Is It Safe To Use Distilled Water To Wash Hair? 4 Important Pros, Cons And Side Effects

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!

I have explained is it safe to use distilled water to wash hair and the benefits, side effects and ecological concerns while using distilled water for hair.

In This Article:

As someone who is conscious about hair care, I have often wondered if distilled water is safe to use for washing my hair. While some people swear by it, others caution against it. So, I decided to do some research to find out if there are any real benefits or risks associated with using distilled water for hair washing.

Is It Safe To Use Distilled Water To Wash Hair

As someone who has researched the topic extensively, I can confidently say that using distilled water to wash your hair is safe. In fact, it can even be beneficial for some individuals.

Distilled water is free of minerals and impurities that can build up on your hair and scalp over time. This buildup can cause your hair to become dull, brittle, and prone to breakage. By using distilled water, you can avoid this buildup and keep your hair looking and feeling healthy.

Is It Safe To Use Distilled Water To Wash Hair

Additionally, if you live in an area with hard water, using distilled water can be especially beneficial. Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can leave your hair feeling dry and brittle. (Luqman, Muhammad Waqas et al. “Effect of topical application of hard water in weakening of hair in men.” JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association vol. 66,9 (2016): 1132-1136.)

By using distilled water, you can avoid these minerals and keep your hair looking and feeling soft and silky.

Overall, while there is no harm in using tap water to wash your hair, using distilled water can be a great way to keep your hair looking and feeling healthy.

Comparison with Tap and Bottled Water For Hair

When it comes to washing hair, there are various options available in the market, including tap water, bottled water, and distilled water. Each of these types of water has its own unique properties and benefits.

Tap water is the most common type of water used for washing hair. However, it contains various minerals and chemicals that can be harmful to hair. These minerals can build up on the scalp and hair, causing dryness, frizziness, and breakage. In addition, tap water can contain chlorine, which can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause damage.

Bottled water, on the other hand, is often marketed as a healthier alternative to tap water. It is usually purified and contains fewer minerals and chemicals than tap water. However, it can be expensive and not always readily available.

Distilled water, meanwhile, is a type of purified water that has been boiled and condensed to remove impurities. It is free of minerals and chemicals, making it a popular choice for washing hair. Distilled water can help to prevent mineral buildup on the hair and scalp, leaving hair looking and feeling healthier.

In summary, while tap water and bottled water are commonly used for washing hair, they can contain minerals and chemicals that can be harmful to hair. Distilled water, on the other hand, is free of impurities and can help to keep hair looking and feeling healthy.

Benefits of Using Distilled Water for Hair

As someone who has been using distilled water to wash my hair for a while now, I can confidently say that it has numerous benefits. Here are some of the benefits of using distilled water for hair:

1. No Harsh Chemicals

Distilled water is free of harsh minerals and chemicals that can damage your hair. It is pure and gentle, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

2. Prevents Buildup

Using tap water to wash your hair can result in mineral buildup, which can make your hair look dull and lifeless. Distilled water does not contain any minerals, so it prevents buildup and keeps your hair looking healthy and shiny.

3. Improves Hair Health

Distilled water helps to maintain the pH balance of your hair, which is essential for healthy hair. It also helps to keep your hair hydrated, which can prevent split ends and breakage.

4. Enhances Hair Color

If you dye your hair, using distilled water can help to maintain the color for longer. Tap water can cause the color to fade quickly, but distilled water does not contain any minerals that can strip the color from your hair.

Overall, using distilled water to wash your hair is safe and beneficial. It is gentle, pure, and can help to improve the health and appearance of your hair.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

As with any beauty routine, there are some potential side effects and precautions to keep in mind when using distilled water to wash your hair.

Firstly, it’s important to note that distilled water may not be suitable for everyone. Those with very dry or damaged hair may find that using distilled water exacerbates their hair issues. Additionally, individuals with sensitive scalps may experience irritation when using distilled water.

It’s also worth noting that using distilled water exclusively to wash your hair may result in a lack of necessary minerals and nutrients. While distilled water is free of impurities, it also lacks the minerals that regular tap water contains. Over time, this could lead to dryness and brittleness in the hair.

To mitigate these potential issues, it’s recommended to use distilled water in moderation and to incorporate other hair care products that can help nourish and protect the hair. Additionally, consulting with a hair care professional can help determine if distilled water is a suitable choice for your specific hair type and concerns.

How To Wash Hair with Distilled Water – Best Practices

As someone who has been using distilled water to wash my hair for a while now, I have found that there are a few best practices that can help ensure the best results.

Firstly, make sure that the distilled water is at room temperature before using it to wash your hair. This will help prevent any shock to your scalp and hair, which can cause damage.

Secondly, use a gentle shampoo that is free from harsh chemicals. This will help to prevent any further damage to your hair and scalp.

When washing your hair, make sure to rinse it thoroughly with the distilled water. This will help to remove any impurities and buildup that may have accumulated on your scalp and hair.

After washing, it is important to condition your hair. Use a conditioner that is specifically designed for your hair type and apply it evenly throughout your hair. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off with distilled water.

Finally, avoid using any styling products that contain alcohol or other harsh chemicals. These can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause further damage.

By following these best practices, you can safely and effectively wash your hair with distilled water, leaving it looking and feeling healthy and strong.

Why You Should Trust Us?

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can using distilled water prevent hair loss?

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that using distilled water can prevent hair loss. Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors such as genetics, stress, and hormonal changes. However, using distilled water to wash your hair can help to remove any impurities and minerals that may be present in tap water, which can lead to healthier hair.

How does distilled water compare to spring water for hair washing?

Spring water contains natural minerals that can be beneficial for hair health, while distilled water has been stripped of all minerals and impurities. However, using spring water to wash your hair can also lead to a buildup of minerals over time, which can cause hair to become dry and brittle. Distilled water can be a good alternative for those who have hard water or sensitive scalp.

Is purified water or distilled water better for sensitive hair care?

Purified water and distilled water are both good options for sensitive hair care. Purified water has been treated to remove impurities and contaminants, while distilled water has been boiled and condensed to remove all minerals and impurities. Both types of water can help to prevent irritation and dryness on the scalp.

What is the best method to wash hair with distilled water?

When washing your hair with distilled water, it is important to use a gentle shampoo that is free from sulfates and parabens. Wet your hair thoroughly with warm water and apply the shampoo, massaging it into your scalp and hair. Rinse your hair with distilled water until all of the shampoo has been removed. Follow up with a conditioner to help nourish and hydrate your hair.

Summary

Distilled water is created through a process of boiling water and collecting the steam, which is then condensed into a separate container. This process removes minerals, chemicals, and impurities from the water, leaving it pure and free of contaminants. While this makes distilled water suitable for many uses, including medical procedures and laboratory experiments, its effectiveness for hair washing is still a topic of debate.