What Are the Best Hard Water Treatments for Hair?
Hard water treatment for hair is essential if you want to keep your hair healthy and strong!
In fact, most people don’t realize that hard water can seriously damage their hair over time.
Hard water is very common in many parts of the country, including Illinois. Because it contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which can cause buildup on your hair and scalp. Over time, this buildup makes hair harder to manage and can even affect skin health.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- First, how hard water forms and where it comes from
- Then, the way hard water damages your hair and skin
- Next, why a water softener for hair is the best long-term solution
- Plus, other hard water solutions for hair if you’re not ready to install a softener
- Finally, how Angel Water can help you test your water and choose the right treatment
Keep reading to learn how you can restore shine, softness, and strength to your hair. Indeed, the right solution may be simpler than you think.
Hard Water Treatment for Hair: What You Need to Know
Frequently, people notice changes in their hair and skin that they don’t like. So, this is when you need to look for the best hair treatment for hard water.
Maybe your shampoo doesn’t lather, or your hair feels rough after every wash. Ultimately, these problems usually trace back to mineral buildup caused by hard water.
Where Does Hard Water Come From?
Hard water comes from underground sources. Specifically, water that passes through limestone, chalk, or gypsum.
As the water moves through these rocks, it picks up calcium and magnesium. By the time it reaches your home, it contains minerals that are tough on hair, skin, and even household plumbing.
If you live in the Midwest, hard water is especially common. Too, it’s common in parts of South Florida as well. Surprisingly, West Palm Beach has very hard water, with levels around 317 parts per million (ppm).
That’s why many homeowners seek water softeners and hair solutions to protect their families from the side effects.
How Does Hard Water Damage Hair?
To clarify, minerals in hard water react with shampoo and soap, leaving a film on your hair.
This film prevents moisture from getting in, causing problems. Thus, using the right hard water treatment for hair is vital.
For example, here’s how hard water can damage your ‘do:
- Dry and brittle hair: Mineral buildup blocks moisture. This makes hair dry and easy to break.
- Dull hair: Mineral deposits create soap scum. That reduces shine.
- Tangles and knots: The rough texture from buildup makes hair tangle easily.
- Heavy hair: The mineral film weighs hair down, making it flat.
- Fading hair color: Hard water makes hair color fade faster. Especially red and brown shades.
- Scalp irritation: Mineral buildup irritates the scalp. It causes dryness, itching, and dandruff.
- Poor lather: Shampoo doesn’t lather well in hard water. So, you end up using too much.
Hard water disrupts your hair’s natural balance. Certainly, using the best hard water treatment for hair is key to restoring its health.
The Best Long-Term Solution: Water Softeners for Hair
Truly, your most effective hard water treatment for hair is fixing the hard water issue.
This is where water softeners come in. A water softener removes calcium and magnesium from the water in your home. Further, water softeners use a process ion exchange.
In fact, this is often the best hard water treatment for hair you can invest in.
How Water Softeners Work
First, water softeners have two main parts: a mineral tank and a brine tank.
The mineral tank contains resin beads coated with sodium ions. Next, hard water flows into this tank. The calcium and magnesium ions stick to the beads. They replace the sodium ions. This process “softens” the water.
The brine tank holds salt water. Then, the softener cleans the resin beads by flushing them with brine. This puts sodium ions back on the beads and removes the calcium and magnesium.
Last, the wastewater, with extra salt and minerals, is then drained away. Now you have soft water!
Benefits of Using a Water Softener for Hair and Skin
Installing a water softener is a great hard water treatment for hair. Because it benefits your hair, skin, and your entire home.
- Healthy, shiny hair: By removing mineral buildup, water softeners allow hair to hold moisture, making it softer and shinier.
- Less hair breakage: Soft water prevents dryness, which reduces breakage and split ends.
- Longer-lasting hair color: Soft water helps hair color last longer by preventing mineral buildup.
- Softer, smoother skin: Just like with hair, soft water helps skin stay moisturized.
- Less soap is needed: Soft water helps soaps and detergents lather better, so you don’t need to use as much.
- Cleaner clothes and dishes: Soft water prevents soap scum in appliances. So, clothes and dishes get cleaner.
- Longer appliance life: Hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances, shortening their lifespan. A water softener prevents this, saving you money.
Choosing a water softener is more than just a beauty fix. It also helps your plumbing, appliances, and even your wallet.
However, it’s an investment. If a water softener isn’t in the cards right now, don’t despair!
Alternative Hard Water Solutions for Hair
Not everyone is ready to install a water softener right away. But when you are, the licensed plumbers at Angel Water can help!
The good news is that there are several short-term options you can try. These don’t remove the minerals from your water. But they can reduce their effects on your hair.
Popular choices include:
Stop Wasting Money!
Are you spending money every month on Bottled Water for your home or office? That adds up quickly and with inflation, it’s only going to cost more tomorrow.
With the NEW purAsure Counter top Reverse Osmosis System you never have to pay for another case of plastic bottles! Get yours before the price goes up and Enjoy cleaner, healthier water on demand!
1. Shower Filters
Shower filters are less expensive and easier to install than whole-house systems.
First, they attach to your showerhead. Then, they use materials like activated carbon to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and some minerals.
- Benefits: Shower filters reduce chlorine and some minerals. Hence, this makes hair and skin feel softer. Additionally, they are also affordable and easy to install.
- Limitations: But they don’t remove as much calcium and magnesium as water softeners. And you also need to replace the filter cartridge regularly.
- Example: Jolie Filtered Showerhead, available on Amazon. Or, direct from the distributor.
2. Chelating Shampoos
Chelating shampoos are designed to remove soap scum from hair. They contain ingredients like EDTA or citric acid. These bind to minerals and help wash them away.
Therefore, this makes them a good temporary hard water treatment for hair.
- Benefits: Chelating shampoos remove mineral buildup, leaving hair cleaner and softer.
- Limitations: Beware, using them too often can dry out your hair. Plus, they only address the symptoms. Not the root cause, so you need to keep using them.
- Usage: Use a chelating shampoo once or twice a week, followed by a moisturizing conditioner.
3. Acidic Rinses
Acidic rinses contain things like apple cider vinegar (ACV) or lemon juice. So, they can dissolve mineral buildup. And restore your hair’s natural pH balance.
- Benefits: Acidic rinses remove mineral deposits. Also, they smooth the hair cuticle and add shine.
- Limitations: Using them too frequently can lead to dryness. Some people also find the smell unpleasant.
- Usage: Dilute ACV or lemon juice with water (1-2 tablespoons per cup) and use as a final rinse after shampooing. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
4. Distilled Water Rinses
Rinsing your hair with distilled water after shampooing can prevent mineral buildup. Distilled water is purified to remove all minerals.
- Benefits: Distilled water rinses prevent buildup, leaving hair feeling cleaner and lighter.
- Limitations: Buying distilled water can be inconvenient.
- Usage: After shampooing, rinse your hair with distilled water instead of tap water.
5. Leave-In Conditioners and Hair Oils
Notably, applying leave-in conditioners and hair oils creates a protective barrier. Chiefly, they guard against hard water damage.
These products help prevent mineral buildup and keep hair moisturized. So, this can be a good preventative hard water treatment for hair.
- Benefits: Leave-in conditioners and hair oils protect hair from minerals, reduce frizz, and add shine.
- Limitations: They don’t remove existing buildup, so it’s best to use them as a preventative measure.
- Usage: Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to damp hair after washing.
Choosing the Right Hard Water Treatment for Your Hair
The best hard water treatment for hair depends on your needs and situation. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
For a long-term solution: Invest in a whole-house water softener with expert advice from Angel Water.
For a budget-friendly option: Install a shower filter.
To remove existing mineral buildup: Use a chelating shampoo or acidic rinse.
To prevent future buildup: Rinse with distilled water or use leave-in conditioners and hair oils.
For optimal results: To look your best, purchase a quality water softener for your home.
Why Water Testing is Crucial
Before investing in any hard water treatment for hair, test your water’s hardness.
This will tell you how serious the problem is. Then, we can help you choose the best solution. Sure, you can buy a DIY testing kit. But the smart move is hiring a professional water testing service!
Additionally, water testing is important, so you have clear answers. That way, you avoid spending money on products or treatments that only hide the problem.
Ready for Great Hair?
Don’t let hard water ruin your hair. By understanding the problem and choosing the right hard water treatment for hair, you can make a big difference.
Whether you choose a water softener or other solutions, healthier, shinier hair is possible.
Think hard water might be the cause of your hair issues? Let Angel Water help you determine the hardness of your water and recommend the best hard water treatment for hair based on your specific needs.
Contact us today to schedule a water test and take the first step toward more beautiful hair!
Want Softer Water? Schedule an Appointment Now!
Find out how a water softener can help protect your home from hard water damage. Schedule an appointment with our water specialists today to explore the best solutions for your home.
