Leah LOVES hair. So much so, she dedicated an entire website to it! One of the founders of Hair Everyday and Chief Editor, Leah enjoys reviewing all the hair products and showcasing the best. She believes her most underrated articles are her hair care tips!
Learn how to fix hard water hair damage and if the hard water hair loss is reversible. Also check out a good clarifying shampoo for hard water and hair mask for hard water.
Hard water damage is real but a lot of people don’t realize how much the water from their taps can affect them. This water contains a higher concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium.
The hardness level of the water is determined by the concentration of minerals in it. Hard water can be a cause of worry for a lot of reasons.
It can cause a lot of household issues like scale build-up in pipes, tiles, water heaters, clothing, etc.
But it can also be a major issue for your hair and skin. The scale deposits from this water act like buildups and accumulate on your scalp. They can drastically affect the texture of your hair and even worsen it.
The thick coating of these minerals on your hair prevents moisture from getting absorbed properly.
Some of the most common hair issues caused by hard water include dull and coarse hair, dry ends, tangled and parched hair.
If you feel like your hair is super dehydrated even after doing everything to revive it, it is probably because of the hard water.
But thankfully, these issues can be easily solved or even avoided. There are so many ways in which you can save your hair from hard water damage.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common methods to fix this issue.
How To Fix Hard Water Hair Damage
Use a clarifying shampoo to remove mineral traces from hair
When you use hair products like serums, creams, oils, hair sprays, etc, it can lead to a lot of buildups that are difficult to remove with your regular shampoo.
This is why you should be using a clarifying shampoo once a week. A clarifying shampoo can also help in getting rid of the deposits caused by mineral water.
If the mineral deposits stay on your scalp for too long, it could lead to a lot of scalp issues like itching and inflammation.
But you should only be using the clarifying shampoo once a week otherwise it would strip off the natural oils from your scalp.
Use the Malibu hard water kit
A Malibu hard water kit is one of the most effective hair care treatments for hard water build-ups.
This product is also known as Malibu Crystal gel treatment because the product turns into a gel consistency before application. Sometimes a clarifying shampoo is not enough to get rid of the stubborn build-ups caused by hard water.
The treatment is stronger than a clarifying shampoo and will help in tackling hard water issues for your hair. You can do this at your home but if this is your first time, I would recommend you go to the salon to get it done.
I feel that the best part about this kit is that you will find different types of treatments that cater to various needs of the hair. If you have colored or chemically treated hair, you can choose the one that works best for you.
The Malibu C treatment can also be used before chemical treatments to prepare your hair and get the best results.
Use a water softener to demineralize hard water
A water softener is a good investment if you are constantly struggling because of hard water.
This is a long-term solution to a chronic problem. A water softener is basically a whole house filtration system that reduces the hardness of the water in your plumbing.
If you have a lot of issues because of hard water, I would definitely recommend you to take the plunge and install a water softener system in your house.
This is not only beneficial for your hair but also reduces scale build-ups in your clothes and other appliances that are caused by hard water.
- Related: Hard Water Effects On Hair
- Related: Best Shampoos For Hard Water
Do a citric acid rinse on your hair
Citric acid is a great ingredient for your hair and helps to keep it healthy but you have to make sure that you use it in moderation.
You can make this simple citric acid rinse that will help in tackling issues caused by hard water. This will also help in drastically improving the texture of your hair and making it soft and smooth.
Combine 1/8th cup of lemon juice with one cup of water to create this concoction. Do not add too much citrus extract or it could have negative effects on your hair and scalp.
This rinse should be applied before shampooing. Make sure you completely saturate your hair with the mixture and then wash it off.
Use a leave-in conditioner or oil after showering to nourish hair
Hard water issues can also be prevalent when you use a swimming pool. You must have noticed that your hair feels rough and brittle after swimming in a pool.
The chlorine in the water can aggressively affect the quality of your hair so it is important to have a “shield” of sorts that can protect hair from hard water.
You can slather on some leave-in conditioner or hair oil that will create a thin film over your hair strands to avoid the damage.
A major problem caused by hard water is hair dryness, so regular use of oils and leave-in conditioners can help in reviving your hair if you wash your hair with hard water.
Clarify your hair by using a DIY baking soda hair wash
This is another simple way to clarify your hair to remove hard water residue. Baking soda acts very similar to the shampoo and reduces any dirt and debris from your hair.
But baking soda can be harsh on the hair and may strip the moisture so you should follow up with a conditioner. If you have an oily scalp, the rinse will work perfectly.
You have to form a paste by combining baking soda and water and then apply it to your hair.
Use hair masks regularly to soften hair
A nourishing moisturizing hair mask should be a part of your hair care regime if you have hard water damage.
This will help in repairing your hair and making it smooth and shiny. A hair mask can instantly upgrade the look of your hair and helps in sealing in moisture. But don’t use these regularly.
It is recommended to use hair masks once or twice a week for best results.
Rinse your hair with a solution of apple cider vinegar
If you don’t want to invest in a clarifying shampoo or a Malibu crystal gel, there are cheaper alternatives that you can choose from.
Vinegar has antimicrobial properties so you can use it to make a DIY rinse to get rid of hard water deposits. Here is what you will need to make a quick Apple Cider vinegar rinse.
- 1/4th cup Apple cider vinegar
- Essential oil of your choice
- Spray bottle
Combine 1/4th cup of Apple cider vinegar with a glass of water. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil into the mixture and transfer them into a spray bottle.
After you have shampooed and conditioned your hair, spray this liquid on your hair and wait for about 15 minutes before rinsing.
Apple cider vinegar is not only useful for combating hard water damage but also helps in reducing fungal infections on the scalp.
Use a boar bristle brush to help hair distribute oils better
A boar bristle brush is one of the best types of hairbrushes you can use if you want to evenly distribute oil on your hair.
If you are not washing your hair often, this brush can help in refreshing your hair and preventing greasiness.
Use club soda to clarify hair
This is another household item that is going to help you with those annoying mineral deposits.
The sodium properties in the club soda act as a great clarifying agent. It not only helps in clarifying your hair but can also reduce frizz!
The best part about this rinse is that it feels so good and satisfying when you pour the fizzy club soda on your head.
Can hard water cause hair loss
Hard water is water that contains high levels of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. While hard water itself is not a direct cause of hair loss, it can have certain effects on the hair and scalp that may contribute to hair-related issues.
Here’s how hard water can potentially impact your hair:
- Mineral Buildup: Hard water can lead to mineral buildup on the scalp and hair follicles. This buildup can make the hair feel dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. It can also weigh down the hair, making it appear dull and lifeless.
- Scalp Irritation: The minerals in hard water can cause scalp irritation, dryness, and itching. This can disrupt the natural balance of the scalp, potentially leading to conditions like dandruff or scalp inflammation, which indirectly may affect hair health.
- Product Inefficiency: Hard water can interfere with the performance of hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. The minerals in hard water can react with the ingredients in these products, reducing their effectiveness. As a result, hair may not receive the necessary nourishment and hydration it needs for optimal health.
It’s important to note that while hard water can affect the condition of your hair, it is not a direct cause of hair loss. Hair loss is typically influenced by a combination of factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, medical conditions, and styling practices.
To minimize the impact of hard water on your hair, you can consider the following steps:
- Water Softening: Installing a water softener can help reduce the mineral content in your water, making it less harmful to your hair and scalp.
- Clarifying Products: Regularly using clarifying shampoos or treatments can help remove mineral buildup from your hair and scalp. These products are designed to eliminate residues and restore hair’s natural shine and vitality.
- Deep Conditioning: Using deep conditioning treatments or hair masks can help restore moisture to dry and brittle hair caused by hard water.
- Protective Styling: Opt for hairstyles that minimize exposure to hard water, such as updos or protective styles that keep your hair covered or away from direct contact with water.
If you’re concerned about hair loss or experiencing excessive hair shedding, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist or a healthcare professional who can evaluate your specific situation and provide appropriate guidance and treatment options.
Summary on How To Fix Hard Water Damage
If you want to eliminate the issue of hard water damage on hair, it is important to understand the source of the problem and then solve it.
Not everybody wants to invest in a hard water softener at home.
If installing a hard water softener is too much, you can rely on a T3 hard water softener in the shower.
This is going to make all the difference in the quality of the water and it is super easy to set up.
Till then, these tips on fixing hard water damage should come handy to keep your hair healthy.
Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?
The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
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To Summarize
