Does hard water cause dry hair? Water hardness plays a major role in hair health and is a leading cause of dry hair. In this post we explore the connection between hard water and dry hair and we offer solutions.
Dry hair has come up a lot recently – it’s often a shock to those newly moving into central Florida.
What is Hard Water and Why Does it Matter?
Hard water is defined as freshwater containing elevated levels of magnesium and calcium. These minerals are naturally collected during rainfall, passing through soil and rocks before ending up in our faucets and showers. Although hard water is general considered safe for use, its continuous exposure, without preventative measures, can severely damage hair. The reason lies in the minerals from hard water forming a moisture barrier on the hair, preventing essential nutrients from penetrating.
Over time, this accumulation can result in a dry, flaky scalp, frizz, diminished hair growth, breakage, and thinning. Moreover, hard water buildup interferes with the hair’s ability to absorb hair care products and treatments. This issue is particularly problematic for individuals who color their hair since the color is more likely to fade rapidly.
Hard Water Versus Soft Water
How do you tell the difference? The categorization of water as hard or soft hinges on the mineral concentration within specific regional water sources. Water hardness can differ significantly across the United States, with water in Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida, characterized by high hardness levels.
Here are some clues to hard water in your household:
- Clothes may feel rough and stiff after washing.
- White spots can appear on dishes following cleaning.
- White deposits may accumulate around sinks and bathtubs.
Does Hard Water Cause Dry Hair?
There are also distinct indicators of hard water’s impact on hair. In addition to the previously mentioned symptoms, other signs of hard water’s effects on hair encompass:
- Persistent dry hair, even when using serums and conditioning masks.
- Lackluster and lifeless hair, attributed to the minerals weighing it down.
- An increase in dandruff.
Related links:
What are the Benefits of Using a Hard Water Filter?
Best Hard Water Treatment Systems
Is Soft Water Better for Your Health?
Finding the Solution
Home water systems are a popular long-term solution for dry hair in central Florida. This can range from water softeners to water conditioners and whole house water filtration systems.
Getting the right water system includes testing your water to understand what’s in it.
Purity Bay offers this as a complimentary service during in-home estimates. We specialize in a wide range of home water solutions, including water softeners, reverse-osmosis systems, whole home water filtration systems and anything in between.
Whether you need help selecting a water system or servicing an existing system, our experienced team can help you out!
Schedule an appointment today!
