Hard water and your hair: what to know in Pakistani cities
Question: Does hard water cause hair fall?
Short answer: hard water mainly makes hair feel dry, dull and rough because minerals build up on the hair and scalp. It is not usually a direct cause of hair loss on its own, but a coated, irritated scalp is not a good base for any hair routine.
What "hard water" means
Hard water carries more dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Many homes in Pakistan rely on borewell or tanker water, and in parts of Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad the water can leave white marks on taps. Those same minerals can sit on your hair.
Signs mineral build-up is affecting you
- Hair feels straw-like even after conditioner
- Shampoo does not lather well
- Flaky or itchy scalp after washing
- Hair looks dull and tangles easily
Practical fixes
- Shower filter. A simple filter on the shower head can reduce some minerals and chlorine.
- Final rinse. Some people do a final rinse with filtered or bottled water.
- Clarifying wash. A clarifying shampoo once in a while helps remove build-up.
- Condition the lengths, not the scalp.
- Keep the scalp clean before any treatment. If you use a derma roller and serum, start with a well-rinsed, dry scalp.
When it is more than water
If you have heavy shedding, patches or scalp pain, water is unlikely to be the full story. Speak to a dermatologist.
Read next: a simple weekly scalp care routine.
General information only, not medical advice. See a dermatologist for hair loss or scalp conditions.
