We all know that Brighton & Hove is notorious for it's hard water, but here are some helpful advice to help you cope with it when it comes to your hair.
Drinking plenty of water is essential to your overall health and the appearance of your hair, skin, and nails. The water that ends up on your hair through showering and washing is as important as the water you drink. While drinking water has long-term impacts on hair growth and health, the effects of the water we wash our hair with can be seen almost immediately.
You may have observed changes to your hair's appearance and texture when traveling, and this is due to the different compositions of the water found across this Country and the ones you visit around the world. While the effects of certain water may vary from person to person, hard water has gained notorious recognition for its negative ramifications on hair.
So what's so bad about hard water? And what makes it "hard" in the first place?
Here is what two dermatologists have said to help demystify this vilified water source.
Keep reading to hear their explanation of hard water and how to protect your hair against it.
Is Hard Water Bad for Hair?
To understand the impact hard water can have on hair, it's important first to learn what makes water "hard." The hardness of water is determined by the amount of calcium carbonate and magnesium sulfate found in the water. Hardness in water is often believed to cause dry, brittle hair amongst its users and has also been implicated in preventing soap from lathering properly. It's also important to note that there are two types of hardness:
1) Temporary and 2) Permanent.
Temporary hardness salts (bicarbonate salts) can be removed by boiling the water before use, but permanent hardness salts (sulfate salts) cannot be removed by boiling.
So how does hard water affect hair? According to Marcus, washing hair with hard water leads to the deposition of excessive minerals on the scalp and hair strands. This build-up of mineral content, which Garshick says is primarily magnesium and calcium, can have several adverse outcomes for the appearance and health of your hair, including:
Blocks moisture: The build-up of minerals like magnesium and calcium caused by using hard water can block moisture absorption, says Marcus. Over time, this blocking of moisture can profoundly affect the health and appearance of the hair, as moisture is essential to elasticity and shine.
Prevents effective cleansing: The minerals found in hard water can make it difficult to form a lather which can then prevent effective cleansing of hair and scalp, explains Garshick. This is likely the cause of the "filmy" feeling of hard water users report after washing their hair. Research shows that cleansing with hard water makes bar cleansers ineffective as it promotes soap scum that is difficult to rinse from the hair and scalp.2
Weighs the hair down: Many hard water users report their hair feeling weighed down, which Marcus says can result from the mineral deposits left behind. This is likely compounded by the previously mentioned cleansing issues with hard water, as repeated poor cleansings would result in a build-up of oil and minerals.
Causes frizz and dullness: Marcus explains that blocking moisture and weighing the hair down can cause hair to appear dry, dull, frizzy, and unmanageable over time.
Promotes split ends and breakage: Minerals deposited on hair strands block moisture absorption and lead to dryness, which can eventually lead to breakage of hair strands'" explains Marcus. "Dry hair strands are more prone to breakage, including split ends," Marcus adds.
Makes the scalp itchy: The combination of dryness and poor cleansing caused by hard water can lead to serious scratching of your scalp. "Hard water mineral deposition on the scalp can also cause a dry, itchy scalp," explains Marcus. "They can even irritate the scalp and cause itching and flaking," she adds.
Interferes with hair colour: If you colour your hair, you want to do everything possible to make that colour last between salon visits. Garshick warns that hard water can also impact colour-treated hair, interfering with hair colour and causing the colour to fade quicker.
Can Hard Water Lead to Hair Loss?
With all the potential for issues when using hard water, it's easy to see why fears about it causing hair loss would arise. Despite the laundry list of complaints caused by hard water, neither expert cited it as a direct cause of hair loss. While it may contribute to issues that increase the likelihood of hair loss, no direct link has been found.
"While some people may notice changes in their hair when exposed to hard water, it is not a clear cause of hair loss. In one study, the hardness of water was not found to interfere with the tensile strength or elasticity of the hair. That said, because hard water may make it harder for moisture to penetrate the hair, hard water may leave it more susceptible to dryness and breakage," explains Garshick.
What To Do About Hard Water
Understanding the potential risks of washing your hair with hard water, some may want to seek a solution for their hair or even their overall shower, as hard water can also affect the skin. You can take several approaches to combat hard water, including upgrading your cleansing products and investing in a specialised shower head.
Upgrade Your Shower
The most effective way to prevent hard water buildup is to avoid hard water, explains Marcus. She recommends installing a filter in your shower head. Garshick agrees that hard water build-up prevention starts at the source, so using products such as a water softener or a shower filter may help soften the water.
Use a Clarifying Shampoo
If shower filters or water softeners are not for you, the next best option is to use a chelating or clarifying shampoo once or twice weekly. Both experts agree that clarifying shampoos are beneficial for removing hard water buildup and provided the following recommendations:
Samuel Chapman Cleanse Shampoo is our favourite product to help restore your hair's natural PH while removing the hard water residue and other unwanted products and dirt in the hair.
K18 chelating hair complex is another option that we stock in salon
Speak to a member of our team for their best recommendation for you and your hair type.
Nourish with a Deep Conditioning Mask
If your hair has become dry and brittle due to the hard water deposits, consider using a deep conditioning mask following your clarifying treatment. To help repair any hair damage, it can help to use a deep conditioning mask or oils to help nourish your hair.
The Takeaway
Hard water is caused by strong concentrations of minerals like magnesium and calcium. Hard water is found in various locations throughout the globe and, therefore, can be difficult to avoid altogether. These experts recommend investing in a water softener or shower filter to reduce the mineral deposits in the water and properly cleansing the hair to prevent build-up.
In Need of More Advice?
Book your free consultation with the samuel chapman salon team who will sit with you and discuss your requirements and help to create a plan for the best way forward so that you can achieve your desired results.
Book Now
Call - 01273 323597
Email - hello@samuelchapmansalon.com
Online - www.samuelchapmansalon.com
留言