Cracking the mineral code: Reversing the effects of hard water on Your Hair Stands
So you think you have been treating your mane just right, pampering it with tones of expensive products, spending a small fortune on salon treatments yet something doesn’t seem quite right?!
It could be strands bearing a distinct greenish or orange tint or a scalp that’s all crusty and flaky...The nemesis in disguise could be none other than the mineral rich hard water flowing from your shower heads! Amigos, you could blow up a month’s dough on your hair care regimen and yet end up with hair that looks limp and dull and feels all crunchy and unmanageable if the reason behind your beauty woes is the water running in your taps. Let’s get cracking on the signs of hard water on hair and ways of reversing it.
Nailing the basics: Understanding the chemistry of hard water
The water that reaches your home may have passed through rocks and minerals such as limestone deposits garnering a rich concentration of iron, magnesium, calcium, bicarbonates and sulfates.
For water to be classified hard, it must register a concentration of minerals above 3.5 gpg (grains per gallon). If your soap or shampoo doesn’t lather well and there is a distinctive crustiness on your shower heads, chances are that the water in your taps needs to be treated for hardness.
Effect of hard water on hair shaft and scalp
Your scalp is basically just like the rest of the skin on your body. The minerals present in the hard water combined with the natural oils and sebum on your scalp can leave a greasy feeling that can later result in residue build up and flakiness.
Your hair shafts start feeling dull and limp and all the more prone to breakage, which results in accelerated hair loss. The mineral build up also results in your mane losing its erstwhile shine and luster, while frequent wash cycles and use of sulfate containing shampoos further disrupts the cuticle resulting in dry and unmanageable hair.
Ways to reclaim your Rapunzel-esque mane
You could consider getting activated carbon waters fitted on taps or maybe even permanently softening your water supply. While these may seem plausible options, yet they tend to be expensive and labor intensive methods.
Till you make the switch to more permanent solutions try the following foolproof methods to save your crowning glory from the ill-effects of hard water.
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Resort to the hydrating goodness of argan oil
Hard water can strip your hair and scalp of its moisture and hydration. Restore the hampered balance with the Moroccan Argan Oil sourced from the Sous Valley of Morocco that soothe and nourishes hair without compounding any residue build up. Apply just a few drops of the oil on slightly damp hair and say hello to a naturally gorgeous, soft and shiny mane!
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Try an Apple Cider Vinegar hair rinse
Mix half a cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of fresh water and use it as a hair rinse post shampooing your tresses. Bid adieu to residue and welcome gorgeous hair that stays!
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Use sulfate free, damage repair shampoos and conditioners
Always check the label of your OTC hair care product before adding to cart. Choose one that is sulfate free and also consider the fact that what works for your friend, may not always work for you! Consider switching to a more personalized hair care experience curated by Bare Anatomy that brings to you the goodness of nature inculcated with science, packaged sustainably in a bottle that is delivered right at your doorstep!
Click here to fill the hair care quiz & get industry expert scientists to formulate your unique hair care formula, while keeping it clean, research oriented and 100% customized!
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/hard-water-hair-damage-treatment
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FAQs
To take care of your hair, you need to follow the given tips:
1. Oil your hair once a week.
2. Shampoo your hair at least 2 times a week.
3. Apply a conditioner after shampoo.
4. Apply a hair mask for added nourishment to hair and scalp.
5. Opt for hair products as per your concerns
A curly hair male should ideally follow a curly hair care routine to give definition to their curls and keep them healthy. It is also recommended opt for products in the curl hair range including a shampoo, mask, and leave-in conditioner. Along with this, drinking enough water and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential while taking care of curls.
Every day, detangle your hair gently. You can even gently cleanse your hair with a mild shampoo if needed, and use a conditioner to keep it hydrated and manageable. Additionally, protect your hair from heat and environmental damage by using a leave-in conditioner or heat protectant spray, and avoid excessive styling or harsh treatments.
To get perfect hair, follow a proper hair care routine including shampoo, conditioner, mask, and serum. Also, maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, and complete your daily water intake.
Using the correct products according to your hair type can help make it stronger. Oiling your hair also promotes strength to your hair.
Opting for the right products as per your hair concerns plays an important role in improving hair quality. Besides this, following a healthy lifestyle also enhances hair quality.
Follow these simple tips to take care of colored hair:
1. Always use a Color Protect shampoo.
2. To keep your hair soft, apply a hair mask.
3. Apply a leave-in conditioner for added protection.
4. Don't use heat styling tools without hair protection.
5. Opt for sulphate-free hair care products
6. Wash your hair only with lukewarm or cold water.
Good hair hygiene prevents scalp infections and dandruff. It promotes healthy hair growth and reduces breakage. It also improves overall hair appearance and texture.
To get silky hair, use a pre-shampoo mask, gentle shampoo, and deep conditioning mask, then apply serum to damp hair and comb gently. Also, sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction. Choose products as per your hair porosity for best results.
A proper hair care routine includes shampoo, conditioners, hair masks, and serums.
Choosing the right hair care products depend on your hair type. For straight hair, use smoothing shampoo, light conditioner, and anti-frizz serum. For wavy and curly hair, opt for hydrating shampoo, deep conditioner, and curl-enhancing products.
More Related Terms
Frizz | Hair Care Regime | Hairfall Tips | Hairfall Mask | Hair Serum Uses | Good Shampoo for Hair Fall | Winter Hair Care Routinue | Benefits of Hair Masks | Silicone Haircare Products
