Do you know if your home is supplied with hard or soft water? Around 60% of the UK uses hard water [1], so there’s a good chance you use it for drinking, washing, cooking, and more.
Evidence on hard water and hair damage is inconclusive. But does hard water cause hair loss? Research suggests mineral deposits on your hair from hard water may worsen its condition and indirectly contribute to shedding, but it’s unlikely to be the main reason your hair is falling out. In this article, we’ll explore:
Hard water contains a high concentration of calcium and magnesium ions. There are several other dissolved metal ions that cause water hardness, including aluminium, barium, strontium ions, zinc, and manganese [2]. However, levels of these ions in drinking water are barely noticeable, and may be elevated only in certain geographic areas with deposits of these specific minerals.
Most of the water in the South East and East of the UK is hard, while most of the North, West, and South West has soft water [3]. Water hardness is measured in milligrams of calcium carbonate per litre (mg/l CaCO3) or parts-per-million (ppm). This table shows what counts as hard water vs. soft water [4].
Water Hardness (mg/l CaCO3)
Soft
up to 100
Slightly hard
100 – 150
Moderately hard
150 – 200
Hard
200 – 300
Very hard
More than 300
Research behind hard water and hair loss is contradictory. Some research indicates hard water may cause hair loss due to damage and hair breakage [5], but other studies suggest otherwise [6]. However, even if hard water is contributing to your hair loss, it’s unlikely to be the main factor.
Here’s a breakdown of the research on hard water, hair damage, and hair loss:
From these findings, we can conclude that hard water likely has some negative effects on hair health. However, these may not be visible until you’ve used hard water for several months.
Dr. Patrick Angelos, the author of The Science and Art of Hair Restoration, believes that hair loss can be caused by hard water. He says it can occur when the scalp is severely affected by hard water but adds that this is more common in people with psoriasis or eczema [10].
Hard water can also dry out your hair and make it more difficult to rinse out shampoo and conditioner [11]. This can make your hair look dull and difficult to brush, causing an itchy scalp.
Minerals in hard water can combine with shampoo ingredients to form a residue that clings to your hair and scalp. This can make your hair feel dull, heavy, or unclean even after washing.
These minerals also react with the surfactants in shampoo, reducing their ability to lather and cleanse effectively. This may lead to build up of dirt in your hair. To compensate for this effect, many people use more shampoo. This can further increase the deposition of shampoo-originating residues, and may also strip natural oils from your hair.
To combat this, there are special shampoos for hard water (chelating shampoos). Alternatively, water for washing your hair can be treated with water softeners which reduce the water’s mineral content.
Tangles and knots can form in your hair when you wash it with hard water. This can cause shampoo to remain stuck on your hair, and may cause a buildup on your scalp [11].
The effects of hard water appear to be worse when combined with frequent hair treatments. This combination could lead to dandruff, an itchy head, and dry skin on your scalp [11]. In addition, people with psoriasis and eczema on the scalp may find their conditions worse when they use hard water [11]. This may indirectly affect hair loss.
To protect your hair from hard water, try using a showerhead filter to reduce the level of dissolved minerals. To minimise further damage, you can also try air drying your hair, avoiding excessive heat damage from styling, and using a heat protection spray.
Drinking more water could possibly help with hair loss if you’re chronically dehydrated. There may be a link between dehydration and hair loss due to its effects on oxidative stress, blood flow, and scalp health.
A buildup of minerals on your hair from hard water may cause it to look dry, brittle and more frizzy. It may also lack shine, appear duller, and become tangled easily.
While the jury’s still out on whether hard water damages your hair, it’s definitely possible to reverse dry, brittle hair. If you believe your water supply is damaging your tresses, try filtering your water. Invest in natural hair products, use leave-in conditioners, and speak to a trichologist if your hair condition doesn’t improve.
If you’re experiencing hair loss, hard water isn’t likely to be the main culprit. Here are some other reasons your hair might be falling out.
Noticed more hair loss in the shower than normal? While it’s possible hard water could be linked to hair loss, it’s not the most likely reason your hair is falling out.
To learn the source of your symptoms and stop further hair shedding, speak to a trichologist. These hair doctors can offer a comprehensive assessment, including determining the impact of hard water and other factors on your hair through diagnostic trichology tests (such as blood tests for hair loss or a hair pull test).
Once you have a diagnosis, they can recommend the best research-backed treatment for you. This may include PRP hair treatment, low-level laser therapy, or even a natural-looking hair transplant. Book a consultation at your nearest clinic location to get your hair back on track.
Hair health isn’t the only factor that could be affected by hard water. Research suggests mineral ions in the water may affect your health in other ways.
However, research on this topic is split. Some studies indicate hard water may be bad for your health, while others suggest it might be beneficial and protect against some medical conditions. Research on cardiovascular health and hard water is particularly contradictory.
Some studies and health experts advise that hard water is good for your health. Delegates at a WHO meeting in 2008 advised that hard water may protect against cardiovascular disease due to its calcium and magnesium content [18]. However, they acknowledged that research in this area is contradictory and further studies are needed.
Calcium and magnesium in hard water may improve your health by contributing to your dietary mineral intake [19]. Hard water may also have protective effects against [20]:
On the other hand, some research says the opposite. Studies found links between hard water and increased risks for heart disease, reproductive issues and other health problems. Researchers believe this is likely due to magnesium and calcium in the water [21].
Hard water can change the pH balance of your skin, which may negatively impact skin health. It reduces the protective effect of your skin against bacteria and infections, which can worsen skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis [22].
A literature review also suggests there may be a link between hard water and an increased risk for several health conditions. These include [20]:
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