Can Hard Water Cause Hair Loss? Experts Answer

Hardness of water is determined by the amount of salts (calcium carbonate [CaCO3] and magnesium sulphate [MgSO4]) present in water.  Hard water contains an excess amount of calcium and magnesium which mix with your hair products to form a salt.  It’s also important to note that there are two types of hardness: temporary and permanent. Temporary hardness salts (bicarbonate salts) can be removed by boiling the water before use, but permanent hardness salts (sulfate salts) cannot be removed by boiling.

Dr Neha Sharma, dermatologist and founder, Estique Skin & Hair Clinic, Gurugram says, “Hard water definitely makes the hair dry, frizzy as it can strip your hair of its natural oils. The minerals in hard water can build up on your hair, making it look dull and lifeless. Also, minerals in hard water make soap and shampoos ineffective. The salt that is formed leaves a residue on your scalp and hair, which blocks your scalp from absorbing the moisturizer from the conditioner. As a result, your hair gets dry and tangled.”

Mineral build-up also encourages bacterial growth, infections, and yeast and makes the scalp more prone to dandruff. “Another problem with Hard water is that it can cause hair color to fade more quickly, especially if you dye your hair,” adds Dr Sharma,

However, there have been studies which have shown that tensile strength and elasticity of hair is not affected by hard water. Hair breakage can be more due to hair getting brittle and dry due to hard water rather than just the hard water itself.

While hard water, rich in calcium carbonate and magnesium sulfate, poses challenges to hair health, there are both reversible and irreversible aspects of its impact. Dr Sharma highlights the drying and frizz-inducing effects of hard water, attributing it to mineral build-up that hampers the absorption of moisturizers. The salt residue can lead to dryness, tangling, and quicker fading of hair color. Despite its drawbacks, studies suggest that the tensile strength and elasticity of hair remain largely unaffected by hard water. To counter its effects, addressing dryness and brittleness becomes crucial, emphasizing the importance of proper hair care in hard water regions.