Is your tap water hard?

Is your tap water hard?

You've probably already heard that hard water and its various minerals can be harmful to hair health. If not, we'll enlighten you on this subject! Indeed, water contains several minerals and metals including calcium, copper, magnesium, iron and even aluminum. In small quantities, these particles do not cause any problems, but when they are abnormally abundant, as is the case in hard water, then the long-term health of the hair can be compromised. Generally speaking, the concentration of minerals in the hair varies depending on the porosity of the hair as well as the quality of the water where we live.

Logically, already damaged and more porous hair is more likely to be negatively affected by hard water since it absorbs and traps more of the excessive and harmful substances it contains. Therefore, it is even more important for damaged hair to adapt its maintenance routine according to this factor.

Regarding the water you have access to, it may be worth testing to determine if it exceeds the moderate/acceptable threshold of 80 ppm (parts per million). Another very simple and quick alternative would be to consult the various web resources that allow you to identify the hardness of the water according to the city where you live. The most common warning signs of water with high mineral content are: soap and detergent are more difficult to rinse off, dishes are stained by limescale, colored clothes fade more quickly in the wash, shampoo does not lather, skin is dry after showering, water has a strange and metallic taste, etc.

What are the negative effects of hard water on your hair?

• Buildup and Deposits: Minerals become embedded in the hair and accumulate on its surface, creating a film of deposits that leaves hair dull, rough, and heavy. The buildup coats the hair and strips it of its natural moisture.
• Dryness and breakage: Mineral deposits can clog hair follicles, impairing the health of existing hair and the growth of new hair. This can lead to dry, brittle, stiff hair that is prone to premature breakage.
• Altered Color: Hard water can alter the color of color-treated hair by impairing color retention and removing its vibrancy.
• Scalp Discomforts: Mineral buildup in the scalp can cause irritation, itching, dandruff, and many other discomforts.
• Weakened performance of hair products: In the presence of hard water, shampoos and conditioners have more difficulty fulfilling their roles due to the film formed by the accumulation of minerals which prevents full access to the hair.

How do you know if your hair health is affected by hard water?

There are several signs that hard water and calcium are damaging your hair! These include dry, coarse, lackluster, and dull-looking hair. Hair affected by hard water is generally less manageable and difficult to detangle, and it may also have difficulty creating a good lather when shampooing.

Another common indicator is a feeling of heaviness in the hair, even immediately after washing. Without the right products, minerals build up and aren't removed during shampooing, leaving hair feeling heavy and laden with buildup. Scalp discomforts such as dryness, irritation, and dandruff can also signal that hard water is affecting hair health.

When it comes to already damaged hair, it's important to know that hard water can further aggravate its overall condition! In this case, daily restorative treatments sometimes fail to produce any results. Minerals slip so easily into damaged, porous hair that they literally block the restorative benefits of the treatments. It's essential to eliminate hard water deposits before other products in your care routine can be as effective as possible.

What are some hair remedies for hard water?

Aside from using a water softener or improving your hair's porosity by avoiding chemical processes like bleaching, you can limit the impact of hard water by using the right products. For example, a clarifying shampoo specifically designed to remove mineral residue is a great place to start. If this issue is very serious, there are even hair care lines entirely dedicated to addressing it! Here are our favorite products designed to remove metal and mineral buildup from your hair: