Can Too Much Iron in Water Cause Hair Loss?
Usually, we are very careful about the products we apply to our hair, shampoos, oils, and serums, but what about the water we consume every day? The quality of water has an essential impact on the healthy condition of our hair. On the one hand, minerals such as iron are necessary for our body in very small quantities, but on the other hand, if iron in water is in excess, it can become the reason for hair troubles, among which are dryness, discoloration, and even hair loss. The question is how exactly it happens? Let’s learn the relation between iron-rich water and hair health.
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What Is Iron in Water?
Water in the form of iron is usually obtained from natural resources, among which are soil and rocks. It can also enter your water supply if the leak comes from old, rusty pipes. Two main varieties of iron are typically present in water:
Ferrous iron (dissolved): Invisible at first, but becomes reddish when it is in contact with the air.
Ferric iron (undissolved): No longer in the process of oxidation and thus looks like rusty particles in the water.
Besides, if you feel a metallic taste in the water or pipes can be stained with an orange-brown color, it may be the case that your water has more iron in it than normal.
Is Iron Bad for Hair?
Iron, as a nutrient, is essential for hair growth. It also hauls oxygen to the hair follicles. However, if iron is in water in large quantities, it may lead to the reverse effect.
This is the way that the excessive iron in water can trip your hair:
1. Build-up on the Scalp and Hair Shaft
Iron particles may stick to your scalp and hair strands, and this will result in a mineral buildup. The layer of residue on your hair prevents the moisture from going through the hair shaft, thus your hair becomes dry, brittle, and coarsely textured.
2. Scalp Irritation
Iron can be very irritating to a sensitive scalp, and it may therefore become itchy, irritated, or inflamed. Hair roots can get the effect of this; they will grow weaker, and hair fall will be more abundant.
3. Blocked Hair Follicles
Iron deposits can clog the pores on your scalp, thus the oxygen supply will be reduced, no matter how much you provide, and this will make healthy hair growth difficult. There might be thinning or even patchy hair loss at the end of this, however.
4. Hair Discoloration
Excess iron can interact with your shampoo or your hair’s natural oils, leading to a reddish or brassy tint, particularly in lighter hair shades.
5. Weakened Hair Structure
The oxidative stress resulting from excessive iron that is excessively deposited may lead to injury of the hair’s cuticle, causing the hair ends to become split and the hair to break.
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How to Tell if Iron in Water Is Causing Hair Loss
Some indications that the water may be the reason for your hair problems are:
Hair feels like it is made of rough straw, even after being conditioned
You see hair with an orange or red color
Itching or dryness appears on your scalp
The place where you keep your bathroom hardware is stained with rust color
Hair breakage becomes more noticeable soon after relocating to a new place or water supply
If the mentioned signs are seen together, it is a good idea to find out the amount of iron in the water.
Solutions: How to Protect Your Hair
1. Use a Water Filter
Install a whole-house water softener or a shower filter specifically designed to eliminate iron and other heavy minerals. Preventing the damage caused by mineral-rich water in this way is one of the most effective means to carry out your endeavor.
2. Clarifying Shampoo
Using a clarifying or chelating shampoo no more than once a week will make it possible to get rid of the impurities coming from the scalp and the hair that are due to minerals. You can choose among the products that contain, for instance, EDTA or apple cider vinegar as an ingredient.
3. Moisturizing Deep Conditioner
Apply a moisturizing hair mask or deep conditioner that will give your hair back the moisture and softness that have been lost because of the mineral deposits.
4. Avoid Overwashing
Iron-heavy water, when used for washing the hair too often, can cause the scalp to become dry by removing its natural oils. You may want to go on a shampoo break or use distilled water for your last rinse.
5. Scalp Care
Consider a scalp massage, which is very gentle and at the same time, with the help of the nourishing oils such as coconut oil or argan oil, it can increase blood circulation and also it will calm the irritation.
6. Professional Testing
Get the water tested if there is a doubt about its quality. Tests of iron content are available at a low cost by the water board of the municipality or at private laboratories.
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Conclusion
In summary, iron is needed for hair health, but too much iron in water can turn out to be a big problem, and it can cause hair to be dry, scalp to get irritated, and even hair loss. Be on the lookout that your water source is not the reason for your hair health, and do various things like installing filters, cleansing, and nourishing the scalp. Water is a very simple yet so often neglected part of our hair care routine, hence using the right quality can make a world of difference. In a little time and with the right tricks, you are able to save your hair from damage, and it can remain healthy, shiny, and grow.