Is soft water a must for healthy hair?

[nova]

I adore and love my friends hair. :0 My friend Rebecca (Becky) has long down to middle of her back, bouncy, silky, shiny, soft & smooth hair. Becky's hair color is a chocolate rich brown and doesn't come from a bottle. Becky mentioned she uses the cheapest over the counter shampoo, and very little conditioner. However, her water is soft and refreshing in the Bahamas. Is water a major factor and influence on our hair staying healthy?

[Britanica]

Soft water offers pH balance to the scalp and hair itself. Water in general is very important to the body, organs, and skin. When you have perfectly balanced water that is pH friendly and clean of lead, pharmaceuticals, fluoride, and so on - It makes a HUGE difference for hair health.

[Carrie_Thayer]

I 100% agree with what Britanica shared about water and how it impacts the scalp and hair.

Many people notice a major improvement in their hair when their water is pH friendly which is most often the case with soft water.

There is a known issue for other people who only have access to well water which sometimes can be full of lead, copper and other chemicals. When people only have access to water full of toxins and chemicals they are advised to either purchase a special water filter for their shower, or use distilled water to wet-wash their hair.

It's amazing how much difference water can make on how and it's appearance and ultimate behavior.

[Lea]

Some quick issues with "hard water"...

Problems created by hard water
Hard water minerals can clog pipes and reduce water flow.
Film and scale can accumulate on tile and bath/kitchen fixtures.
An invisible soapy film on skin can leave it feeling dry.
Excess filmy shampoo residue on hair can leave it looking dull and limp.
Deposits of scale shortens the life of water heaters.
Utility bills can increase due to accumulated scale in the water heater. (Scale is a poor conductor of heat, increasing the energy needed to heat water.)
Glasses and dishes remain white filmed and spotted even after cleaning.
Reduced sudsing action can leave clothes looking gray and dingy.
Harsh minerals in hard water reduce the life of clothes.
Hard water can affect the taste of tea and coffee.

Over all, soft water is better for more reasons than just your hair

[Carrie_Thayer]

Awesome tips Lea Lea.

You have listed so many great reasons why soft water is so much better.

If you don't have access to soft water where you live, definitely either get a special filter, use distilled water or use another water source to minimize the exposure to hard water.

Thanks again Lea Lea. Very helpful.