How UAE’s Hard Water Damages Hair: Prevention + Treatment Guide

Although the UAE offers many advantages, your hair may be suffering a hidden consequence. In the event that you are having problems with excessive hair loss (hair fall), dry or brittle hair (dryness), frizzy hair (frizz) or itching on the scalp, it is likely that the quality of the tap water in the UAE is the cause. The water in the UAE has a high mineral content and therefore hair does not maintain moisture and strength as effectively. This guide will help you to understand what hard water is and how it affects the quality of your hair. You will also learn what to look for as signs of hard water damage, as well as the best ways to prevent or treat hard water damage to restore healthy and manageable hair.

What Is Hard Water? (And Why It’s Common in the UAE)

The dissolved mineral content (i.e., Ca and Mg) of hard water is so high that it causes many inconveniences such as soap build-up, mineral deposits on pipes and appliances, dry skin and hair. In an area such as the UAE, most of the water supplied is from desalination, where there is often still calcium and magnesium residue from natural sources that creates the problem of hard water even though desalinated water is still safe for drinking purposes.

What About the UAE?

Geology and Desalination: Natural sources of water in the UAE are mineral-rich and desalinated water sources also contain minerals at a high level if not perfectly balanced, thus causing hard water problems in many of the largest cities in the UAE, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Hard Water is a Widespread Issue: Hard Water is a common issue for many residents of the Emirates because it creates problems for local plumbers and ultimately affects the everyday lives of its citizens.

How Hard Water Damages Hair Over Time

1. Your Scalp has Buildup of Minerals

The use of 'Hard Water' can result in a build-up of minerals on the scalp that may result in a layer of minerals that can inhibit the ability of the hair follicles to grow healthy hair, as well as create irritation; or an itchy scalp causing non-healthy flaking of the scalp like Dandruff.

2. Dry, Brittle, and Frizzy Hair

Minerals found in 'Hard Water' build a barrier around the hair, restricting penetration of moisturising compounds and nutrients into the hair shaft. Over time, this will make the hair look dry, coarse, unmanageable and frizzy; you will notice this the most right after you wash your hair.

3. Losing More Hair and Breakage

Your hair strands will be weakened by growth restrictions and, as a result, will break more easily when being brushes and styled while the hair sheds. This breaking/shedding of the hair, in general, results in losing more hair and thinner hair (particularly in the crown of the head or hairline).

4. Cloudy and Faded Hair

Having a dull appearance because of the mineral buildup makes your hair lose its natural shine (for people with Colour Treatments, the buildup may accelerate the loss of Colour and create a non-evenness in the Colour). 

What Signs Shows That Your Hair Has Been Damaged by Hard Water?

• Dry or waxy feel from washing hair.
  
• Shampoo Does Not Create Excess lather
  
• Increased Frizziness and Tangles
  
• Scalp Is Itchy and /or has flakes
  
• Loss of Hair and breakage of hair are evident.

Hard Water vs Healthy Hair

How to Prevent Hard Water Damage in the UAE

1. The installation of a Shower Filter will reduce the mineral content in water before it comes in contact with your hair. Many people have noticed less irritation on their scalp and softer hair after installing a shower filter. Within two weeks after installation, many have reported smoother hair and less irritation on scalp due to the reduced mineral content.
2. Using a Clarifying Shampoo (in moderation) will help remove any build-up of minerals from your hair. A clarifying or chelating shampoo is effective at removing unwanted minerals, but if you use one too often, it may lead to dryness.
3. Regularly Deep Conditioning your hair replenishes the lost moisture from your hair and smooths the cuticle on the hair. When deep conditioning, pay particular attention to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, as these areas will show the most damage.
4. After washing your hair, use a lightweight serum or oil to seal in moisture and protect your hair from environmental factors that could damage it.

Best Haircare Ingredients to Fight Hard Water Damage

Chelating Agents: EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid): An effective chelating agent that attaches itself to the mineral deposits (calcium, magnesium) and removes them from your hair

Citric Acid: Good natural chelator to bind with and remove minerals and brings down the pH level

pH Balancers/Cuticle Sealers: 

ACV: A great pH balancer, closes and seals the hair cuticle, cleanses away product build up and adds shine to the hair

Lemon Juice: Very similar to the ACV, in terms of pH balancing properties.

Moisturizing/Protective Agents: 

Coconut Oil, Argan Oil, & Almond Oil: These types of oils form a protective barrier on the hair and add moisture back into the hair.

Glycerin, Shea Butter, Honey, Aloe Vera: These four ingredients offer very deep moisture and nourishment for dry, over-processed hair.

Vitamin C: It acts as an antioxidant to protect the hair and prevent damage.

DIY Tips vs Professional Haircare: What Works Better?

Here are some of the key differences between DIY tips vs professional haircare:

Prevention vs Treatment Solutions

Who Is Most Affected by Hard Water Hair Damage?

• Curly & textured hair
  
• Coloured or chemically treated hair
  
• Sensitive scalp types
  
• Expats new to the UAE climate

Final Thoughts: Healthy Hair Is Possible Even with Hard Water

To sum up everything that has been stated so far, the above given information on the topic “How UAE’s Hard Water Damages Hair” provide you with a complete guide for preventing hair loss. If you want to explore Skya’s wide range of haircare solutions, visit our website today!

FAQs on How UAE’s Hard Water Damages Hair

Question 1. Why does my hair feel dry after washing it in the UAE? 

Answer. Hard water will not allow moisture to penetrate through the hair shaft. Minerals that coat the hair instead of cleansing them properly can leave your hair looking dehydrated, lacklustre and frizzy, especially in the hot climate of the UAE.

Question 2. Does Hard water cause hair fall in the UAE?

Answer. Yes. Hard water can provide a build-up of minerals that will cause clogged hair follicles, irritated scalp and weak roots; all of which will result in increased hair fall and breakage if left untreated.

Question 3. Why does my shampoo not lather properly in hard water?

Answer. The minerals in hard water will react with the ingredients in the shampoo; thus, they reduce your shampoo's ability to produce lather and cleanse your hair effectively. This means that your hair will leave behind residue; as a result, you will experience a build-up of residue over time.

Question 4. What are the warning signs of hair Damage caused by Hard Water?

Answer. Signs of hair damage from hard water include excess frizz, excessive dryness, dullness, itchy scalp (hair) will fall out, inability of your shampoo to create a lather, and your hair may feel almost waxy even after washing your hair.