Well water, sourced from underground reservoirs and natural springs, is a common alternative for many households around the world. With its unique mineral content, it often differs in composition from city-treated water.
You may have noticed that, over time, using well water leads to hair taking on an orange hue. This coloration is not a mere coincidence, and its explanation lies deep within the water’s chemical makeup.
Well Water Components
Well water, unlike treated city water, is rich in minerals and components that originate from the ground it flows through. This natural filtration process gives well water its unique composition but can also cause issues, especially concerning hair health.
Iron’s Role in Well Water
Iron is a naturally abundant mineral in the earth’s crust, which means it frequently infiltrates well water. When this water is exposed to air (oxygen), iron undergoes a process known as oxidation. This chemical reaction gives rise to iron compounds that can tint anything they come in contact with, including hair, a rusty orange color.
Beyond hair discoloration, high iron content can also leave behind deposits in plumbing systems, leading to reduced water flow and staining of bathroom fixtures.
Other Influential Minerals
Manganese and copper, although less frequent than iron, can still be found in well water. Manganese, similar to iron, can lead to hair and fixture discoloration, albeit with a more blackish or brownish hue. Copper, often sourced from plumbing pipes, can leave greenish tints on blonde or light-colored hair.
Calcium and magnesium, though not typically responsible for hair color changes, do contribute to water hardness. Hard water can make hair feel dry, brittle, and less manageable over time.
Hair Chemistry and Well Water
To understand why well water impacts hair color, one must first understand the structure and composition of hair.
Basics of Hair Composition
Each strand of hair is made up of the medulla (the innermost part), the cortex (which determines strength, texture, and color), and the cuticle (the outer layer). The cuticle’s job is to protect the cortex, but it’s also the first line of defense against external elements, including minerals in water.
Mineral Interaction Dynamics
As hair gets repeatedly exposed to mineral-rich well water, these minerals can get lodged between the cuticle scales. Over time, this buildup leads to changes in hair color, texture, and shine.
The more porous the hair (often due to heat styling, chemical treatments, or damage), the more susceptible it is to absorbing these minerals and showing noticeable color changes.
Orange Hair Phenomenon
The orange or rusty hue one observes from using well water isn’t just a random occurrence. It’s a clear signal of certain minerals being present in excessive amounts.
Iron Build-up Mechanism
While the oxidation process can cause iron to tint items like sinks and toilets a rusty color, its impact on hair is far more personal. The iron compounds, when bound to hair, especially light-colored strands, manifest as an orange hue. This discoloration can be exacerbated with regular exposure to such water, especially if the hair is also exposed to sunlight, which can further intensify the oxidation.
pH’s Part in Discoloration
Natural hair pH is slightly acidic, ranging from 4.5 to 5.5. This acidity helps the cuticle layers lay flat and maintain hair health. Well water, depending on its source and mineral content, can sometimes be alkaline. When hair is washed with an alkaline solution, the cuticles can raise, making hair more porous and more prone to absorbing and retaining minerals like iron.
Addressing the Orange Hue
While the orange tint might be alarming, there are remedies and solutions available.
Role of Water Softeners
Water softeners are devices designed to replace hard minerals like calcium and magnesium with sodium ions. While they primarily target water hardness, they can indirectly reduce hair discoloration by improving the overall quality of well water. Softened water is also gentler on hair, leaving it softer and more manageable.
Chelating Shampoos
These are not your average shampoos. Chelating shampoos contain specific agents that can effectively bind to minerals, pulling them away from the hair during the rinsing process. For those with severe discoloration, a regular routine with chelating shampoos can prove beneficial.
Natural Remedies
While store-bought products are effective, nature offers its remedies. Rinsing hair with a diluted solution of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can help dissolve mineral buildup. These natural acids can neutralize the alkalinity, helping the cuticle layers lay flat. However, it’s vital to ensure these rinses are used in moderation to prevent over-drying the hair.
Prevention is Key
Like many issues, prevention is often more efficient than cure.
Routine Water Tests
Testing well water periodically allows homeowners to stay informed about its mineral content. With this knowledge, they can take proactive measures, like adjusting filtration systems or incorporating water softeners, to ensure the water remains hair-friendly.
Iron-Reduction Methods
Apart from water softeners, there are specific systems like iron filters or oxidizing filters that focus on reducing iron content. These can be invaluable for households where iron-induced discoloration is a recurring issue.
Hair Health Maintenance Tips
Shielding hair from excessive mineral exposure is essential. Some ways to ensure hair remains healthy include:
- Opting for distilled or purified water for the final rinse after shampooing
- Using deep conditioning masks to counteract dryness
- Limiting heat styling which can increase hair porosity
- Employing protective hairstyles or hats when under direct sunlight
Alternative Water Sources
Sometimes, the most straightforward solution is to switch the source.
Purified Water Perks
Using purified or distilled water, especially for the final rinse after shampooing, can significantly reduce the risk of mineral buildup and associated hair discoloration.
Rainwater Harvesting
While it requires some setup, rainwater can be an excellent source for hair washing. Naturally soft and free from ground minerals, it just needs basic filtration to remove any environmental impurities before use.
Bottled Versus Well Water
For those extremely concerned about their hair health and appearance, bottled water, especially when sourced from natural springs, can be a choice. However, one must weigh the environmental impact, as relying on bottled water can increase plastic waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does only well water cause orange hair?
Not all well water causes orange hair. Only when there’s a high concentration of iron and certain minerals does this phenomenon occur.
Can this discoloration damage hair permanently?
While the color change can be alarming, it doesn’t necessarily damage the hair’s structure. However, mineral buildup can make hair dry and brittle over time.
Are there salon treatments to reverse the orange hue?
Yes, professionals offer treatments to remove mineral buildup and restore hair’s natural color, often using specialized products and techniques.
Conclusion
Well water’s unique composition, dominated by minerals like iron, plays a significant role in hair discoloration. As these minerals interact with hair, they can cause a distinct orange hue.
Addressing this requires a combination of preventive and corrective measures, from using chelating shampoos to switching water sources. Embracing informed choices ensures the preservation of hair health and appearance.