Is Tap Water Ruining My Hair?

Is Tap Water Ruining My Hair?

Hard water is water that contains a high amount of hardness minerals like magnesium and calcium that can wreak havoc on water using appliances, faucets, fixtures and yes, even your hair and skin.

Let’s talk about why that is and what you can do about it.

Is Hard Water Bad For Your Hair and Skin?

Hardness minerals in water combine with soaps used during washing to form a sticky substance known as soap scum.  This sticky soap scum clogs the pores in your skin, preventing the release of natural oils that are intended to moisturize both your skin and your hair after bathing.  As a result, your skin has a difficult time returning to its normal, slightly acid condition which leads to skin irritation, other dry skin problems, and can significantly exacerbate preexisting skin conditions.  It also leaves your hair looking dull and lifeless and can even make your hair very difficult to manage. 

If you have experienced any of these issues and you’ve been wondering what the causes are, the minerals in your water are most likely to blame.

What Does Hard Water Do to Your Hair?

Excess minerals in hard water cause soap scum buildup on your hair, making it harder for conditioners and other styling products to penetrate. The result is:

● Hair that tangles or breaks more easily

● Dry hair

● Dull or lifeless hair

● Color-treated hair that fades faster or looks brassy

● Dry, itchy scalp

Effects of Hard Water on Skin

You might not realize that hard water can also have a negative impact on your skin but it has been found to be a primary driver of several frustrating skin conditions. Hard water causes dry skin and worsens conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and sensitive skin. In addition, hard water often leaves behind the sticky film of soap scum that makes it harder to rinse soap off, leaving your skin irritated.

If you have noticed that your skin is drier than normal, the water you bathe in may be to blame.

How Can I Protect My Hair From Hard Water?

There are shampoos and conditioners on the market designed to combat the effects of hard water but they tend to be expensive and more difficult to find.

The best way to protect your hair and skin from the negative effects of hard water is with a whole-home ion exchange water softener. In addition to relieving your hair and skin from the negative effects of these minerals, you’ll also eliminate hard water stains on water using appliances and fixtures in your home or business, enjoy cleaner laundry, have better tasting water, and even save money on cleansers and other soaps typically wasted on hardness minerals.

Improve Your Home’s Water Today

If hard water is impacting your hair, skin, or other areas of your home or business, contact Kinetico Advanced Water Systems today. With our free water analysis, you’ll learn the pH and mineral content of your water, making it easier to choose the best water treatment equipment for your needs. Get started by filling out our online form or giving us a call at (888) 788-3181.