Is hard water really harmful to hair?

As promised, we continue the hair care topic. We have already figured out how to wash your hair, what substances in shampoos and conditioners are best avoided, and how to evaluate fragrances and allergens in hair products. There are many similarities when choosing cosmetics for the skin and hair, but some rules should not be applied universally.

Interesting facts about water

Some interesting facts about water, its hardness, the metals and minerals it contains, and their effect on hair. There is a prevailing belief that hard water is harmful to hair, while soft water is better. I can neither deny nor confirm this statement, because the condition of the hair is more important than the hardness of the water. I will try to explain. The harder the water, the more calcium and magnesium it contains, but the hair scales and the hair itself are more likely to bind calcium ions. The more damaged the hair, the more calcium it absorbs - natural hair is least affected, dyed hair is most affected, and, of course, peroxide-bleached hair is most affected. However, this will not affect the health and appearance of the hair in any way; even when washing your hair with soft water, the hair will absorb as many metals as it lacks.

What substance is most harmful to hair?

The only downside to hard water for hair is that when you wash your hair, the high concentration of calcium and magnesium will help form water-insoluble soap (a substance that cleans dirt), which can make your hair look dull and lack luster. Therefore, logically, softer water would be better for your hair. When it comes to hair, it's worth testing your home water for copper levels, as copper can have a negative impact on your hair. Nowadays, there's much less copper in water, and we won't go into why, but a certain concentration of copper can have a significant impact on your hair's health - it can break down hair proteins, promote hair breakage and split ends, reduce shine, and make hair care much more difficult. Chlorine also affects the condition of your hair, which is especially important for those who frequently visit the pool. Hair that is often exposed to chlorinated water loses its hair cuticles, dries out quickly, and a chain reaction begins - the shine disappears, the ends start to split, and the hair simply loses its healthy appearance. Therefore, protect your hair in the pool as much as possible.

How to dry your hair?

So, that's a brief summary of the effects of water on hair. In this article, I would like to add a few tips on drying and blow-drying your hair. After washing your hair, you should never twist or twist your hair too hard to remove any water residue. This can cause your hair to break and be pulled out unnecessarily. You just need to gently pat it dry, or you can walk around for a few minutes like an oriental princess with her head wrapped in a towel. As much as time and habits allow, let your hair dry on its own. Just never go to bed with a wet head, it's really bad for your hair! If you use hair dryers, straighteners, or other devices, be sure to cover your hair with a heat protectant before styling your hair. If your hair is dry, do it especially carefully. Try not to use the hottest drying setting, don't pull your hair when drying it, treat it as gently as possible. In short, protect and care for it just like you would your facial skin. As expected, I will continue the hair care column in other articles. For now, I invite you to use the information you have already received and let not only your skin but also your hair shine.