Is Orange Hair Resulting From Your Water? Iron Might Be The Problem!

Understanding the Connection Between Water and Hair Color

Your hair can be greatly impacted by the quality of the water. Hard water, which is heavy in minerals like calcium and magnesium, is known to create a number of problems for hair, including buildup and dryness. Iron is a mineral that is frequently ignored yet has the potential to severely damage hair colour. Hair can get discoloured and frequently becomes orange as a result of interactions with high iron water.

Your hair's proteins may attach to iron, especially if it's light-coloured or has recently had chemical treatments like bleach or dye. The hair becomes tanned or orange as a result of this binding process, and it might be challenging to get rid of it. Knowing this relationship is the first step in treating and preventing orange hair caused by iron.

Why Does Iron Turn Hair Orange?

Oxidation is the chemical process that iron goes through when it comes into contact with oxygen and water. Iron oxide, or rust, is produced by this process and has a characteristic reddish-orange hue. Iron can deposit onto the hair shaft when water containing dissolved iron comes into touch with your hair, particularly if your hair is light or has undergone chemical treatment. These deposits may accumulate over time and give the area an orange or crimson hue.

The amount of iron in the water and the frequency of exposure can affect how severe the staining is. For example, those who often wash their hair in water that is high in iron may observe a progressive development of their orange hair color. Furthermore, damaged or weak hair may absorb iron more quickly, making the problem worse.

Identifying Iron in Your Water

It's crucial to figure out whether iron in your water is indeed the reason behind your orange hair color  before taking any action. To determine whether iron is present in your water supply, there are a few tests and indicators you may look out for.

Visual Inspection: Examine your sinks, bathtubs, and plumbing fittings for any reddish-brown stains. These stains frequently indicate that the water's iron content is excessive.

Water Test Kit: Invest in a water test kit made especially to find iron. The majority of hardware stores have these kits, which can assess iron content quickly and precisely.

Professional Water Testing: You might think about having your water tested by a professional for a more thorough examination. They may offer comprehensive details on the kinds and concentrations of minerals that are there.

If iron is present in your water, you may take safety measures to lessen its effects and stop your hair from becoming more discoloured.

How to Get Orange Out of Hair

Don't panic if the iron in your water has already caused your hair to turn orange; there are a few techniques you may attempt to get your hair back to its original colour. Here are a few efficient methods to remove orange hair color:

Chelating shampoo: Use a chelating shampoo to get rid of any mineral buildup in your hair. These shampoos work to bring back the natural colour of your hair by binding to and eliminating iron deposits. Seek for items that are particularly marketed to remove mineral buildup or hard water deposits.

Frequent clarifying treatments:  can aid in the removal of mineral deposits from your hair, including iron. Although these treatments may successfully remove buildup and are usually more aggressive than ordinary shampoos, they should only be applied in moderation to prevent drying out your hair.

Homemade Remedies: Rinses made with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, for example, might help lessen the look of orange hair. Your hair's natural colour may be restored and iron deposits can be broken down with the aid of these acidic solutions.

Professional Treatment: Consult a licensed hair stylist if over-the-counter medications and home cures are ineffective. They are able to offer specific treatments to eliminate iron buildup and adjust your hair's colour.

Preventing Future Discoloration

Once orange hair has been handled, it's critical to take measures against further discoloration. These are a few practical methods to preserve the colour of your hair:

Install a Water Filter: This is one of the best methods to stop iron from going bad in your hair. You may install filters that are made to remove iron and other minerals on your showerhead or at the water supply entry point in your home.

Use Bottled or Filtered Water: If you can't install a filter, you might want to wash your hair with bottled or filtered water. This can reduce the possibility of coming into contact with iron and other substances that might darken skin.

Frequent Maintenance: Make sure your filtration system or water softener receives routine maintenance and servicing. By doing this, you can lower the possibility of iron buildup in your water and maintain the system operating at peak efficiency.

Hair Care treatment: Use products made especially for reducing the effects of hard water as part of your routine. Seek for chelating agents and other components that can aid in the removal of mineral deposits in shampoos and conditioners.

In Summary

Iron in your water may create dark orange hair, which can be a difficult condition but is solvable with the correct information and resources. You may preserve the colour of your hair that you want by being aware of the function iron plays in colour change and adopting proactive measures to decrease its impact. There are ways to deal with and avoid orange hair, including chelating shampoos, expert treatments, and water filtration systems. You may have healthy, vibrant hair free from undesired colouring by being careful and putting these ideas into practice.