Persistent hair fall? Your water might be the problem - Here’s how to fix it!

Dermatologist Dr. Jushya Bhatia Sarin, in a recent social media post, revealed that people living in cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune might be losing hair not due to stress, but because of hard water! The high mineral content in urban water can damage your scalp and weaken roots over time.

Hard water is loaded with calcium and magnesium. These minerals build up on your scalp, making it harder to wash off dirt and oils. Over time, this residue clogs follicles, reduces moisture, and makes hair rough, brittle, and prone to breakage.

Dr. Sarin suggests starting with a shower filter. It uses ion exchange resin or activated carbon to reduce mineral buildup, keeping your scalp cleaner. It’s an easy first step that makes a noticeable difference in just a few weeks.

For a more long-term fix, install a full-house water softener at the main water entry point. While it’s costlier and needs professional help, it softens all the water you use, from your shower to your washing machine, protecting both hair and skin.

Use clarifying or chelating shampoos once or twice a week. Look for ingredients like citric acid or EDTA, they dissolve mineral residue and detoxify your scalp. But don’t overuse them, as they can strip natural oils from your hair.

After using clarifying products, restore your hair’s natural shine with nourishing oils like coconut or argan. You can also use protein-rich masks with hydrolysed keratin or silk proteins to bring back smoothness and strength.

Apply lightweight oils or silicone-based serums to create a barrier that prevents new mineral buildup. And remember, switch to lukewarm water! Hot water can lift the hair cuticle, making it easier for minerals to cling to your strands.

With urban water quality worsening, hard water damage is now a major cause of early hair thinning. Therefore by using the tips from Dr. Sarin, city dwellers can tackle the root cause of their hairfall. These few smart changes can save your scalp and revive your hair’s health.

• Disclaimer: The information provided in this content is for general awareness only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider or your own doctor with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health concerns. ET bears no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or outcomes arising from the use of this information.