Hard water is a culprit in natural hair care that causes massive breakage, but no one really talks about it. Simply put, hard water is water that contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, and it can cause breakage and damage to natural hair over time. This is usually our tap water or pools.
How does hard water affect natural hair?
When hard water comes into contact with hair, the minerals can build up on the hair shaft, creating a coating that makes it difficult for moisture to penetrate. This can cause the hair to become dehydrated and prone to breakage, as well as dull and lifeless in appearance. The mineral buildup can also make it harder for products like shampoos and conditioners to work effectively, leaving hair feeling greasy and weighed down. Over time, the cumulative effects of hard water can cause significant hair damage, making it dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage.
How to Know If You Have Hard Water
To know if you have hard water, the easiest way to find out is to test your water. And the good news is that you can do it at home using hard water test strips. You can get them on Amazon for $10-18 .
How to Prevent Hard Water Damage
- Buy a shower head water filter and attach it to your shower head. A good one is the AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter on Amazon for $36.
- Use a clarifying or chelating shampoo designed to remove product buildup, mineral buildup, and other impurities from your natural hair. Use a clarifying shampoo every 6-8 weeks to keep your hair clean and free from mineral buildup. Most clarifying shampoos are drying to the hair, so always follow up with a deep conditioner.
- Another way to prevent hard water hair damage is to rinse your natural hair with apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is acidic, which can help to remove mineral buildup and restore the natural pH balance of your hair. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water, and use it as a final rinse after shampooing and conditioning your hair.