Menu
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result

Home > Skin & Beauty > Hair & Scalp > Can Hard Water Cause Hair Loss?

Can Hard Water Cause Hair Loss?

March 14, 2022 - Updated on May 3, 2022
8 min read
By Akanksha Shah Sanghvi, MD, Clinical Dermatology

In this article:

  • Does Hard Water Actually Causes Hair Loss?
  • How to Identify Hard Water?
  • Tips to Reverse the Hair Damage From Hard Water
  • What Are the Side Effects of Hard Water on Hair?
  • Most-Asked Questions
  • Final Word

Hair is an important aspect of our appearance and should be cared for accordingly. While a lot of people spend significant time and effort researching the hair products they use, not a lot of thought is spared for the quality of water they use on their hair.

can hard water usage lead to hair loss?

Based on the presence or absence of mineral deposits, water can be classified as hard or soft. Read on to know more about hard water and the side effects of using it on your hair.

Hard water is essentially water that contains calcium carbonate (CaCo3) and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4). As the content of these salts goes higher, the hardness of water increases.

When the excess CaCo3 or bicarbonate salts in the water can be removed by boiling, it is known as temporary hardness. When MgSO4 cannot be removed by boiling, it is called permanent hardness. (1)

Advertisements

Does Hard Water Actually Causes Hair Loss?

can hard water actually lead to hair loss?

There is some ambiguity among doctors and scientists on the effects of hard water on hair. A research study published in the Journal of Trichology in 2013 showed that hard water does not affect the strength of your hair or cause hair loss. (1)

However, a more recent study published in 2016 found a link between the use of hard water and weak hair. (2) Washing your hair with hard water causes excess mineral deposits on the hair, which can lead to split ends and dry, brittle hair that is prone to breakage.

How to Identify Hard Water?

The term “hard water” refers to water that contains an excess of mineral deposits such as calcium and magnesium salts. Groundwater is usually hard water as it contains natural minerals that are found in soil.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has given the following guidelines to classify the hardness of water based on the amount of calcium or magnesium salts in parts per million (PPM) in water:

  • Water that is 60 PPM or lower is considered soft water.
  • Water containing above 60 PPM is considered hard water.
  • Water that contains levels higher than 120 PPM is very hard water.

Hard water can be identified by the residue it leaves on your hair even after washing, leaving it greasy and frizzy at the same time. Hard water does not clean your dishes, laundry, or even hands easily, and requires a lot of soap.

Tips to Reverse the Hair Damage From Hard Water

Here are a few tips and suggestions to help reverse the effects of hard water on your hair:

Advertisements

1. Use clarifying shampoo and deeply moisturizing conditioner

use clarifying shampoo/conditioners to reverse hard water effects on hair

There are many deep conditioning products that can help fight dryness and hair damage caused by hard water. Use natural moisturizers such as almond oil, jojoba oil, or argan oil to make your hair soft and shiny.

2. Use a water softener

Water softeners are products that help reduce or remove minerals and trace metals from hard water. They achieve this via an ion exchange method.

Water softeners can help remove calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, arsenic, sulfates, and even some heavy metals from water. (3)(4) However, they do not remove any microorganisms from water.

3. Install a showerhead filter

Installing a shower filter can help remove excess minerals and harsh chemicals as well as bacteria from the water. Shower filters reduce the damage caused by hard water to your hair and skin.

4. Do a final rinse with filtered water

Hard water may leave mineral deposits on your hair that make it greasy and frizzy. Rinsing off your hair with some filtered water before stepping out of the shower may help get rid of these deposits.

5. Apply hair mask treatments

apply hair masks to reverse drying effects of hard water on hair

Hair masks can help moisturize your hair to keep it healthy and hydrated. This helps reverse the drying effects of hard water on the hair.

Advertisements

Many hydrating products, such as aloe vera gel, honey, and avocados, can be used to make all-natural hair masks at home. You can combine honey with onion juice or aloe vera gel to boost hair growth and moisturize your hair. (5)(6)(7)

6. Apply a hair serum post shower

Hair serums help nourish and soften your hair. Using hair serums regularly may help negate the effects of hard water on your hair and get rid of frizz and dryness.

How to use:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tbsp aloe vera gel

Steps:

  1. Mix all the ingredients well.
  2. Apply this mixture to your scalp and hair.
  3. Let it rest for half an hour before washing it off with filtered water.

What Are the Side Effects of Hard Water on Hair?

possible side effects of hard water on your hair

Hard water can have certain side effects on your hair, including:

1. Thins hair

Hard water can cause hair dryness and damage, which in turn can lead to hair loss. Moreover, hair washed with hard water has a less voluminous and flattering appearance due to the deposits of minerals on the hair. (2)(8)

Advertisements

2. Reduces the strength and elasticity of hair

A single study carried out in 2016 demonstrated the negative effects of hard water on hair strength. It summarized that hard water can reduce the tensile strength of the hair and make it more prone to breakage.

However, previous studies have not shown any differences in hair strength when treated with hard or soft water.

3. Increases dryness of the hair and scalp

The excess mineral content of hard water can lead to dry, brittle hair that breaks easily. The mineral deposits in your hair can also make it feel greasy and limp.

Advertisements

Most-Asked Questions

How do I know whether water is hard or soft?

Hard water makes it difficult to clean things properly. For example, it leaves your hands soapy, doesn’t clean your laundry or dishes well, and requires a lot of soap and effort to wash things properly.

How do I soften hard water at home?

Water softeners can be used to soften hard water at home. Moreover, you can try any of the different methods listed above to avoid the negative effects of hard water on your hair.

Is vinegar/lemon good for the hair?

can using vinegar or lemon be beneficial for your hair?

Acidic substances such as vinegar or lemon can help balance the pH levels of your scalp when used in small amounts. However, their acidic nature may cause scalp irritation and inflammation in some people.

Which one is better, hard or soft water?

Soft water is better for your hair as it helps keep them soft and lustrous. Soft water cleans the hair better and helps make them manageable.

Hard water, on the other hand, may be better for drinking as it contains essential minerals such as calcium and magnesium. However, it can negatively affect the quality of your hair.

Final Word

Hard water may cause hair dryness or brittleness, which in turn leads to hair breakage. Thus, hard water can indirectly cause hair loss.

Other factors such as exposure to pollutants, inadequate nutrition, and an improper hair care routine combined with the use of hard water may increase your chances of hair loss.

References
  1. Srinivasan G, Srinivas CR, Mathew AC, Duraiswami D. Effects of hard water on hair. International journal of trichology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3927171/. Published July 2013.
  2. Luqman MW; Ali R; Khan Z; Ramzan MH; Hanan F; Javaid U; Effect of topical application of hard water in weakening of hair in men. JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27654734/.
  3. Danby SG; Brown K; Wigley AM; Chittock J; Pyae PK; Flohr C; Cork MJ; The effect of water hardness on surfactant deposition after washing and subsequent skin irritation in atopic dermatitis patients and healthy control subjects. The Journal of investigative dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28927888/.
  4. Technical information on Home Water Treatment Technologies. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/home-water-treatment/household_water_treatment.html. Published August 4, 2020.
  5. Honey, a gift from nature to health and … – researchgate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/310435905/.
  6. Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A. The effect of Aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A systematic review. Iranian journal of medical sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/. Published January 2019.
  7. Onion juice: An effective home remedy … – researchgate.net. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273758703/.
  8. S; SGCR. Scanning electron microscopy of hair treated in hard water. International journal of dermatology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26711619/.

 

  • Was this article helpful?
  • YES, THANKS!NOT REALLY
Spread the Love❤️
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements

Newsletter

Get our BEST updates delivered to your inbox:



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Categories

  • Nutrition
  • Wellness
  • Oral Care
  • Eye Care
  • Heart Health
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Women’s Health
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Respiratory Health

Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
eMediHealth

This site provides content for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended for use as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of a medical concern or emergency, please consult your healthcare provider.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation.

Our Network: Little Extra

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Nutrition
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Yoga & Meditation
  • Women’s Health
  • Heart Health
  • Allergy & Immunology
  • Bones & Joints
  • Child Health
  • Digestive
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Eye Care
  • Glands & Hormones
  • Health News
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mental Health
  • Nervous System
  • Oral Care
  • Pain Management
  • Respiratory Health
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Urological Health

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.