Five Things You Can Do To Repair Your Hair After Hard Water Damage
One of the biggest reasons why people decide to have a water softener installed is because hard water wreaks havoc on their hair. Unfortunately, hard water damage to your hair isn't going to go away immediately after you have a water softener installation performed by a professional.
New hair will have to grow out to replace the damaged hair before you completely recover. However, in the meantime, you can improve the condition of hair that has suffered hard water damage by doing the following:
Washing the hair with a clarifying shampoo
A clarifying shampoo can help you get rid of some mineral deposits that are stuck to your hair follicles and cause much of the dullness that detracts from your hair's appearance.
In particular, you should look for chelating shampoo that will help you cope with mineral buildup. Chelating shampoos are similar to clarifying shampoos, but they contain chelating agents that will bond to mineral residue and allow it to be more easily washed away.
Rinsing the hair with a vinegar rinse
Like clarifying or chelating shampoos, vinegar rinses are effective at removing residue from the hair. The acidity of apple cider vinegar, in particular, helps get rid of scale buildup while also balancing hair pH.
Mix vinegar and water and massage the mixture into the hair. Then, leave the mixture on your hair for a few minutes before rinsing it away.
Fortifying the hair with vitamin C and vitamin E supplements
Vitamin C and vitamin E are important nutrients when it comes to hair health. These nutrients can cleanse the hair while also fighting brittleness by moisturizing the hair.
To supplement the hair with vitamin C, use a citrus rinse that contains lemon, lime, or orange juices. Rinsing with these acidic substances will cleanse the hair in the same way vinegar does while also supplementing the hair with vitamin C. Adding a small amount of olive oil or coconut oil to the rinse will add some vitamin E.
Start using a leave-in conditioner to soften the hair
Leave-in conditioners replenish the hair with moisture and contribute a glossiness that is typically not present when hair has suffered hard water damage. Using a leave-in conditioner that contains argan oil is especially helpful at restoring hard water damaged hair.
Get a hair cut
If you've suffered hard water damage to your hair, it's a good idea to get a hair cut right after you get your water softener installed. This way, you'll get rid of some of your damaged locks and remove much of that unwanted mineral deposit from your hair.