Taking a morning shower or a hot bath after a long day is how many of us wind down and relax. However, if you use hard water,
How Hard Water Impacts Your Personal Hygiene Routine
Hard water forms when high levels of dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, are present. These minerals interact with soap, shampoo, body wash, and shaving cream, causing a chemical reaction that reduces their effectiveness. Specifically, calcium and magnesium ions bind with the fatty acids in soap, creating a substance known as lime soap, which is ineffective at cleaning.
In this reaction, calcium ions replace sodium ions in soap and an insoluble compound forms. As a result, soap scum and limescale deposits gather on your skin and hair. This is the same soap scum that can become caked on your tub.
If you were paying attention in chemistry class (and you have a photographic, elephant-like memory), you might remember the chemical equation:
2 C17H35COO−Na+ + Ca2+ → (C17H35COO)2Ca + 2 Na+
Signs You’re Showering With Hard Water
One way to tell if you’re dealing with excess minerals in your water is to check how well your soap is lathering. Hard water stops you from getting a rich, sudsy lather when you mix water with hygiene products, such as bar soap or shampoo.
In contrast, soft water allows for easy lathering, helping you achieve a more thorough and refreshing clean.
Hard Water vs. Soft Water
We already know what hard water is and the effects it can have— but how is soft water different?
Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Soft water, on the other hand, does not contain these minerals, allowing for a cleaner feel and better soap performance.
After switching to soft water, some people notice their skin feels smoother or even a little slippery after bathing. This is because soft water rinses away soap more effectively, leaving no residue behind— which is an unfamiliar feeling.
Using soft water also means you don’t need to use as much soap, shampoo, or even laundry detergent to get things clean. In fact, some people who continue using the same amount of laundry detergent as they did before soft water find themselves dealing with an overflow of suds! By using less soap and cleaning products, soft water can help you save money while making everyday tasks more efficient.
Effects of Hard Water on Your Hair
Hard water is full of minerals that can build up on your hair, leaving it dry, frizzy, and unmanageable. Over time, this mineral buildup can make your hair look dull and lifeless.
Have you ever noticed that your hair looks and feels different depending on where you shower? It might be soft and easy to brush at a hotel but frizzy, dull, and tangled after showering at home. This is because water hardness varies from place to place.
If you’re wondering how to fix hard water in your shower, look to water-softening technology. A water softener helps eliminate issues caused by hard minerals by removing them from water, allowing your hair to retain its natural moisture and shine. By washing your hair with soft water, it feels smoother, is easier to style, and looks healthier.
If your hair feels flat or greasy after switching to soft water, you may be using too much shampoo or conditioner. Because soft water helps soap lather more easily, you don’t need as much product as you once did. Reducing the amount you use and rinsing a little longer can help restore balance.
How Hard Water Affects Your Skin
Hard water doesn’t just impact your hair— it can also take a toll on your skin. The mineral buildup from calcium and magnesium can lead to dryness and even flaking on your scalp (often mistaken for dandruff). This is because minerals in hard water strip away natural moisture, leading to irritation and discomfort.
Hard water can leave a soapy residue on your skin, as well, clogging pores and making your skin feel dry and itchy. Also, hard water can worsen skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema, exacerbating symptoms.
Hard water can contribute to bad body odor, too. Since minerals in hard water make it difficult to rinse off soap completely, the residue on your skin can trap sweat, bacteria, and other impurities.
Even washing clothes in hard water can be problematic for those with sensitive skin. Hard water can leave behind soap residue on your laundry that is in contact with your skin all day long. This also causes clothes to feel stiff. Hard water also fades colors and shortens fabric lifespan due to mineral buildup.
If you’re experiencing persistent skin dryness or irritation, installing a water softener may be the best solution. You can also try using skincare products designed to combat the effects of hard water to see if they restore your skin’s balance.
If you’re not ready to buy a water-softening system, some soap products can help manage the effects of hard water, too. Using a hard water body wash can prevent the mineral buildup that often leaves skin feeling irritated. Body soap for hard water is formulated to lather effectively, even in water with high mineral levels.
The best soap to use with hard water usually contains chelating agents or citric acid. These both help break down minerals. You can also look for soaps containing moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, or coconut oil to help counteract the drying effects of mineral-heavy water.
Contact H2O Care
H2O Care is an established, regional water testing and filtration service organization. Started in 1989, we have offices in Middleton, Stow, and Lakeville, MA, with a service depot in Plymouth.
If you’re struggling with the effects of hard water, we can help. We have extensive experience providing solutions for all types of water problems throughout Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire & Maine, and Northern Rhode Island.
Contact us today to book your free water test and find the best way to soften your hard water!