How to Alleviate the Aggravations of Hard Water Hair

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Hard Water Hair

• Why Water Hardness Results in Rough and Tangled
  Hair

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What is Hard Water?

• Water that has high concentrations of hardness
  causing ions such as calcium, magnesium, iron,
  and others.
• Most common in Midwestern States because of high
  levels of these molecules in the soil.
• Water dissolves hardness causing ions as it
  travels along normal pathways.
• Can create several problems in the home.

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Hard Water Problems

• Scale deposits on metallic surfaces.
• Dingy clothing.
• Decreased lathering of soaps.
• Damaged appliances.
• Clogged pipes.
• Dry skin.
• Course and tangled hair.

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Affects on Hair

• Visible portion of hair known as cuticle.
• Outer layer consists of overlapping layers of
  dead keratin cells.
• Softer inner layers known as cortex and medulla
  provide strength and help regulate moisture
  uptake.
• Hard water salt deposits accumulate under the
  keratin layers.
• Cells protrude outward making hair feel rough.

5
Shampoos and Conditioners

• Most major hair care manufacturers replace
  natural surfactants with chemicals produced from
  petroleum that are better able to counteract the
  negative effects of hard water.
• Many products include lathering agents that make
  it easier to wash product away.
• May be enough for mild to moderate hardness in
  cases where the consumer is willing to use
  products that contain chemicals derived from
  petroleum.

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Water Softeners

• Completely remove or alter hardness causing ions
  so that they cannot cause problems.
• Salt-based systems are the most effective and are
  very popular because they complete remove the
  problematic particles before the water enters the
  home.
• Salt-free alternatives may work in cases of mild
  to moderate hardness, but are generally less
  effective than products that use salt.

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Other Options

• Softening systems are typically the best option
  for those who have problems with hard water hair
  resulting from moderate to severe hardness.
• Shampoos containing chelating agents capable of
  washing away buildup may be suitable in cases
  where the consumer wants to continue using
  natural soaps and does not want to purchase
  softener.
• Conditioners are recommended when using most
  shampoos so that natural protective oils can be
  restored.

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Helpful Resources

• Hard Water Hair
• www.HomeWaterSoftenerReviews.com