If your strands are falling flat, your showers could be to blame. What does hard water do to your hair? We’re breaking down the damaging effects ahead- plus telling you how to repair your strands and prevent future damage.

If you’ve ever wondered why your hair goes from amazing to lifeless when travelling interstate or abroad, the answer is the shower water. Hard water can wreak havoc on your hair, leaving it dry, dull and lifeless. Hard water is water that’s naturally higher in minerals. The Library of Medicine defines it as water containing a high concentration of calcium and magnesium. But hardness can also be caused by metals like aluminum, barium, strontium, iron, zinc, and manganese. In its pure state, water tends to be soft. It becomes hard when it comes into contact with soil, which in the US is often full of metals that dissolve in the water- in fact 85% of the water in the US is hard. These metals build up and cling to your hair, coating strands with a film that makes them dull and brittle. At the same time, it clogs the pores on your scalp, leading to dryness and irritation. And this heavily metal-charged water can also be really damaging, even leading to breakage and thinning. More on this below!

Hard water can be damaging to all strands, but it’s especially harsh on a few types in particular. Fine and curly hair, for example. The former is already prone to buildup, and the latter is naturally dry. Hair that’s been bleached or colored is also more susceptible to the negative effects of hard water. So exactly what does hard water do to your hair? Let’s take a look.

Blocks moisture

Mineral residue from hard water clings to your hair as the water evaporates. This gradual build-up blocks your hair’s moisture absorption leaving strands increasingly more dry and brittle.

Promotes breakage and hair thinning

Hard water breaks down the outer protective cuticle, exposing the inner cortex of the hair, causing weak points along the hair shaft that lead to breakage. So can hard water cause hair loss? There are lots of negative effects of hard water, thinning hair and even hair loss included.

Prevents effective cleansing

The mineral buildup and leftover product that can’t be fully washed out leave behind a film on the hair and scalp. The minerals found in hard water can also make it difficult to form a lather. The calcium reacts with your shampoo, forming a residue that weighs down the hair for lifeless locks.

Irritates the scalp

Hard water also strips the scalp’s natural oils, leaving it feeling dry, tight, itchy and prone to flare ups. Because of this, the skin on the scalp can become more easily irritated, leading to issues like dandruff, eczema and dermatitis.

By now you’re likely wondering how to know if hard water is, in fact, damaging your strands. Hard water buildup leads to hair that’s flat, lifeless, greasy, and dry. It also leads to frizz and increased breakage for your hair. The same buildup happens on your scalp, with follicles becoming blocked, affecting healthy hair growth and (bad news for curly haired folks) the integrity of curl patterns. High levels of copper buildup in hard water can also turn your hair green or orange. If you’re noticing any of the following signs, it may be because you’ve been showering with hard water.

Your hair tangles easily

If your hair knots up again right after brushing, it could be a sign of hard water damage. Hard water buildup on your hair can cause it to become less pliable.This hardening of the hair, combined with the residue left behind causes friction between strands, leading hair to matte and tangle.

Your hair breaks more easily

Some daily hair shedding is normal. So how can you tell if your shedding is from hard water? By looking closely at the shed strands. If they’re full-length, with a follicle bulb at the root end and tapered at the other, it’s likely normal. If the strand is short with a blunt or uneven end, it’s likely breakage.

Your ends are split

Split ends are another sign of hard water damage. This pesky hair woe is fairly common and can often be managed by getting regular trims. But if you’re noticing persistent split ends even after getting your haircut, it may be the result of hard water.

Your hair is frizzy

One of the most common signs of hard water damage is frizzy hair. And although lots of factors can contribute to frizz (like humidity, dryness, or excess heat styling) studies show that hard water can change your hair texture, contributing to the appearance of frizz.

Your hair is brittle

Hard water buildup on your strands can make it impossible for them to absorb moisture, no matter how often you try to hydrate them. If your moisturizing products don’t seem to be working, no matter how often you’re using them, it could be a sign that your tap water is hard.

Your hair is thinning

Maybe the most dramatic sign that you’re dealing with hard water damage to your hair is thinning strands. The breakage caused by hard water (discussed above) can make your hair appear thinner. If your hair is looking thinner than usual, hard water damage could be to blame.

Hard water damage can be a bummer. But there are ways to bring your hair back to life. Wondering how to reverse the effects of hard water on hair? We’ve got you covered. These are the best ways to do it.

Using a clarifying shampoo

Swapping out your regular shampoo with a clarifying one can help to revive stressed out strands. Clarifying formulas help to remove the mineral build up. A weekly wash with a clarifying shampoo will help to bring your strands back to life.

Rinsing with apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, or ACV, contains natural acids that dissolve buildup while soothing irritated scalps. Dilute a teaspoon of ACV with two cups of water, and after shampooing, pour it over your hair, massaging it into your scalp. Let it sit for a few minutes, rinse and follow with conditioner. Repeat weekly.

Washing your hair the right way

When it comes to hard water, the way you wash your hair makes all the difference. Focus on your scalp, gently massaging the shampoo in. Rinse with cold water to seal the cuticle and prevent additional damage.

Hair masking regularly

A deeply hydrating hair mask will combat the dryness and weakness caused by the high mineral concentrations left behind in your hair. Once or twice a week (depending on your hair’s level of damage) apply a mask on freshly washed strands, and let it sit for at least 20 minutes before rinsing.

Getting an in-salon treatment

Depending on how badly your hair is damaged, it may be time to call in the professionals. An in-salon clarifying treatment can help to remove the stubborn product residue and mineral build-up left behind by hard water.

So now that you know how to handle hard water damage once it’s there, let’s talk about some ways to stop it before it starts. These are the best ways to prevent the impact of hard water.

Installing a water softener

A water softening system reduces the concentration of dissolved minerals in hard water. Water softeners work by replacing calcium or magnesium with water-soluble minerals like sodium or potassium through a process called ion exchange.

Adding a water filter to your shower head

Though not as effective as a water softening system (but more affordable, as softeners can be a costly investment) a shower filter will not only reduce the mineral content of tap water, but filter out chlorine, sediment, and other impurities.

Another way to combat the negative effects of hard water is by using products formulated to combat damage and hair loss. All of our products for damaged hair restore and repair. Our damage correcting and anti-breakage products possess high grade, all-natural ingredients to restore your hair's true texture. Similarly our products for hair loss get to the root of the matter with enriching formulas that stimulate circulation to help stimulate healthy hair growth.

So what does hard water do to your hair? Nothing good, that’s for sure! Hard water buildup leads to hair that’s flat, lifeless, frizzy and dry. Not to mention breakage, split ends, thinning and scalp irritations. But you can combat the effects of hard water with our tips and a few tweaks to your routine. Using the highest quality hair care products for damaged hair and hair loss, and regularly rinsing with apple cider vinegar can help to reverse the effects of hard water. Taking it a step further, a water softening system or shower filter can minimize the effects before a drop of hard water ever touches your strands. And if you’re still struggling with damage, it may be time for a professional clarifying treatment at a Davines salon near you.

by Jaclyn LaBadia, featured contributor