Water is essential for healthy hair growth. The hair follicles need proper hydration to produce strong, shiny hair. While all water provides hydration, some types of water are better than others for maximizing hair growth and quality. In this article, we will look at the different kinds of water and examine which is optimal for hair health.
The Importance of Water for Hair
Water makes up a significant portion of our hair’s structure. Each strand contains 10-30% water. Water keeps hair elastic and prevents breakage. Proper hydration allows hair to grow faster and healthier. When the body is dehydrated, hair follicles receive less blood flow carrying the nutrients needed for optimal growth.
Water also washes away excess oils, pollutants and product build-up from hair. If these are allowed to accumulate on the scalp, they can clog follicles and impede growth. Staying hydrated helps keep hair cleansed and creates the ideal environment for your tresses to thrive.
Common Types of Water
There are several kinds of water available for drinking and washing hair. Each has its own unique mineral composition that impacts hair in different ways. Here are some of the basic types:
Tap Water
Tap water comes directly from the pipes in your home. It contains added chemicals like chlorine and fluoride meant to disinfect the water and protect dental health. The mineral content varies based on your geographical location. Areas with hard water have higher levels of calcium and magnesium. The metals in tap water can dull hair, leave buildup and irritate the scalp.
Filtered Water
Filtered water has been run through a filtering system to remove impurities and chemicals. Simple carbon filters remove chlorine while more advanced systems can filter out metals and other contaminants. Filtered water still contains naturally occurring minerals but in lower amounts compared to tap water. The minerals left in can help strengthen hair.
Distilled Water
Distilled water is purified via steam distillation. This process removes all trace minerals, leaving 100% purified water. While good for detoxing, long-term use of distilled water is not recommended. Hair needs small amounts of natural minerals to maintain optimum wellness.
Spring Water
Natural spring water flows up from underground aquifers. It has a high mineral content, usually including calcium, magnesium and potassium. Spring water is generally pure but can pick up contaminants when passing through pipes and storage tanks. The minerals make it slightly alkaline, helping counteract hair follicle acidity.
Mineral Water
Mineral water comes from natural springs with a high concentration of healthful minerals. It must contain at least 250 parts per million total dissolved solids. The extra minerals make it beneficial for hair strength, shine and growth. Mineral water has a neutral pH balance and is free of chlorine and contaminants.
Alkaline/Ionized Water
Alkaline water has a pH above 7. It contains antioxidant-rich negative ions able to counteract hair follicle acidity. Drinking alkaline water may enhance hair growth and texture. However, it can also compound mineral buildup from hard water when washing hair.
Well Water
Well water is pumped up from underground aquifers near your home. Like spring water, it contains natural minerals absorbed from soil and rock. The mineral content depends on the depth and location of your well. Shallower wells often produce soft water low in minerals. The purity of well water varies, so testing for contaminants is important.
Best Types of Water for Hair
Now that we’ve looked at the different kinds of waters, let’s examine which are ideal for maximizing hair health and growth. The best are those containing an optimal mineral composition without contaminants.
Spring Water
Natural spring water often perfectly balances hair-healthy minerals with purity. The calcium, magnesium, potassium and other trace minerals strengthen hair follicles and shaft fibers. Spring water’s neutral pH and lack of chlorine are also beneficial properties. Make sure to choose a reputable spring water brand that keeps impurities to a minimum.
Mineral Water
The high mineral content of mineral water makes it stellar for hair. Calcium, magnesium, silicon and zinc all contribute to improved hair density, shine and tensile strength. The bicarbonate in mineral water counteracts follicle acidity to accelerate growth. There are many excellent mineral water brands to choose from. Going with a medium mineralization of 500-1500 ppm is ideal for hair needs.
Filtered Water
While filtered water contains less minerals than spring or mineral water, it still has enough to support hair growth. The balance of calcium, potassium, magnesium and sodium strengthens hair. Filtering removes chlorine and other impurities from tap water that can slow growth and cause breakage. Easy access and affordability make filtered water a great choice.
Alkaline/Ionized Water
The antioxidants in alkaline water nourish hair follicles by reducing inflammation and free radical damage. The bicarbonate neutralizes follicle acidity to encourage growth. Using an alkaline water filter or ionizer allows harnessing these benefits while adding necessary minerals. Alkaline water’s benefits for scalp health and smoothness outweigh its limited mineral content.
Worst Types of Water for Hair
On the flip side, some types of water are not so great for your lovely locks. Here are the key ones to look out for:
Tap Water
Hard tap water with high mineral content is a top culprit for dull, brittle hair. Calcium and magnesium bind to hair, causing a dry, straw-like texture. Chlorine oxidizes and damages hair over time. Even using clarifying shampoos can’t remove all the buildup. Install a filter or opt for bottled spring water instead.
Distilled Water
Fully purified distilled water lacks any beneficial minerals for hair health. The ideal hair hydration contains small amounts of calcium, magnesium and potassium. Drinking only distilled water long-term can result in mineral deficiency. Use distilled in moderation or re-mineralize by adding a pinch of pink Himalayan salt.
Unpurified Well Water
Untreated well water often contains high levels of hair damaging heavy metals like iron, manganese and copper. Hard well water with excess calcium causes buildup on follicles and strands. Contaminants like pesticides, bacteria and nitrates also frequently get into well systems. Always test and filter well water before ingesting or using on hair.
| Water Type | Mineral Content | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Water | Medium | Neutral pHNo chlorineStrengthens hair | Can contain impurities |
| Mineral Water | High | Adds shineThickens hairBalances pH | Higher cost |
| Filtered Water | Low-Medium | Removes chlorine and chemicalsRetains some minerals | Lower mineral content |
| Tap Water | Varies | Readily available | Metals cause buildupChlorine damage |
| Distilled Water | None | Purified | Lacks mineralsDeficiency risk |
| Alkaline/Ionized Water | Low | AntioxidantsNeutralizes acidity | Can compound hard water |
Tips for Maximizing Water for Hair Growth
Now that you know which types of water are best and worst for your hair, here are some tips to maximize hydration for growth:
Drink at least 8 glasses of spring, mineral or filtered water daily.
Hair follicles rely on proper blood circulation to receive nutrients that stimulate growth. Staying well hydrated keeps blood volume high for better delivery.
Always use spring, mineral or filtered water for washing hair.
Avoid using unfiltered tap water which can deposit minerals on the scalp and hair strands. Choose softer water for best results.
Consider an in-shower filter to purify water during washing.
Attach an easy to install shower head filter to remove chlorine and metals from tap water right before it touches your hair.
Alternate with an alkaline water shampoo/rinse once or twice a week.
Using a shampoo and conditioner formulated with alkaline water can further nourish follicles and neutralize buildup.
Choose mineral-infused hair products.
Seeking out formulas with calcium, magnesium, zinc and silicon adds extra minerals vital for hair thickness and growth.
Limit distilled water to an occasional hair rinse.
Use distilled water no more than once a week to remove residue. Be sure to condition well afterward.
The Bottom Line
Hair depends on proper hydration from water to grow strong and vibrant. While drinking more water keeps follicles nourished, choosing the right type is also key. The best waters for maximizing hair growth contain beneficial minerals without contaminants. Spring, mineral and alkaline water provide great hair health benefits. Using a shower filter and mineral-rich products also helps obtain optimum mineral nutrition. Drink up and watch your flowing locks thrive!