Introduction: Last summer, I noticed a sudden onset of dry, itchy, and flaky scalp, which I attributed to my sensitivity to chlorine in the swimming pool. I suspected there were trace amounts of chlorine in my tap water, which led me to switch to washing my hair with spring water from the Mendips. I noticed an immediate difference in the health of my hair and scalp, which inspired me to share my experience with others.
The Benefits of Washing Hair with Spring Water: I noticed significant improvements in my hair's overall health, including lighter, bouncier, and shinier hair. By using soft spring water, I was able to use less hair products and achieve better results. The reason behind this is that hard water deposits calcium carbonate (limescale) on the hair and scalp, which can lead to hair damage and a dry scalp. The hair and scalp are slightly acidic with a pH of 4.5-5.5, and using hard water with high alkalinity can dry out the skin and hair. Diluted vinegar or lemon juice can help restore hair shine and luster, as they are slightly acidic and can balance the pH of the hair.
Using Spring Water for Hair Care: I use around 500ml of spring water for my hair care routine, but sometimes I use 1L and do more rinses to ensure that no product is left in my hair. I use a squeeze bottle with a nozzle to cover every part of my scalp and ensure that the water gets everywhere. I heat up about 1/3 of the water in a pan and mix it with the cold water so that it's warm and comfortable to apply to my hair. I avoid letting tap water touch my hair in the shower, instead opting for a shower cap to prevent contact. However, if I want to submerge my head in the bath, I saturate my hair with the spring water and some conditioner to create a barrier before rinsing it again with the spring water.
Alternative Options: While collecting rainwater or passing water through a Brita filter are good options, using distilled water is ideal for making cosmetic products at home, adding to vinegar to make cleaning sprays, and using in irons. Distilled water can also be used to make sprays for hair to refresh curls and fringes between washes. Additionally, purchasing a carbon showerhead filter or whole house filtration system can help remove limescale and improve water quality.
Conclusion: Switching to spring water for my hair care routine has improved my hair and scalp's overall health significantly. I've recommended this approach to my clients, and they've reported similar positive results. While some may be hesitant to try it out, it's worth considering for those with dry, itchy, and flaky scalp issues. A little bit of spring water can go a long way in achieving healthy and beautiful hair.
