We’ve all heard that hard water is hard on your hair, but what exactly is hard water, how is it ruining your hair and most importantly—what can you do about it? If these questions have you scratching your head, don’t worry. We have five simple tips you can do today to help prevent the dull, damaged hair hard water can cause.

What is hard water?

When pure rainwater filters through rocks, soil and even sand, it naturally picks up mineral salts like calcium and magnesium. While these accumulated minerals aren’t generally harmful to health, they are tough on your hair. As water accumulates these minerals, they react with shampoos, conditioners and soaps to reduce effectiveness.

Hard Water and Hair

The minerals in hard water mix with shampoo to form a salt, which leaves a residue on the surface of your hair and scalp. This film tends to block moisturizers in your conditioner from absorbing, leaving your hair dry, prone to tangles and vulnerable to breakage. If breakage goes unchecked, it can lead to the appearance of thinning hair.

How can you protect your hair from hard water?

Try these quick and easy remedies for hard water damage that will help revive your locks in no time:

1. Shower Head Water Filters

These filters are easy to find at any home improvement store in your area and they’re relatively simple to install. Shower head filters greatly reduce minerals and chlorine in your water to give you a leg up in the battle against hard water.

2. Clarifying Shampoos

Try a clarifying shampoo once a week to help remove mineral build-up. It can wash away any lingering residue and help restore shine.

3. Naturally Acidic Rinses

Apple cider vinegar or the juice from a lemon or lime can decrease mineral build-up. Mix a tablespoon of vinegar or citrus juice with three cups of purified bottled water and work the solution through your wet hair. Leave it on for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

4. Moisturizing Masks and Leave-In Conditioners

Use a moisturizing hair mask or leave-in conditioner once a week to offset the drying effects of hard water.

5. Purified Bottled Water

Try a final rinse with purified bottled water before you step out of the shower.

Is breakage making your hair appear thinner? Hair Club can help. Explore our hair loss products and services. They can help you stop further loss, promote regrowth and restore moisture and life to your hair and scalp.