Can Hard Water Cause Hair Loss? Experts Weigh In

Living somewhere with hard water is not fun. I spent most of my life believing my hair was a dry, tangled, and brittle mess, only to move away from home and realize that it wasn't my hairit was the water. Hard water can result in less-than-favorable results on the hair front, but can it also

Living somewhere with hard water is not fun. I spent most of my life believing my hair was a dry, tangled, and brittle mess, only to move away from home and realize that it wasn't my hair—it was the water. Hard water can result in less-than-favorable results on the hair front, but can it also lead to hair loss? It's a question haircare experts often get asked.

"Using hard water can negatively impact your hair health, but it is not directly linked to hair loss," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engleman. "It can, however, make your hair more prone to breakage and overall brittleness and dryness because it makes it much more difficult for moisture to penetrate the hair. Over time, if the issue goes unresolved, it may lead to hair loss."

In the U.S., 85% of the country has hard water, so even if you live somewhere with softer water, you're likely to experience it while traveling. Luckily, there are plenty of hard water hair treatments designed to help counter its impact and bring your lengths back to life. Plus, you can install a special shower filter to get the bad stuff out before the water even hits your head.

Ahead, learn everything you need to know about managing hard water and hair health.

What Is Hard Water?

"Naturally, water has minerals and is considered soft or hard depending on how much of these minerals are found in it," explains Mai Hernandez, hairstylist and co-founder of A | M Salon in West Hollywood. What minerals exactly? "In terms of the actual minerals, it means that there are high levels of calcium and magnesium in your water, which can negatively impact your hair," adds Stefanie Lendzian, hairstylist and the CEO and founder of NAPRIM Naturals.

When you have hard water, the signs are fairly obvious. "If the water appears cloudy and/or if there’s mineral deposit on your faucets or shower heads, that’s a telltale sign of hard water," says Hernandez, who works with haircare brand Joico. Giles Robinson, Color Wow’s global director of training and education, adds: "The best way to tell is by looking at your shower wall or screen; if you see scum, that is hard water buildup."

Signs of Hard-Water Damage

"The buildup of mineral concentrations in hard water can lead to hair dryness, brittleness, and less color vibrancy," says Dr. Engleman. "Hair can often appear more brassy or greenish in tone after showering in hard water, especially if you have dyed hair. Mineral buildup can also irritate your scalp, causing redness, dryness, or itchiness, particularly if you tend to have sensitive or eczema-prone skin. The metals can also weigh down your hair, making hair look unclean and less volumized."

James Y Wang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles, shares that hard water can also lead to scalp inflammation. "For those who have issues with their skin barrier, it can stress the skin and cause temporary hair shedding," he explains.

If you're managing something more severe than temporary shedding, it's imperative to visit a board-certified dermatologist, as hard water likely isn't the cause.

"Hair loss is very complicated, and the differences among various forms of it are nuanced," says Dr. Wang. "Complete evaluation by a dermatologist to assess the possible causes should be done before any treatment. Although over-the-counter remedies may temporarily help the appearance of hair, only a dermatologist will be able to help identify root causes of the hair loss."

Canopy Filtered Shower Head.

Canopy

How to Treat Hard Water-Damaged Hair

Pre-Shampoo Treatments

There are lots of metal-removing pre-shampoo treatments that can help fight buildup. "I always recommend Color Wow Dream Filter ($24) to my clients as a way to keep their hair looking perfect," he says. "It’s a pre-shampoo detox that removes all minerals and metals from your hair in one to three minutes. You’ll see instantly brighter, lighter hair."

Clarifying Shampoo

"To treat your hair post-hard water exposure, I recommend implementing a clarifying shampoo into your routine once a week to remove mineral buildup on the scalp and hair follicles," says Dr. Engelman. We did the research for you and rounded up the 12 best clarifying shampoos on shelves.

Hair Masks

Both hard water and treatments to target its effects can leave hair feeling dry. This is because hard water leaves a film on the hair that prevents nutrients from penetrating the hair shaft, and the treatments work hard to remove buildup and can leave hair feeling drier. Either way, your hair will be in serious need of moisture, so grab a hair mask. "Deep conditioning masks and oils can be great in helping repair dry and brittle hair from hard water," says Lendzian.

Water Filters

The most important thing you can do is cut down your exposure to hard water. If it's within your budget, you can install a whole-house water softener (~$1,000) or a shower filter (~$150). "I love shower filters and absolutely recommend them to family, friends, and clients," says Hernandez. "You’ll feel and see the difference right away."

Dr. Engelman works with Canopy and recommends the brand's Filtered Showerhead ($150). I'm a huge fan of the Jolie Filtered Showerhead ($165). Both options are easy to install and offer subscription plans for filters—which need to be replaced every three months. If you like your current showerhead but still want a filter, try the AquaBliss Shower Filter ($35) which screws on between your shower arm and the head. Replacement filters are $16.

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