Does UAE Water Cause Hair Loss?

Water Quality and Hair Health

The water you use to wash your hair influences its health and quality. Factors such as pH levels, chlorine, and minerals like calcium and magnesium can have varying effects based on their concentrations. Let’s delve into these factors for a closer examination.

• pH Levels:

The pH scale, spanning from 0 to 14.0, allows the determination of a liquid’s acidity, alkalinity, or neutrality. The closer the pH number is to zero, the more acidic the liquid becomes. A healthy scalp typically registers between 4.5 to 5.5 degrees, indicating an acidic tendency. Being aware that water and hair care products can alter this degree underscores the importance of understanding your water’s composition. The pH of drinking water commonly falls within the range of 6.5 to 8.5.

These are some of the ways that high pH levels in your water and hair products can affect your hair:

1. Chemical burns can occur on the scalp due to the use of certain hair products, particularly hair color.
2. Dry scalp that eventually leads to dandruff.
3. Weaker hair strands.
4. Friction and hair breakage.

• Chlorine in Water:

Chlorine is typically added to urban water supplies to eliminate harmful bacteria and pathogens. While chlorine in water supplies must mostly dissipate before it reaches homes, high chlorine levels may cause problems, including a negative effect on hair and skin when exposed to highly concentrated levels of chlorine. This exposure absorbs natural oils and leads to dryness and damage, among other negative effects like:

1. Rough and tangled hair.
2. Increased hair vulnerability.
3. Dandruff and itchy scalp.
4. Split ends.

• Minerals:

All water is not equal in terms of hardness or softness, which is determined by the mineral content of both calcium and magnesium.

Water hardness classifications:

1. Soft water: less than 17 parts per million.
2. Slightly hard water: 17-60 parts per million.
3. Moderately hard water: 60-120 parts per million.
4. Hard water: 120-180 parts per million.
5. Very hard water: more than 180 parts per million.

Understanding UAE Water Composition

Desalinated seawater in Dubai contributes to the spread of hair problems, such as increased hair loss, dryness and brittleness. This process, which involves removing salt and adding chlorine, causes fading and breakage. However, desalinated seawater is not the only cause of these symptoms.

Potential Impact of UAE Water on Hair

Water in the United Arab Emirates cannot be held exclusively accountable for hair-related problems because other factors impact hair health including high blood pressure, humidity, etc. Even though it comes from desalinated seawater, the water in the United Arab Emirates is safe, yet the desalination process does take important minerals out of the water.

Tips for Protecting Your Hair in UAE

• Things to Do:

1. Weekly use of a detoxifying shampoo ensures deep hair cleansing.
2. Enhance hydration and repair with a weekly conditioning mask for shiny, lush hair.
3. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
4. Apply nourishing oils for hair health.
5. Maintain a healthy, balanced diet.
6. Protect your hair from hard water effects.

• Things not to Do

1. Avoid hair care products with silicones and parabens, as they weigh down the hair.
2. Steer clear of two-in-one shampoos and conditioners to prevent dullness caused by residue.
3. Refrain from backcombing to reduce friction and make detangling easier for softer, more manageable hair.
4. Minimize processed food intake, as it can harm your hair.
5. When conditioning, apply rich products to hair ends, avoiding heavy application on the scalp.

Hair Care Products for UAE Water

Here are some of the products that you should use as hair treatments:

• Biolage Ultra Hydrasource Shampoo & Conditioner:

BIOLAGE Ultra Hydrasource Shampoo & Conditioner helps maintain a healthy moisture balance for thick, coarse, and very dry hair. This ultra-hydrating set gently cleanses, moisturizes, and smooths hair.

• REDKEN Frizz Dismiss Shampoo & Conditioner Set:

A gentle, sodium chloride-free formula professional shampoo and conditioner set that tames frizzy hair while increasing shine, softness, and smoothness.

• L’Oreal Professionnel Metal Detox Shampoo & Hair Mask Set:

This sulfate-free system detoxifies colored hair and gently removes metal particles from water that cause breakage and damage.

Water Filters and Other Solutions

Here is a list of other solutions you can try:

• Water Filters for Hair:

Although it may not be a complete or permanent solution, certain shower filters for hair can aid in the removal of hard water minerals that contribute to hair damage.While filter replacement costs can add up, they may be worth it to improve the health of your hair.

• Water Softeners:

Unlike shower filters, water softeners treat water at every tap, addressing various issues like stiff laundry, soap scum, and spotty dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does the UAE treat water?

There are two sources of water in the UAE: desalinated seawater and groundwater. Groundwater is used for agriculture in Al Ain and Liwa while drinking or tap water is provided entirely from desalinated seawater across the Emirates.

• What is the impact of water on hair in UAE?

Many people here face issues such as hair loss, frizzy locks, and dull color. The most apparent reason behind these problems is the desalinated water. Although desalinated water is usually soft, UAE water is hard. Moreover, it is treated with a high level of chlorine.

• Why does my hair get so dry in the UAE?

Hard water isn’t the sole reason; desert climate poses risks too. The intense sun can dry and fade hair, leading to brittleness and breakage. Lack of sun protection may also harm the scalp, contributing to hair loss and premature aging in a desert environment.

Whatever problem you face, knowledge is the solution. Conduct thorough research into your specific hair condition and seek guidance from a professional to discover the most appropriate solutions for your concerns.