Hard water is water that contains a lot of minerals. Although calcium is commonly cited as a cause of water hardness, copper and magnesium can also cause water quality degradation. According to laboratory experiments, there is only a slight difference in the strength and elasticity of the hair after being treated with hard water and plain water. However, in reality, hard water can cause hair to feel drier and more brittle, leading to hair loss. If your hair is falling out due to hard water, follow these steps to fix it.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Soften the Water
Step 1. Soften the water you are using
While hard water is not a direct cause of hair loss, softening the water you use to wash your hair can help strengthen your hair roots. The most thorough way to soften water is to use a water softener machine to lower its mineral content.
- Water softeners are usually stored in garages or basements, and can reduce calcium and magnesium levels in water.
- Consider buying a water softener if your house or apartment doesn't already have one.
- Sometimes, you can also rent a water softener to try it out before buying.
Step 2. Use a strainer for the shower
Another cheaper and more practical way to soften water is to purchase a filter that can be mounted on the shower head. The way this filter works is similar to an ordinary water filter, namely by neutralizing the acidity (pH) of water. To install the filter, you will need to replace the shower head, but replacing it is still cheaper and easier to do than installing a water softener.
- You may need to change your shower filter every 6 months, but it's not that expensive.
- In the US, these filters range in price from $10-$45.
Step 3. Add 1 tablespoon of alum to a bucket of water, then use the water to wash your hair
You can use alum to soften the water. The alum will separate the minerals in the water, and collect them at the bottom of the bucket.
- Take water from the top of the bucket to wash your hair.
- After mixed with alum, the mineral content and water hardness will decrease.
- Find alum powder in the spice section of your supermarket.
Method 2 of 3: Using the Right Shampoo and Conditioner
Step 1. Find a shampoo specifically designed for hard water
Special hard water shampoos are available, such as chelating or clarifying shampoos, which can prevent hair loss. These shampoos are designed to prevent and treat mineral buildup in your hair. However, this particular shampoo is classified as a harsh shampoo, so you are not recommended to use it regularly.
- Look for shampoos with EDTA ingredients.
- Use this special shampoo at least once per week.
- Use a conditioner that softens your hair after using a special hard water shampoo.
Step 2. Use conditioner after washing your hair with hard water, to prevent hair from drying out and hardening
Dry and hardened hair is one of the causes of hair loss. Find a conditioner with natural ingredients, which can soften your hair.
- Choose a conditioner that contains argan oil. Argan oil can moisturize your hair.
- There is also a special coder for hard water.
Step 3. Use a leave-in conditioner to moisturize your hair
Apply conditioner after washing your hair, then let the conditioner soak in. Use 2-3 drops of almond or coconut oil on the underside of your hair to keep your hair moisturized and prevent it from drying out.
- Don't apply too much coconut/almond oil so your hair doesn't get greasy.
- If the water you use to wash your hair is hard water, treat your hair carefully to prevent loss.
Method 3 of 3: Try Natural Hair Treatments
Step 1. Add vinegar to the water you use to rinse your hair
Mix 1 tbsp vinegar with 3 cups water. Take a shower as usual, and shampoo your hair. Vinegar can remove minerals from hard water, as well as make hair shine. When rinsing hair, use a vinegar solution.
- Pour the vinegar water slowly, until it covers the entire surface of the hair.
- After a few minutes, rinse your hair as usual.
- Some people prefer apple cider vinegar to rinse hair.
Step 2. Try rinsing your hair with a lemon/lime juice solution instead of vinegar
Like vinegar, lemon/lime juice can also remove salt, minerals, and oil from your hair. Therefore, rinsing hair with lemon/lime juice is highly recommended for those with oily hair.
- As with vinegar, dissolve 1 tablespoon of lemon/lime juice in 3 cups of water.
- After washing your hair with shampoo, apply the solution on your hair and scalp.
- After a few minutes, rinse your hair as usual.
Step 3. Use filtered water to rinse hair
To reduce the use of hard water, you can use filtered water when rinsing your hair for the last time. Prepare 1 liter of water to rinse hair. Slowly pour water over your hair to rinse out the shampoo and conditioner.
- In the short term, you can use bottled mineral water.
- However, using bottled water regularly to rinse your hair is not cheap, nor is it environmentally friendly.
Step 4. Use rainwater to wash your hair
Rainwater can be a substitute for hard water which is suitable for washing hair, because rainwater is very soft and free of salt and minerals. On rainy days, place a large bucket outside, and collect as much rainwater as possible. Then, when you are about to take a shower, gradually heat the water over medium heat, and use the rainwater to bathe.
- If you are not using rainwater directly, store the water in a safe place, and close the water container.
- Remember that rainwater is not safe to drink.
Tips
- If you have tried all of the steps above, but your hair is still falling out, call your doctor.
- Your hair loss may be influenced by other factors, apart from the hardness of the water you use.
