How Hard Water Impacts Our Hair and Skin
Living in Brisbane, Australia comes with the perks of sunny days and beautiful landscapes, but there's one hidden challenge that many of us face: hard water. If you've noticed that your hair feels dull or your skin is dry and irritated, the quality of your water might be to blame. Here’s a closer look at what hard water is, how it affects your hair and skin, and what you can do about it.
What is Hard Water?
Hard water is water that contains a high concentration of minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. While these minerals are not harmful to your health, they can wreak havoc on your hair and skin. Brisbane’s water supply is considered moderately hard, meaning it has a significant level of these minerals, which can accumulate over time and lead to various issues.
How Hard Water Affects Your Hair
Dryness and Frizz:
The minerals in hard water create a film on the hair, preventing moisture from penetrating the strands. This leads to dryness and frizz, making your hair harder to manage and style.
Dullness and Lack of Shine:
Hard water can strip away natural oils and leave mineral deposits on the hair. Over time, this buildup causes hair to lose its natural shine, leaving it looking dull and lifeless.
Scalp Issues:
The same mineral buildup that affects your hair can also clog your scalp’s pores, leading to irritation, dryness, dandruff, and even hair loss. A healthy scalp is essential for hair growth, and hard water can disrupt this balance.
Colour Fading:
For those who colour their hair, hard water can accelerate the fading process. The minerals in the water lift colour molecules from the hair shaft, making your dye job less vibrant and shortening the time between Brisbane hair salon visits.
How Hard Water Affects Your Skin
Dryness and Irritation:
Just like with hair, the minerals in hard water can strip your skin of its natural oils. This leads to dryness, irritation, and even exacerbation of conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Clogged Pores and Breakouts:
The mineral residue from hard water can clog pores, leading to breakouts and uneven skin texture. This is particularly problematic for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Soap Scum and Residue:
Hard water doesn’t rinse off soap and cleansers as effectively, leaving behind a residue that can further dry out your skin and make it feel tight and uncomfortable.
What You Can Do About It
Clarifying Shampoo:
A clarifying shampoo can help remove mineral buildup from your hair. Use it once a week to keep your hair looking and feeling clean.
Water filter:
Consider installing a water softener or a showerhead filter. We looked at a huge variety of different filters to find the best one, which we now stock on our website. These devices reduce the mineral content in your water, making it gentler on your hair and skin.
Use a Leave-In Conditioner:
To protect your hair from the harsh effects of hard water, apply a leave-in conditioner after washing. This adds an extra layer of protection and helps maintain moisture.
Rinse with Filtered Water:
If a water filter isn’t an option, try rinsing your hair and face with filtered or bottled water after your shower to minimise mineral exposure.
So Basically…
While Brisbane’s hard water is a common concern, there are effective ways to protect your hair and skin from its damaging effects. By understanding how hard water impacts your beauty routine and taking proactive steps to counteract it, you can keep your hair shiny and your skin glowing. If you’re struggling with the effects of hard water, consult with Ella&Jade talented hair stylists in Brisbane for personalised advice and product recommendations.