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You may have heard the term “hard water” and wonder what exactly does it mean. Basically, it is water which is highly dissolved in calcium and magnesium. Have you experienced washing your hands with soap, yet afterward it feels like there’s still a residual of film left? When using this type of water, soap reacts in the calcium present in hard water to create soap scum.

In using hard water at home, it may leave unsightly residue on your dishes, glasses, and laundry. With this kind of impediment, does it also harm our hair? Unfortunately, it has been proven that hard water can cause damage to our hair. In this article, you will learn the effects of hard water on hair, the product that can help alleviate these harmful impacts, and lastly natural ways to care for your hair.

Damaging effects of hard water on hair

Lucky for those with soft water, washing their hair means it untangles on its own and it is exceptionally quick to rinse off shampoo or soap. As it is free of obnoxious contaminants, pure water touches your hair. On the other hand, when using hard water it results in the following harsh impacts like:

• Dull and dry hair
• Diminished natural oil in your hair
• A tangled mess of hair that is arduous to brush
• Harmful mineral residue build-up left on hair and scalp

Thus, in general, it leaves the hair stiff, dense, filthy, and untamed. With the build-up of impurities, even if you use conditioners it will be pointless since harmful contaminants are blocking your scalp and hair.  Aside from those mentioned above, other hard water effects include color fading quickly on color-treated hair, calcium salts altering hair color, and finally hair becoming less pliable to styling.

Perks of using a Chelating shampoo

A shampoo which can help you fend off hard water effects is the chelating shampoo. Not to be confused with the clarifying types, chelating shampoos are stronger and targets the removal of minerals, metals, and chlorine that are often the cause of hair damage and color fading.

This shampoo works by breaking down the mineral build-up molecule by molecule. Those previous insoluble residues become soluble. Not only does the product eliminate build-ups, but it also rinses off impurities minus the issues. At the moment, the market now offers a variety of proper chelating shampoo for your hair.

Natural ways to care for your hair

While the previously mentioned products provide great relief to your hair, there are also a few natural ways to soften hard water effects on your crowning glory. Before swiping that card or spending your top dollar on proper chelating shampoo for your hair, consider these natural workarounds:

• Make a lemon or lime rinse. Mix a little of lemon or lime juice with water, then smooth on your hair after shampooing. Afterward, rinse everything then apply your favorite conditioner. With the acidic characteristic of lemon or lime, a portion of the mineral build-up should have dissolved.
• To remove scaly build-up, you can also opt to use vinegar or apple cider vinegar rinse. Aside from eliminating harsh build-up, it also balances the ph of your hair, straightens cuticles, and leaves hair feeling supple and smooth. To prepare the rinse, mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar to three cups of water. Knead the mixture on your hair after shampooing. After a few minutes, rinse thoroughly. You may use the mixture once a week, as applying it daily will dry your hair.