Prevent Hair Loss Due to Hard Water

"Hard" water is typically defined as water that has a high mineral content. While large amounts of calcium are often to blame for the development of hard water, high stores of copper and magnesium can also contribute to poor water quality. It should be noted that laboratory experiments have concluded that there was little appreciable difference in the tensile strength and elasticity of hairs after they were treated with hard and soft water. Anecdotally, however, water with a high mineral content might make your hair feel drier and more brittle, which can contribute to hair loss. If this is your experience there are some steps you can take.

Steps

Taking Steps to Soften your Water

1. Soften your water. Although it is unlikely that hard water will lead directly to hair loss, softening the water you use to wash your hair can help you have a healthy and strong head of hair. The most comprehensive way to do this is by lowering the mineral content of the water. Water softener machines are specifically designed to solve this problem.
   • Water softeners are typically kept in basements or garages, and they work to reduce calcium and magnesium (limescale) in the water.
   • If your home or apartment does not already have a water softener, you might consider buying one.
   • In some cases, you may also be able to rent a water softener in order to try it out before making the investment of buying one.
2. Get a shower filter. A much more practical and affordable option is just to get a filter for your shower head. These work in much the same way as a regular water filter, by neutralizing pH levels. You will need to replace your existing shower head, but this is a lot cheaper and easier than buying a full water softening system.
   • You may have to replace the actual filter inside the shower head every six months or so, but these are relatively inexpensive.
   • You can expect to pay between $10 and $45 for a filter in the US.
3. Try adding some alum to water. One way to get softer water is set aside a bucket of water from the shower or tap which you will use to rinse your hair. Before you rinse, add a spoonful of alum to the bucket of water. The alum will help the minerals in the water to settle at the bottom.
   • You can then scoop up water from the surface to rinse your hair.
   • This water will be less rich in minerals, and less hard.
   • You can find alum powder at the spice section of your grocery store.

Getting the Right Shampoo and Conditioner

1. Look for shampoos that fight hard water. There are shampoos available that are specifically designed for hard water that can help you lower the chances of hair loss. A "chelating" or "clarifying" shampoo is a good choice. These shampoos are designed to tackle and prevent mineral build-up in your hair, but they are harsh so should be used sparingly.
   • Look for a shampoo with the ingredient EDTA.
   • Only use this shampoo once a week.
   • Use a moisturising conditioner after you use this shampoo.
2. Use a conditioner. It's always a good idea to use a conditioner after you wash your hair in hard water. This will help to prevent your hair drying out and becoming brittle, which can contribute to hair loss. Look for a conditioner with natural ingredients that will moisturise your hair.
   • Argon oil is an intensely moisturising ingredient to look out for.
   • You can find conditioners especially designed for hard water areas.
3. Consider a leave in conditioner. To condition your hair even more, you can use a leave in conditioner. This just means you lightly apply it to your hair after washing and let it soak in. Two or three drops of coconut or almond oil gently rubbed into the lower half of your hair will help you to lock in the moisture and prevent dryness.
   • Don't apply more than this or you will end up with greasy hair.
   • The importance of having a good hair care regime to prevent hair loss is heightened by being in a hard water area.

Trying Natural Remedies

1. Add vinegar to the water you use to rinse your hair. Mix one tablespoon of white vinegar with three cups of water. Take a shower, shampooing your hair as normal. The vinegar can remove built-up minerals from hard water, as well increasing shine and body. When it is time to rinse the shampoo from your hair, use the water and vinegar mixture you created.
   • Carefully pour the concoction over your head, being sure to soak all strands of hair.
   • Rinse it off after a couple of minutes.
   • Some people prefer to use apple cider vinegar.
2. Try a lemon or lime juice rinse. An alternative to vinegar, is a lemon or lime rinse. It works in a similar way to vinegar by breaking down residual salts and minerals in your hair. Lemon and lime juice also strips off excess oil, which makes it an especially good choice for those with greasier hair.
   • Mix with the same measurements as the vinegar method, one tablespoon of lemon or lime juice to three cups of water.
   • After shampooing, massage this solution into your hair and your scalp.
   • Rinse it off after a couple of minutes.
3. Use filtered water for the final rinse. To cut down on your use of hard water, you could use some filtered water for the last rinse when you are washing your hair. You will need about a litre of water for this. Simply pour it over your head a little at a time to wash out the shampoo and conditioner.
   • For a short-term option you could use bottled mineral or spring water.
   • Using bottled water regularly would get expensive and wouldn't be environmentally friendly.
4. Use rainwater to wash your hair. Rainwater is also a good substitute to hard water when washing your hair, as it very soft and largely free of salts and minerals. Place a large bucket outside during rainfalls, collecting as much of the liquid as possible. When it is time to take a bath or shower, heat the water in batches in a large pot on the stove to medium heat, and use while bathing.
   • If you don't use the water straight away, it needs to be kept properly, with a secure lid.
   • You shouldn't assume rainwater is safe to drink.

Tips

• If you have tried all of the recommendations described above and are still experiencing hair loss, you may want to consult a physician.
• Your hair loss could be related to factors other than hard water.

Warnings

• If there is aluminum in the hard water, be aware that aluminum toxicity can result from exposure to low concentrations over a period of years. You may experience bone and muscle pain, weakness, and progressive dementia.

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• Bald Gracefully
• Prevent Hair Loss
• Get Rid of Dry Hair and Dry Scalp
• Stop Hair Loss Naturally
• Remove Dandruff Using Vinegar
• Treat Thinning Hair
• Treat Female Hair Loss
• Use Egg Oil Massage to Treat Hair Loss
• Prevent and Treat Dandruff
• Tell if You're Going Bald

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