How Hard Water Can Cause Dry Scalp

Do you frequently experience a dry, itchy scalp? Many people attribute a dry scalp to their haircare products, but it can actually develop as a result of hard water in your shower. If you have been struggling with dry scalp and moisturizing products aren’t helping, it might be time to check the water in your shower. Here’s how hard water can cause dry scalp and what you can do about it.

What is hard water?

Hard water is water that contains minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals occur naturally in ground water and are not dangerous, but they can be irritating in large quantities. Some cities have harder water than others. Sometimes these minerals occur in such small quantities that you wouldn’t notice them. However, other cities have very large quantities of minerals in their water.

How does hard water affect your scalp and hair?

Calcium and magnesium are the minerals that are most commonly found in hard water, and they can both dry your scalp out. This can result in a flaky, itchy scalp, and it can dry your hair out as well. The minerals also leave a layer of buildup on your hair and scalp. Not only is this buildup difficult to remove, but it can also react with the chemicals in your haircare products, causing more irritation.

How can I find out if I have hard water?

If you have been having scalp problems and you suspect that hard water may be the culprit, start by contacting your local government. Your city or town should put out yearly water reports with information about the hardness of your water. You can also hire a professional to conduct a water analysis at your home to confirm.

What should I do if I have hard water?

If hard water is irritating your skin, there are a few solutions available to you. The first is to install a water softener in your home. Water softeners use reverse osmosis to remove minerals from your water. They will not only address the water coming out of your showerhead, but they will also fix the water throughout your home. This makes it a good option if hard water is damaging your appliances or causing buildup around your sinks.

While water softeners are very effective at removing minerals, many people don’t like the taste of softened water. If this is the case for you, you can add a water filter to your showerhead. This will remove the minerals just in your shower.

If you’ve been struggling with scalp irritation, it’s worth checking to see how hard your water is. Atlantic Coast Water Clinic provides a wide variety of residential and commercial water solutions, including water softeners. We offer a free analysis and quote for all customers as well. If you are in South Florida and looking for water solutions, give us a call at 772-283-4767 or contact us online to learn more.