Hard water damage to hair and scalp

Shampoos and conditioners are often formulated for specific hair types, conditions, or traits, which is not a bad thing.

However, they often overlook a crucial factor in hair care routines: the water used to wash hair.

If you live in Europe or America, there's an 85% chance that you're washing your hair in hard water.

This is an important fact because hard water can counteract the beneficial and nourishing ingredients in your shampoo or conditioner.

Hard water impact on hair and scalp

Hard water is characterized by high levels of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium ions, which are picked up as the water flows through rock formations or soil containing these compounds.

Although hard water is not harmful to human health, it can lead to a range of problems such as reduced soap efficiency, and dryness and damage to hair and skin.

The minerals in hard water can bond to your hair strands, creating a barrier that deflects nurturing product ingredients, leaving your hair feeling dull, dry, and weighed down due to the build-up of mineral deposits on the hair and scalp.

How do I know if my water is ‘hard’?

You may have noticed a few core signs of hard water in your household, including a white, crusty buildup on your shower walls, sinks, or faucets, but it could also be calcified pipes or components in your washing machine. Having a lot of limescale in your electric kettle or coffee machine are also signs of hard water.

In general, the minerals in hard water can make it difficult for soap to lather and rinse our properly, so stiff laundry or spotty dishes from mineral deposits are other common indications of hard water.

If you're unsure whether you have hard water, contact your local water supplier to inquire about the water quality in your area.