Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Take steps to soften your water
• Method 2 of 3: Using the right shampoo and conditioner
• Method 3 of 3: Try natural remedies
• Tips
• Warnings

"Hard" water is generally defined as water that is high in minerals. Large amounts of calcium are usually seen as the cause of the hardness, but large amounts of copper and magnesium can also contribute to poor water quality. It should be noted that laboratory studies showed that there was little noticeable difference in tensile strength and elasticity in hairs treated with hard and soft water. However, there is anecdotal evidence that water containing a high amount of minerals can make your hair feel drier and brittle, leading to more hair loss. If you are bothered by this, you can find some measures you can take against it below.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Take steps to soften your water

1. Soften your water. Hard water is unlikely to cause hair loss right away, but softening the water you use to wash your hair can give you a healthy, strong head of hair. The most profound way to do this is to reduce the amount of minerals in the water. Water softeners have been specially developed to solve this problem.
   • A water softener is usually installed in the basement or garage and reduces the amount of calcium and magnesium (lime) in the water.
   • If you don't already have a water softener installed in your house or apartment, you may want to consider buying one.
   • In some cases, it is possible to rent a water softener to try before actually buying one.
2. Buy a water filter for your shower head. A more practical and cheaper option is to simply buy a water filter for your shower head. Such a filter works in much the same way as a normal water filter and neutralizes the pH value of the water. You will have to replace your shower head, but this is a lot cheaper and easier than buying a full water softening system.
   • You will have to replace the filter in the shower head itself every six months, but such filters are relatively inexpensive.
   • A filter for your shower head costs a few tens of euros.
3. Try adding some alum to the water. Another way to get softer water is to fill a bucket with water from the shower head or faucet and use this water to rinse your hair. Before rinsing, put a spoonful of alum in the bucket of water. This agent ensures that the minerals in the water sink to the bottom and remain there.
   • You can then scoop the water out of the top of the bucket to rinse your hair.
   • This water will contain fewer minerals and will be softer.
   • Alum powder can be found in the supermarket on the shelf with spices.

Method 2 of 3: Using the right shampoo and conditioner

1. Look for shampoos that counteract hard water. There are shampoos that are specially formulated for use with hard water and can help you lose less hair. A chelating or clarifying shampoo is a good choice. Such a shampoo is formulated to remove and prevent accumulations of minerals in your hair, but it is aggressive and should therefore only be used occasionally.
   • Look for a shampoo that contains EDTA.
   • Only use this shampoo once a week.
   • Treat your hair with a moisturizing conditioner after using this shampoo.
2. Use conditioner. It is always a good idea to use conditioner after washing your hair with hard water. This will prevent your hair from drying out and becoming brittle, which can cause hair loss. Look for a conditioner with natural ingredients that moisturizes the hair.
   • Argan oil is a strong moisturizing ingredient to look forward to.
   • Conditioners are available that are specifically designed for use with hard water.
3. Consider using a leave-in conditioner. To take even better care of your hair, you can use a leave-in conditioner. After shampooing, apply a layer of conditioner to your hair and let it soak in. Gently rubbing two or three drops of coconut or almond oil into the lower part of your hair will trap moisture in your hair and prevent your hair from getting dry.
   • Do not apply more than this or you will end up with greasy hair.
   • If you live in a hard water area, it is even more important to take good care of your hair to prevent hair loss.

Method 3 of 3: Try natural remedies

1. Add vinegar to the water you use to rinse your hair. Mix a tablespoon of white vinegar with 750 ml of water. Take a shower and shampoo your hair as you normally would. The vinegar can rinse the hard water minerals out of your hair, making your hair shinier and firmer. When it is time to wash the shampoo out of your hair, use the water and vinegar mixture you prepared.
   • Gently pour the mixture over your head, making sure to soak all strands of hair with it.
   • Rinse the mixture out of your hair after a few minutes.
   • Some people prefer to use apple cider vinegar.
2. Try rinsing your hair with lemon or lime juice. Instead of vinegar, you can also rinse your hair with lemon or lime juice. This juice breaks down the salts and minerals that are left in your hair, just like vinegar does. Lemon and lime juice also removes excess fat from your hair, making them particularly suitable for those with oily hair.
   • Use the same mixing ratio as with the vinegar method, namely one tablespoon of lemon or lime juice per 750 ml of water.
   • Massage the mixture into your hair and scalp after shampooing your hair.
   • Rinse the mixture out of your hair after a few minutes.
3. Rinse your hair with filtered water last. To use less hard water, you can rinse your hair with filtered water as the last step when you wash your hair. You need about a liter of water for this. Just pour a little water over your head at a time to rinse the shampoo and conditioner out of your hair.
   • You can also use short mineral water or bottled spring water.
   • It is expensive to use spring water for a long time and this is not good for the environment.
4. Wash your hair with rainwater. Rainwater is also a good alternative to hard water when you wash your hair, as it is very soft and contains almost no salts and minerals. When it rains, put a large bucket outside and collect as much rainwater as possible. When it is time to take a bath or shower, always heat a certain amount of water in a large saucepan over medium heat and use the water to wash.
   • If you are not going to use the water right away, store it properly in a container with a tight-fitting lid.
   • Don't assume rainwater is safe to drink.

Tips

• If you've tried all of the above and are still experiencing hair loss, it might be a good idea to see your doctor.
• Your hair loss may be related to factors other than hard water.

Warnings

• If the hard water contains aluminum, know that you can get aluminum poisoning after years of exposure to low levels of aluminum in your water. You may experience bone and muscle pain, general weakness and progressive dementia.