It’s the Hard truth, the quality of the water we use on a daily basis is gradually deteriorating and it’s all because water is going from soft to hard. Hard water issues have been there for a while, but it is only now that people are becoming more aware of it and the damages that it can do. The fact is that you DO need to worry about hard water and knowing about the right products and brands to include in your hair care routine is one of the first steps to fighting the damages.
But what is hard water? Why is it bad for your hair and scalp? How can one tackle this problem? What’s the best haircare product one can use to reverse the damages and how should one be using it? This article answers all the questions and more. All you need to do is, keep reading!
What is Hard Water?
Simply put, hard water is water that has an excess amount of minerals and salt in it. When groundwater percolates through several layers of limestone, it picks up mineral deposits like Calcium and Magnesium, among others and that is when it transforms into hard water. Over 70% of India receives water that is classified as mild to very hard and this percentage is only going to get bigger with increasing urbanization and pressure on the groundwater table.
How does Hard Water affect your hair & scalp?
Hard water, when used for washing hair and skin, leaves behind harsh metal-ion deposits making it feel dry, brittle, and sticky. And if that wasn’t already enough, hard water causes hairfall - that’s because the metal ion deposits have a negative effect on your hair and scalp. Deposits block the pores and cause hair to grow thinner and it aggravates scalp conditions like dryness, dandruff, eczema, and flaking over time as well. It also reduces the efficacy of keratin, smoothening, and hair treatments and makes hair look dull and limp. Now, that is something that WE DO NOT want!
5 Major signs that you have a hard water issue at home
Identifying whether you have hard water or not is the first step of solving the problem and these 5 indicators mentioned below will help you get started. Know your water!
- This is one of the most tell-tale signs. If you've noticed your taps, faucets or even shower heads having white, scaly deposits, chances are, you are part of that 70% mentioned above.
- Your shower heads get clogged more frequently. This is because of all the metal ion deposits created when hard water dries.
- Reduced efficacy while taking a shower or a bath. If you notice that it’s taking you longer to clean your hair and scalp while showering / bathing, the reason might be hard water!
- Your skin (and in that effect your scalp) feels unclean, even after spending a considerable amount of time in the shower.
- Your water tastes and/or smells funny. This may not be very apparent but you can determine it. Hard water leaves an unpleasant metallic taste in your mouth and that is because of the metal ion deposits in it.
What is the recommended product for fighting Hard Water issues on hair & scalp?
If you’re facing hard water issues at home and you can see your hair and scalp getting affected by it, then you need to try the iluvia Hard Water Shampoo. It is India’s very first Hard Water Shampoo and it is formulated to provide customers with a solution to this ever-increasing problem.
Traditionally, shampoos designed to combat hard water are very harsh on your hair and not easily accessible. iluvia’s Hard Water Shampoo is designed from the ground up to gently but effectively remove metal ion deposits from hair and scalp. iluvia does this with naturally sourced chelating agents that bind with metal ions deposited from hard water and then gently removes them. Additionally, the shampoo also prevents further deposition of metal ions by neutralising charge on the hair with advanced water-soluble silicones.
The iluvia Hard Water shampoo is sulphate free and contains no parabens or phthalates. It’s 100% vegan, contains no artificial dyes, is cruelty-free, hypoallergenic and pH balanced to ensure best results.
How does this benefit the hair and scalp?
Gentle, effective, essential - the iluvia Hard Water Shampoo helps undo scalp and hair damage caused by exposure to hard water & salt water by gently removing the harsh metal ion deposits. The shampoo combats hair fall, breakage, and adds significant volume to your hair. The salon-professional formulation soothes flaking and itching. It deep-cleanses the scalp and leaves hair feeling considerably lighter and cleaner. The advanced chelation removes harsh metal ion deposits such as Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, and Copper & the water-soluble silicones keeps hair lightweight and feeling healthy and soft. It also helps reduce dryness and frizz so that you can experience stronger, rejuvenated, bouncier hair from day one.
iluvia Hard Water Shampoo - what type of hair is it best for?
If you have the following hair and scalp type, then the iluvia Hard Water Shampoo is best for you.
The shampoo is also compatible with coloured and/or treated and even though it is a hard water shampoo it is designed for all water conditions.
What is the best way to use the iluvia Hard Water Shampoo?
Are you ready to see and feel the transformation happen to your hair and scalp? All it takes is the iluvia Hard Water Shampoo. However, here’s a PRO TIP - To give your hair that extra elasticity to prevent it from breaking, follow through by applying the iluvia Squalene Restorative Conditioner! It uses 100% plant-derived Olive Squalene that improves elasticity and strengthens your hair. The Olive Squalene that is present in the restorative conditioner, deep-conditions hair and provides shine and suppleness.
While the Hard Water Shampoo gently removes mineral deposits from hair and scalp with natural chelating agents, and protects hair against further damage with advanced water-soluble silicones; the Squalene Restorative Conditioner softens & strengthens with the goodness of Olive Squalene, and controls frizz and breakage with Moroccan Argan Oil.
What else can you do to protect your hair from hard water?
While using the right shampoo and conditioner is definitely an important part of taking care of your hair if you have hard water issues, here are a few other home remedies, hacks and solutions that you could go for to tackle the effects.
1. Try a vinegar rinse
The acidity of the vinegar helps neutralize the calcium build up that happens due to hard water on your follicles. This simple remedy requires you to mix 1 part vinegar (a normal, white vinegar would do) with 2 parts water, which you then apply to your hair and scalp after you’re done shampooing. Leave on for 5 minutes and then rinse off! It’s best to use this remedy only once a fortnight as otherwise it may make your hair very dry.
2. Alternatively, try a Citrus rinse
Similar to vinegar, the citric acid in citrus fruits like Lime or Lemon, helps neutralize the effects of hard water on hair and scalp. For this remedy, you can use ¼ cup fresh Lemon or Lime juice, mix it with ¾ cup of water and massage it thoroughly into your hair and scalp post your shampoo. Leave it for 5-15 minutes and rise off completely before moving on to conditioning.
3. A final filter water rinse
Post a shower, you can opt for a final rinse with filtered water as this can help reduce the hard water damage on your hair and scalp.
4. Invest in a water-softener for the house
This may not be the most cost-effective remedy, but a water softener surely helps with the hard water not just in the bathroom but for the whole house. A water softener helps remove metal ion deposits found in hard water; which in turn gives you soft water that is good for your hair & scalp.
5. Install a showerhead filter
If installing a complete water softening system for the house is not possible, attaching a showerhead filter is an alternate route. All you need to do is attach it to your showerhead and let the water run normally. It may not be very effective as a complete softening system as the filters may need constant changing, but it can help reduce metal ion deposits that flow in along with the hard water. It also helps reduce scale build up in your shower area.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the efficacy of these tips depends on the hard water % you receive in your home and area along with your hair and scalp type.
#Snapshot: What you need to know about Hard Water & why you need the iluvia Hard Water shampoo!
When it comes to hard water, it’s no good for your hair or your scalp. The harsh metal ion deposits and the excess salt causes damage and disturbs the natural oil balance of the scalp. Hard water is becoming a persistent problem that is now prevalent in more than 70% of India and this is only going to worsen. So, how can you help your hair and scalp fight these issues? Try the all-new iluvia Hard Water Shampoo. Scientifically formulated to help reverse the damage done by hard water on your hair and scalp, it helps give your hair that extra volume and bounce while strengthening the roots.
-Team iluvia x Sublime Life
