Hard water and dull hair: what can you do?
Hard, limescale-rich water: why your hair becomes dull, rough and hard to detangle, and simple habits to limit the effects of limescale.
The short answer
Hard water is rich in calcium and magnesium. These minerals can build up on hair and make it dull, rough and harder to detangle. To limit the effect: rinse with lukewarm water, use a gentle shampoo on the scalp, conditioner on the lengths at every wash, and consider a shower filter if the water is very hard.
Is your hair soft at your parents’ home but rough as soon as you get back to yours? Water is not the same everywhere. In many cities it is hard, and your hair feels it.
What limescale does
Hard water contains a lot of calcium and magnesium. These minerals can leave a light film on the fibre. The result often described: duller, rougher hair that snags when detangling, and treatments that seem less effective. Fine, curly or coloured hair is often more sensitive to it.
Signs to look out for
- Hair that loses its shine right after washing.
- A rough feel, even with conditioner.
- Detangling that is harder than before.
- White marks on the shower taps.
Washing habits
Wash with lukewarm, not hot, water. Apply a gentle shampoo to the scalp and massage without scrubbing the lengths, like our Fortigrow shampoo. Rinse thoroughly.
Soften the lengths every time
With hard water, conditioner becomes essential. Apply it to the mid-lengths and ends, leave on, detangle, rinse. SilkyTouch is designed for this step.
Finish on clean hair
A mist sprayed from a distance on clean hair adds a veil of softness at the end of your routine: this is the role of Lumimist mist.
What about a shower filter?
If your water is very hard, a shower filter can remove some of the minerals. It is a plus that complements good washing habits.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my water is hard?
White marks on taps and the shower screen are a good sign. Your water supplier can also tell you the hardness of the water in your city.
Does hard water make hair fall out?
Reliable sources mainly mention dull, rough hair. Significant hair loss has other causes, to be checked with a doctor.
Is a shower filter useful?
It can remove some of the minerals in the water. It complements good washing habits rather than being essential.
