Can Calcium Cause Hair Damage?

When it comes to maintaining good health, calcium often stands out as a vital nutrient. Renowned for its role in building strong bones and teeth, calcium is essential for various bodily functions. However, while calcium is beneficial for your overall health, it can have a detrimental impact on your hair. Many are unaware that calcium deposits from hard water can significantly lead to damaged hair. In this article, we will delve into how calcium can harm your hair and provide a comprehensive guide on how to repair damaged hair due to calcium exposure.

Does Calcium Cause Hair Damage?

Calcium buildup on the scalp and hair can occur due to hard water, which contains high levels of minerals. When hair is repeatedly washed with hard water, calcium can accumulate, and this leads to several issues:

1. Scalp Buildup: Calcium deposits can build up on the scalp, leading to clogged hair follicles, which can hinder hair growth and cause inflammation.
2. Hair Dryness: Calcium deposits strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle.
3. Dull Appearance: Over time, calcium can coat the hair shaft, making it appear dull and lifeless.
4. Weak Hair Structure: Excess calcium weakens the hair structure, increasing the risk of breakage and split ends.
5. Increased Porosity: Damaged hair becomes more porous and thus absorbs more calcium, exacerbating the cycle of damage.

Tips to Revive Hair Damaged Due to Calcium in Hard Water

If you have damaged hair due to calcium, it is crucial to take steps to repair and restore your hair. Here are five effective tips:

1. Use Specialised Hair Care Products

Using products specifically formulated for damaged hair can help in repairing and promoting regrowth. Kérastase offers an excellent range of products for this purpose, specifically their Première range which is categorically designed to combat calcium buildup due to use of hard water:

• Première Concentré Décalcifiant Ultra-Réparateur: This pre-shampoo treatment decalcifies hair overloaded with calcium and repairs it from the inside out. Its concentration of pure acids helps restore hair strength and reverses a stiff, dull appearance.
• Première Bain Décalcifiant Réparateur: This damage repair shampoo gently cleanses the scalp and hair while removing calcium deposits. It repairs hair from within, reducing breakage and restoring health, leaving hair smooth, shiny, and manageable.
• Première Masque Filler Réparateur Hair Mask: This luxurious creamy mask provides extra conditioning care, particularly after chemical processing. It rebuilds hair structure, smooths the surface, and significantly reduces breakage, ensuring hair returns to its healthiest state.

2. Install a Water Softener

Installing a water softener in your home can reduce the mineral content in your water supply. This will help prevent further calcium buildup on your hair and scalp.

3. Clarifying Shampoo

Regularly using a clarifying shampoo can help remove mineral buildup from your hair. However, limit its use to twice or thrice a week to avoid excessive dryness.

4. Deep Conditioning Treatments

Incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your hair care routine to replenish moisture and repair damaged hair.

Calcium, while beneficial for overall health, can cause significant damage to your hair when it builds up due to hard water. Recognising the signs of calcium-induced hair damage and taking appropriate steps to counteract it is essential for maintaining healthy hair. Using specialised products such as those from Kérastase can play a pivotal role in damaged hair repair, ensuring your hair remains strong, shiny, and healthy. By following the tips outlined above, you can effectively revive and restore hair that has been damaged by calcium buildup.