How Hard Water Affects Hair & Skin

Hard water. You’ve probably heard this term thrown around, but what does it really mean? Hard water occurs when minerals — magnesium and calcium, in particular — accumulate. In small doses, this isn’t an issue. But over time? You may begin to notice the hard water effects on hair and skin.

How Hard Water Builds Up

While water can evaporate, minerals don’t. Instead, they stay behind and leave a tell-tale residue on surfaces like your sink, tub, and appliances. These calcium and magnesium deposits can be tough to clean. They can also clog up your pipes or reduce the efficiency of your hot water heater, making your next shower much less enjoyable.

Showering With Hard Water

Showering with hard water can feel slightly different than softened water. You may also notice a metallic or mineral taste if the water gets in your mouth.
That’s not to mention the effects on your tub. You’ll likely notice a layer of scum building up — these are the minerals that remain after the water evaporates. Some people even feel a kind of film on their skin and in their hair after showering.

How Does Hard Water Affect Hair?

Can hard water negatively impact your hair? Science seems to point in that direction. One study published in the International Journal of Trichology found that people who used hard water to wash their hair had decreased hair strength. The result? More hair breakage. So if you’re dealing with untameable frizzy flyaways, hard water may be to blame.
Another study from the International Journal of Dermatology that discussed the signs of hard water on hair found that hair treated in hard water had more mineral deposits and decreased thickness compared to hair treated with distilled water.
This mineral coating over your locks can make them feel filmy and unclean — even if you just washed. And over time, it may even be harder to lather up the shampoo because of all the minerals coating your hair.

How Hard Water Affects Skin

Now that you know more about how hard water can affect hair, you might be wondering — can hard water cause dry skin? Again, the answer seems to be yes.
A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that using hard water on the skin increased sulfate deposits, which can cause further irritation and dryness. The effects of showering with hard water are even worse if you have sensitive skin. You may find yourself lotioning up several times a day, all to no avail.