The battle between Florida's hard water and your hair

Dryness, elasticity and oiliness are just a few characteristics that people complain about when mentioning the effects of hard water.

Hard water is the term used to describe the concentration of minerals in water, specifically, calcium, magnesium and manganese. Hard water is visible in residue made of these minerals.

Dr. Yinlin Zhaung, the water resources regional specialized agent for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences extension central district in Gainesville, said Florida’s water is specifically hard because of karst topography. Meaning, underneath Florida’s ground lies porous limestone that contains high contents of calcium and magnesium; this is known as the Floridan Aquifer System.

“It can have buildups, effective in clinging, sometimes you will see the white buildup in the water appliances,” Zhaung said. “Sometimes, it can even live on your dishes.”

Hard water is not a contaminant, so it is not regulated by the federal Safewater Drinking Act. According to the Water Quality Association, there are scales and categories of the hardness of water. When the calcium is between 120 and 180 parts per million, then water is considered hard.

In the Orlando area, the calcium is 129 parts per million, according to HydroFlow USA, which sells water conditioners. In Tampa, it's 290. In West Palm Beach, it tops 300.

The usage of hard water while showering can result in hair and skin feeling dry.

“The main concern is how we feel about our hair,” Zhaung said.

A never-ending wash cycle

Abigail Hendrix, a freshman at the University of Central Florida who resides in student housing, said she started to notice a heaviness on her hair, since moving to the Orlando area. It is almost like there was a product buildup that makes her hair feel heavy and oily to the touch compared to her home in Tampa, where she said she has a water softener.

“Since coming here my hair has been more dirty, it has taken a toll on me, it’s frustrating,” Hendrix said. “I want to do things with my hair, but because it’s so dry and brittle, I go to braid it, it doesn’t look good. I have to take it out. I have to wash it several times before I like how it looks.”

Hendrix said her usual hair-wash routine has shortened, she now skips a day between washing because of excess oil buildup. Despite the excess oil, her scalp has been dryer. To combat this, Hendrix has installed a water filter on top of her shower head and changed her hair products, but she said she has not noticed a significant difference. But this process can be a trial and error for most.

“The shower itself turns white from the minerals,” said Hendrix.

Emily Ching

/

Central Florida Public Media

A professional take

Experience with hard water in hair is a familiar look and feeling for not only residents, but also for some hair stylists.

Nadia Cuellar, owner of the Color Bar Salon in Oviedo, said because of the hard water buildup, the hair cannot absorb all the nutrients from shampoo and conditioner. This leaves the hair with that familiar dry, frizzy and brittle texture that’s recognizable when she washes her clients' hair.

“It’s our job as hairdressers to educate our clients,” said Cuellar.

This buildup causes hair to tangle when it’s submerged in water, almost having an elastic-like feel. The best way to combat the effects of hard water? Installing a water filter or water treatment system, as well as researching hair products that strengthen and unclog pores in the hair.

At the end of the day, “the hair will tell you,” Cuellar said.

Copyright 2024 Central Florida Public Media. To see more, visit Central Florida Public Media.