How well water affects hair color and what to do about it
Maintaining vibrant and beautiful hair color can be a challenge, especially for those who live in areas with hard water.
Many people invest time and money in professional hair coloring, only to find their results quickly fading or turning an unexpected shade. While it may seem puzzling, the culprit behind this phenomenon is often the water itself.
Let’s explore how well water can discolor professional hair color and delve into the reasons behind it.
Understanding Well Water: Well water is obtained from underground sources, such as aquifers, and can contain varying levels of minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and copper. These minerals, while essential for the body, can have unintended consequences when it comes to hair color.
How Well water affects your hair color
Fading: One common issue faced by individuals with colored hair is fading. Well water, particularly if it is hard, can strip away the color molecules deposited in the hair shaft, causing the color to fade more quickly than usual.
Brassiness: Another prevalent problem associated with well water is brassiness. The presence of minerals like iron and copper can oxidize the hair color, resulting in unwanted warm or brassy tones. Blondes may notice their hair turning orange or yellow, while brunettes may see a reddish or coppery tint.
Uneven Color: Hard water can also lead to uneven color distribution. The minerals present in the water can create an uneven surface on the hair shaft, causing color to adhere differently in certain areas. This can result in patchy or splotchy color.
Why Does Well Water Cause Discoloration?
Mineral Buildup: The minerals present in well water can create a buildup on the hair shaft, preventing color molecules from properly penetrating the hair cuticle. This interference can lead to uneven color absorption and fading.
Oxidation: The iron and copper in well water can oxidize when they come into contact with the hair color, leading to unwanted color shifts. This oxidation process alters the hair color molecules, causing them to become warmer or brassy in appearance.
How to prevent discoloration
While it may seem challenging to combat the effects of well water, there are several measures you can take to protect your hair color:
Pre-Treatment: Consider using a chelating or clarifying shampoo before coloring your hair. These products help remove mineral buildup and create a clean canvas for the hair color to adhere to.
Filtration Systems: Installing a water filtration system specifically designed to remove minerals can significantly reduce discoloration. These systems can be installed at the point of entry (whole-house filtration) or at specific outlets, such as showers.
Bottled or Filtered Water: If you're unable to install a filtration system, rinsing your hair with bottled or filtered water can help minimize mineral exposure during the coloring process.
Aftercare: Following your hair color treatment, use sulfate-free and color-safe shampoos and conditioners. These products are formulated to be gentle on colored hair and can help maintain your color's vibrancy.
Well water can be a formidable adversary when it comes to maintaining professional hair color. The minerals present in the water can lead to fading, brassiness, and uneven color distribution.
Understanding the causes behind this discoloration phenomenon empowers individuals to take proactive steps to protect their hair color investment.
By employing preventative measures such as pre-treatment, water filtration systems, and proper aftercare, you can enjoy long-lasting and vibrant hair color, regardless of your water source.