Is Well Water Bad for Your Hair?

Well water forms the primary source of domestic water to many, particularly those who reside in rural settings. It is clean, free and usually not as bad as urban water. However, well water may not be doing any good to your hair and scalp.

As you have probably noticed that since you moved into a house that has well water, your hair is getting dull, dry and difficult to manage. We can deconstruct why well water may have a hold on your hair, how to tell the symptoms and what you can do to save your locks.

What Is Well Water?

Well water is pumped directly up out of the underground aquifers and into your home. Well water is generally not treated as opposed to water in the city which is treated and filtered by the municipal systems. This implies that it has naturally occurring minerals, metals and in some cases some bacteria or other contaminants depending on your local soil and rock composition.

Although these minerals are normally harmless to drink, they may cause undesirable side effects to your hair and skin.

Why Well Water is Not Good on Your Hair?

The primary problem of the well water is not that it is dirty or unsafe, but that it contains high mineral concentration, otherwise referred to as hard water.

Here are some key minerals commonly found in well water and how they affect your hair:

Calcium and Magnesium: The Culprits of Hard Water

The two minerals that are the most significant in causing water to be hard are calcium and magnesium. By washing your hair in hard water, the minerals accumulate on the hair shaft forming a film that does not allow the entry of moisture.

Result: Hair is dry, split and dull.

Iron: The Rusty Problem

Another prevalent component of well water is iron particularly in old wells. It has the capacity to oxidize and make a rusty color, and can therefore stain your hair, especially when you are a blonde or have light highlights.

Result: The hair can get yellow, orange or a brassy color.

Manganese and Copper: The Hidden Stainers

Manganese and copper may also be deposited leaving deposits that cause discoloration or accretion with time.

Result: Splendidly drab hair and inability to retain color treatments.

High pH Levels

The pH of well water usually is high compared to treated city water. This may cause your hair cuticle to be raised which causes frizz, roughness and tangling.

Result: Hair is rough and difficult to wear.

Signs That Well Water Is Damaging Your Hair

Wondering if your well water is to blame for your bad hair days? Look for these signs:

The following are signs to look for:

● No amount of conditioner can make your hair soft; it is dry or straw-like.

● You observe the accumulation or the residue of products that are not easily washed off.

● Your hair is not shiny or lifeless.

● Hair that is treated with color decays at a quicker rate.

● You have an itchy head or dandruff, which is brought about by the deposits of minerals that irritate your skin.

● The light or blonde hair gradually turns orange or greenish.

When 2 or more of these symptoms are ringing in your ears, then it can be very likely that your well water is the cause.

The Science Behind the Damage

When you shower your hair with hard mineralized water, the minerals attach to the proteins of the hair shaft. This forms a shield that does not allow penetration of moisture, conditioner and nutrients. The accumulation makes your strands weaker and therefore subject to breakage, tangle, and lost shine with time.

Worse still, minerals such as iron and copper may react with the chemicals used in hair dye resulting in one having an uneven color result or an undesired shade. And therefore, in case your salon color is not long lasting, it may not be the fault of your stylist, but it may be your well water undermining your color.

How to Protect Your Hair from Well Water Damage

The effects of well water can be fought in a number of successful ways.

Here are the best strategies:

Install a Water Softener

The water softener system eliminates calcium and magnesium ions and replaces them with sodium and potassium. This softens the water and makes it kinder and gentler on your hair and skin and even your plumbing.

Tip: A water softener can be a lifesaver to many homeowners not only in terms of hair but also laundry and appliance performance.

Use a Shower Filter

When you cannot afford a full home water softener, you can use a showerhead filter which is not expensive. Find filters which take out iron, chlorine and heavy metals.

Tip: It is best to change the filter cartridge after every few months.

Clarifying Shampoo

The accumulation of minerals can be removed by use of a chelating or clarifying shampoo once a week. These shampoos include some chemicals such as EDTA which attach to metal ions and remove them.

Tip: complete with a deep conditioner to add back moisture as clarifying shampoos are a drying process.

Can You Still Have Healthy Hair with Well Water?

Absolutely! The availability of well water does not imply that you are doomed in terms of your hair. By using proper care regimen, and water treatments, you can maintain your hair to be soft, shiny, and manageable. Most individuals using well water have discovered that they have lovely and healthy hair after they start using filters, clarifying products and regular deep conditioning.

The secret is to know the composition of your water and change your hair care depending on that. You could even have your well water tested to determine the precise type of minerals that are present in it, most local water testing kits are cheap and easy to operate.