Hair loss is a major dermatological concern in people of all ages, especially adolescents and adults. The common causes of hair loss include cancer medications, age, infections, malnutrition, and genetic predisposition. Interestingly, some commonly ignored hair loss causes include the use of hard water.
Water can be generally classified as hard or soft. Hard water contains pretty high amounts of minerals. Groundwater runs through subsurface rocks and collects minerals such as chalk and limestone. Since the mineral deposits that the groundwater runs through have a high amount of magnesium and calcium, they end up in the water.
Water softening removes these hard minerals making the water “softer”. Without water softening, the minerals end up in water you use daily in your home. That means that it ends up in in your shower when you are rinsing your hair.
How Hard Water Affects Hair
The effects of hard water on the hair can be numerous, and in this article we will discuss the various effects that the minerals in hard water can have on your scalp and your hair follicles
Mineral Build-up
When minerals in hard water get deposited on the hair, the hair feels dirty and sticky. With continued exposure, split ends may occur. In addition, if calcium in hard water is continuously deposited on the scalp, it can crystallize and over time cause scalp calcification.
In some cases, calcium can get into blood vessels and harden them. The resulting stiffness impairs blood flow. Scientifically, proper blood flow is necessary for hair growth. Therefore, impaired blood flow leads to hair thinning and hair loss.
Mineral Interactions
Calcium and magnesium are the main minerals found in hard water. The ions of these minerals react with soap to form an insoluble film called scum. This chemical reaction can render your shampoo or soap ineffective in some cases. However, since you may be unaware of the chemical reaction, you may end up with dandruff and other infections. Ultimately, clogged pores, and dandruff can lead lead to hair thinning and loss.
Although hard water is commonly known to contain high amounts of magnesium and calcium, it contains many other minerals that affect the hair. For instance, high amounts of iron in hard water may cause hair discoloration. Iron acts as an oxidizer to discolor the hair. Besides, iron in combination with other minerals in hard water can contribute to hair thinning.
Mineral Deposition
Mineral deposition on the scalp skin may exacerbate preexisting dermatological conditions. For instance, if minerals in hard water cling to the scalp skin, they may aggravate psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and eczema. Ultimately, the exacerbation of the underlying conditions can lead to hair loss.
In addition, hair loss can clog the scalp pores leading to irritation. The blockage is unfavorable as it can trap microorganisms that lead to infections such as folliculitis. Scalp infections usually cause reversible hair loss. However, in some circumstances, such as extensive scarring, permanent alopecia may result.
Solutions to Hard Water-Related Hair Loss
There are many ways to deal with hair loss associated with hard water. Some of the best options include:
Installing a water softener with the help of a water treatment company in Austin, Tx to remove minerals in your tap water.
Use a chelating shampoo recommended by a doctor to prevent scalp mineral deposits.
Use demineralizing products such as shampoos to remove scalp mineral deposits.
Although hard water has some advantages, it has untoward effects on your hair. High amounts of minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and iron may clog the scalp pores and further form deposits on the scalp. The ultimate effects of the minerals are hair thinning and hair loss. Therefore, water softening or chelating and demineralizing products are central in preventing hair loss associated with hard water.
Water Conditioner Companies in Austin, Texas
Residents in Central Texas are no stranger to hard water and limescale build up in their homes. Here at Austin Water Solutions, we love helping locals achieve a higher quality of water in their home. We do this by means of water treatment through the installation of waters softeners in Austin, Tx and the surrounding areas. Water treatment through softening is the best way to remove the hard minerals that are present in your tap water to resolve some of the health and home issues that can be caused by the buildup of these hard minerals in your home in Austin, Tx. Out of all the water conditioner companies in Austin, Texas, we strive to bring the most reliable, effective, and trustworthy service to the clients that we have the privilege to serve.