Using specialized treatments, shampoos, and conditioners designed to help dissolve and remove excess calcium is one great way to decalcify. With regular use, these products are designed to help prevent further damage and restore the natural balance of your hair.
Hair that has fallen out due to hard water can potentially grow back, depending on several factors: Cause of Hair Loss: If the hair loss is primarily due to damage from hard water (such as dryness or breakage) rather than a medical condition like alopecia, the hair may regrow once the underlying issue is addressed.
The answer is tricky; in short, no. While the mineral content can worsen thinning and excess shedding, it's rarely the only reason behind permanent loss. By understanding hard water's effects, using specific care methods, and preventing future damage, you can restore moisture and strength.
Signs of hard water hair damage include dryness, dullness, increased breakage, and a straw-like texture. You may also notice your hair color fading faster or a filmy residue after washing.
As we've noted, damaged hair repair isn't possible because the protein bonds and cuticles have been permanently altered. Instead, the focus should be on maintaining hair to prevent further damage. If your hair is severely damaged, the most extreme solution is to cut it off and start fresh.
Damage caused by hard water can be fixed in many ways, but it requires some commitment and effort. Install a shower head with a filter, try a chelating or clarifying shampoo, treat yourself to a leave-in mask or moisturizer, rinse with purified bottled water, apply naturally acidic rinses, or use an oil treatment.
Here are some common signs of damaged hair: Split ends: When the ends of the hair shafts are frayed, it creates a split or forked appearance. Dryness: Damaged hair often appears dry and rough, lacking the natural shine and softness of healthy hair. Dullness: Damaged hair can lose its luster, looking dull and lifeless.
Dehydration impacts the hair cycle, potentially increasing shedding and slowing regrowth.
According to Friese, ACV smooths and seals the hair cuticle, making it ideal for reaching high-shine levels. It is thought that the enzymes from the fermented apple close and smooth the hair cuticle, the protective layer that locks in vital lipids, proteins, and moisture.
When hard water flows over, and through these things, it leaves deposits of minerals behind. These leftover minerals can cause both short and long-term damage. Hard water damage is preventable with a water softener.
Treating Hair Loss From Hard Water Damage
Rub conditioner over your hair, then rinse with a lemon or apple cider vinegar solution. Use a rehydrating scalp toner every day to repair hard water damage. Apply a scalp mask treatment once a week to remove any traces of minerals.
Hard water can make your hair feel very dry with a waxy buildup. Richards also suggests holding up your ends and examining their texture: If they look a little filmy and “Barbie-like,” that means your natural shine is being smothered by metal buildup.
“Over-exposure to the elements such as sun, salt water and chlorine can make your hair almost feel crunchy when it's wet and appear dry and brittle on the ends after it is styled,” he says. “The best remedy might be to get a good trim with your stylist, or try a treatment mask for your hair.”
Generally, he says, the range is somewhere between once a day and once a week. “If you have very fine or thin hair, you may need to wash more often, while those with thick or curly hair may need to wash less often,” says Dr Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board certified dermatologist and hair health expert.
Damaged Hair
All experts agree on this: when hair is damaged, it must be cut off. “If the damage is so bad (you're bleaching too much or using too much heat), that's when it becomes a cut instead of a trim,” says Polko.
Use a Pre-Shampoo Treatment
Using a pre-shampoo treatment works hard to reset the hair and address issues caused by hard water.
Packed with essential fatty acids and vitamin E, argan oil is a true elixir for dry, damaged hair. It deeply nourishes and hydrates the hair, promoting elasticity and shine. Additionally, argan oil helps repair split ends and protects the hair from environmental damage.
When your hair endures hard water, it may appear duller and flatter than normal. You may also notice your hair is more difficult to manage, leaving it looking frizzy and unkempt even after brushing and styling. This is especially true for color-treated hair.