Hard water is water with more minerals, like calcium and magnesium, in it than soft water. The content changes how the water tastes and how it interacts with everything it touches. This includes your hair. When you wash with hard water, you'll get different results than you would using a water softener to remove the minerals first.

Mineral Deposits & Soap Scum

Hard water forms mineral deposits on surfaces, known as water spots or scale. They make surfaces duller and rougher. Also, when you mix hard water with soap or shampoo, the minerals bind to the molecules of soap, creating soap scum.

When you wash with hard water, minerals and soap scum build up in your hair, making it look dull and weighing it down. Soft water helps you clean your hair more thoroughly and doesn't leave deposits behind.

Dryness & Irritation

The calcium and magnesium in hard water also react with your hair and skin. Your scalp will dry out when washed with hard water and is likely to become itchy and produce more dandruff; your hair also dries out.

Each strand of hair is made up of many small, scale-shaped pieces. In healthy hair, they lie flat and smooth, but in dry, damaged hair, they stand up. This makes the strand of hair rougher, so it becomes frizzy and tangles more easily. It also weakens the shaft of the hair so that it breaks. Soft water keeps your hair hydrated and smooths it out, so it stays silky and strong.

To prevent the problems that come from washing your hair with hard water, invest in a whole house water filter from Butler Water Systems. Based in Fairfield, OH and serving Butler County and the greater Cincinnati area for over 40 years, their knowledgeable, skilled technicians will help you choose among their high-quality products to find the one that fits your household's needs. To get started, view their products online or call (513) 867-5700.