How to Prevent Hair Loss Due to Hard Water

"Hard" water is typically defined as water that has a high mineral content. While large amounts of calcium are often to blame for the development of hard water, high stores of copper and magnesium can also contribute to poor water quality. It should be noted that laboratory experiments have concluded that there was little appreciable difference in the tensile strength and elasticity of hairs after they were treated with hard and soft water. Anecdotally however, water with a high mineral content might make your hair feel drier and more brittle, which can contribute to hair loss. If this is your experience there are some steps you can take.

Taking Steps to Soften your Water

1. Soften your water. Although it is unlikely that hard water will lead directly to hair loss, softening the water you use to wash your hair can help you have a healthy and strong head of hair. The most comprehensive way to do this is by lowering the mineral content of the water. Water softener machines are specifically designed to solve this problem.

• Water softeners are typically kept in basements or garages, and they work to reduce calcium and magnesium (limescale) in the water.
• If your home or apartment does not already have a water softener, you might consider buying one.
• In some cases, you may also be able to rent a water softener in order to try it out before making the investment of buying one.

2. Get a shower filter. A much more practical and affordable option is just to get a filter for your shower head. These work in much the same way as a regular water filter, by neutralizing pH levels. You will need to replace your existing shower head, but this is a lot cheaper and easier than buying a full water softening system.

• You may have to replace the actual filter inside the shower head every six months or so, but these are relatively inexpensive.
• You can expect to pay between $10 and $45 for a filter in the US.

3. Try adding some alum to water. One way to get softer water is set aside a bucket of water from the shower or tap which you will use to rinse your hair. Before you rinse, add a spoonful of alum to the bucket of water. The alum will help the minerals in the water to settle at the bottom.

• You can then scoop up water from the surface to rinse your hair.
• This water will be less rich in minerals, and less hard.
• You can find alum powder at the spice section of your grocery store.

Getting the Right Shampoo and Conditioner

1. Look for shampoos that fight hard water. There are shampoos available that are specifically designed for hard water that can help you lower the chances of hair loss. A "chelating" or "clarifying" shampoo is a good choice. These shampoos are designed to tackle and prevent mineral build-up in your hair, but they are harsh so should be used sparingly.

• Look for a shampoo with the ingredient EDTA.
• Only use this shampoo once a week.
• Use a moisturising conditioner after you use this shampoo.

2. Use a conditioner. It's always a good idea to use a conditioner after you wash your hair in hard water. This will help to prevent your hair drying out and becoming brittle, which can contribute to hair loss. Look for a conditioner with natural ingredients that will moisturise your hair.

• Argon oil is an intensely moisturising ingredient to look out for.
• You can find conditioners especially designed for hard water areas.

3. Consider a leave in conditioner. To condition your hair even more, you can use a leave in conditioner. This just means you lightly apply it to your hair after washing and let it soak in. Two or three drops of coconut or almond oil gently rubbed into the lower half of your hair will help you to lock in the moisture and prevent dryness.

• Don't apply more than this or you will end up with greasy hair.
• The importance of having a good hair care regime to prevent hair loss is heightened by being in a hard water area.