Why Hard Water Causes Oily Roots & Dry Strands + What To Do

Sometimes hair doesn't cooperate like we're used to. Some days your roots may be more oily than usual, and others, your strands dry as a bone. If you've switched your hair care routine recently, then that's probably the cause—but if the change seems random, it could be due to this common factor.

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The culprit: hard water. See, the tap water running down your strands (and on your skin, mind you) is often filled with harsh chemicals, like chlorine, and other contaminants such as heavy metals—both of which can wreak havoc on your skin and hair.

For instance, research shows that hard water can decrease hair strength and cause breakage1 and has been associated with atopic eczema in children.

You may be thinking, but hair is already dead, so why does it matter? Well, healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp—which is a part of your larger skin organ and should be treated as such.

The reason your roots may feel oily from these contaminants isn't because they directly make hair greasy. In fact, chlorine and heavy metals can actually do the opposite and dry out your scalp and strands, which causes your skin to naturally produce more oil to compensate for the lack of moisture.

The result? Oily roots paired with dry ends and loads of frizz, even if you're using top-of-the-line hair care products.

So if you've been on the fence about investing in a showerhead filter, let this be your sign to do so. The number of options out there can be intimidating, so start here with our expert-approved list of the eight best shower filters on the market. The curation offers a range of prices, features, and designs, so everyone can find something that checks their box.

Or if you're unable to make the showerhead splurge right now, grab a clarifying shampoo to lift heavy mineral buildup from your strands. Follow up with a hydrating hair mask to feed those tresses with the nutrients they crave—our favorites, here.

Oily roots coupled with frizz can be a sign of hard water buildup. One solution is to order a shower filter to ensure the water running on your strands and scalp is as clean as can be. In the meantime, here are some tips to ease oily roots and combat frizz.

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Hannah Frye is the Assistant Beauty Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including health, wellness, sustainability, personal development, and more. She previously interned for Almost 30, a top-rated health and wellness podcast. In her current role, Hannah reports on the latest beauty trends, holistic skincare approaches, must-have makeup products, and inclusivity in the beauty industry. She currently lives in New York City.