Effects of hard water on your skin and hair
Have you ever wondered when you go on holiday or venture out of the city that your hair becomes more lustrous, stronger and bouncier than normal?
Not to mention, how your skin is also somehow more hydrated and softer without having to use your entire bottle of moisturiser.
Undoubtedly, taking a break from the city and leaving your worries behind can play a role - but in reality, there’s something different in the water.
London, Surrey and many other places across the UK have a lot of areas with huge concentrates of hard water. Anyone living in these locations, know all too well the reality and struggles of living with hard water.
Aside from limescale taking over your kettle, taps, sink and drinking water, hard water can have bad effects on both your skin and hair. From itchy eczema to dull and dry hair, we look into spotting the effects, symptoms and what you can do to turn it all around…
What hard water can do to your hair?
How often do you notice a flaky scalp and lifeless hair? The culprit could be your bath or shower.
Shampoos and products do not mix well with minerals found in hard water, which is why you might be finding it difficult to achieve glossy hair.
This means that the minerals stick and attach themselves to your skin and hair preventing your hair and scalp from getting the nourishment it needs.
Signs of hard water on the hair:
- Dry, red and itchy scalp
- Split ends
- Thinner hair
- Some cases involve hair loss
- Hair takes longer to grow
- Frizzy and dull hair
- Frequent problems with greasy, oily and flaky hair
- Coloured hair treatments not lasting as long
What are the effects of hard water on the skin?
hard water skin
“By damaging the skin barrier, washing with hard water may contribute to the development of eczema – a chronic skin condition characterised by an intensely itchy red rash.” - Dr Simon Danby from the University of Sheffield's Department of Infection
More cases of eczema and psoriasis are much higher in common hard water locations, however, even if you don’t suffer from these conditions you could still be receiving some of the effects.
The minerals deposited on your skin are left there and can often block pores, cause the skin to dry, flakiness and encourage more breakouts.
As hard water can have negative effects on your skin, it is important to always moisturise after washing your body and face. Using both body and face moisturiser, you can help to hydrate and nourish your skin.
How can you protect your hair and skin from hard water?
In areas of softer water, you can experience more bubbles without using as many products. Essentially, more lather means that products such as hairspray or gel are easier to wash out and grease is easier to break down.
However, living in Surrey and the city can make accessing softened water difficult without buying expensive products to counter the effects.
The best way to save money and combat the effects of hard water is with a water softener. The HV4 water softener is the solution to all of these issues. Plumbed into the mains water supply and is neatly packed under your skin, it provides softened water to the entire house.
Water softening is the removal of magnesium and calcium minerals from your water supply through a process of ion-exchange.
The softened water that's then produced can provide a fix to dry skin, greasy and limp hair - making it easier to manage.
Plus, it doesn't leave limescale buildup on pipes, appliances or any surfaces around your home; meaning it shines for longer.
“Research shows that soft water is far better for your hair because it doesn't contain the elements that can cause build-up and dullness”.
More benefits of water softeners include:
- Less cleaning
- Longer lasting appliances
- Bubbly baths
- Softer skin and hair
- Solves dry skin problems like eczema
- Shinier hair
To be free from hard water for good, visit www.harveywatersofteners.co.uk for advice, soft water guides and hard water solutions.
