the water is cloudy or milky and there are few bubbles, the water is hard. The bonus sign of hard water is when your taps and faucets have mineral stains on them. Verify using these methods to identify the hard water.

Hard Water Invites Dandruff.

If you confirm hard water, you should also know what it can do and why it should be avoided, especially for people with scalp issues. It can create a handful of hair problems or intensify the existing challenges.

Leaves Residues

Our scalp is a denser area than other hairy parts of the body. This condition takes in infections through the use of fingers, nails, and combs. When we use hard water, it leaves product build-ups on the scalp without getting washed off properly. Eventually, these residues contribute to dandruff (caused by Malassezia fungus).

Frizz and Dryness

The hair should be hydrated to be healthier. Hard water strips off all the natural oils from the scalp as well as strands. This makes hair dry and brittle. The chances of getting split ends are higher in the case of using hard water. The total loss of moisture from your hair makes it look bare and unruly—which sometimes creates difficult tangles to remove.

Dullness

Everyone’s dream is to have shiny and luscious locks. Nobody could ever deny this. Using hard water will strip down the moisture you have been taking care of. Despite treating hair with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and flaxseeds, hard water may rip out the moisture.

Weakens Hair Strength

The minerals in hard water may affect your hair structure and make it more prone to damage and breakage.

Also Read: Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair

Signs of Hard Water on Dandruff

Hard water can literally damage the strength of your hair by increasing frizziness and dullness. Besides, its habit of leaving residue over the scalp and inviting dandruff is the worst of all. Many of us might have been victims of hard water. Look for these symptoms. Chances are you might already have undergone these signs.

Scalp irritation

The minerals in hard water can irritate your scalp, leading to itchy scalp and flakiness. This irritation can induce dandruff or worsen an existing condition.

Shampoo underperformance

Hard water hinders shampoos from lathering properly. When shampoo doesn’t lather as expected, it might not cleanse your scalp and hair effectively, leaving behind residues that contribute to dandruff.

More split ends

The presence of minerals can stripe off all your natural oils from both the scalp and hair ends. Due to moisture loss, the hair has more chance of getting split ends frequently than normal. Such conditions make the hair look unpleasing and totally damage the welfare of the hair.

Thin hair

Magnesium and calcium have the potential to affect your hair structure, facilitating the bringing forth of dandruff, intensively damaging the hair and increasing breakage. This results in creating a look of thin and vulnerable hair.

Also Read: Epsom Salt for hair: Benefits and the guidelines.

Solutions for hard water-damaged hair

Setting up a water softener to filter hard water can be expensive. Though it is not everyone’s cup of solutions, we can opt for alternative solutions to prevent hard water from affecting the health of your scalp and hair. The good news is it is very simple to follow.

Use clarifying shampoo

Using clarifying shampoos is great for removing excess oils and product buildup. The residue left by hard water can be quite managed with the use of clarifying shampoo.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Apple cider vinegar rinse is an alternative if you want a budget-friendly residue remover. Besides its tremendous effects on transforming skin into a glowing one and adding shine to the hair, it can get rid of hard water too. The minerals are basic, and apple cider vinegar’s acidity gently balances the scalp’s pH level, hence removing residues effortlessly. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water, apply it after shampooing, and rinse thoroughly.

Deep conditioning

Deep conditioning on the other hand helps the scalp and hair retain its moisture that’s pulled down by hard water. Choose products with ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera and argan oil to hydrate and strengthen your hair.

Scalp treatments

Use anti-dandruff shampoos like Sebamed, which contain properties to heal any form of itchiness, dryness, fungal growth, and flaking without compromising the nourishment and shine of your hair.

Use cold or warm water

Hot water can strip your hair of its natural oils, which is harmful when dealing with hard water. Use lukewarm or cool water for hair washing to minimise moisture loss.

Also Read: Home Remedies for Dandruff and Itchy Scalp: 5 Best DIY Solutions

For more useful information, read our previous and upcoming blogs related to skincare and hair care. By any chance, if you have hair or skin issues, take our test assessment and get recommended products from doctors for your specific needs. Your health is our concern.