Spending the day soaking in the warm waters of a natural hot spring is a special kind of luxury that has a myriad of benefits.
I’m sure you’re familiar with the mental and skin care benefits of hot springs, but what about your hair? Is hot springs water good for your hair?
The minerals present in hot spring water may lead to your hair drying up and getting tangled. However, it is beneficial for your scalp.
When you’re having a hot spring spa day, it is essential to go in knowing what effects the water will have on your whole body so you don’t get any nasty surprises.
This article is going to get into what minerals are present in hot spring water and the effects that they can have on your hair.
Hot Spring Hunt Tip: Since hot springs can make you sweat, you will need to stay hydrated while you relax to compensate for the loss of fluids.
Is Hot Spring Water Good For Your Hair?
Hot spring water is not good for your hair temporarily, but it is good for your scalp.
After a day in a hot spring, you may notice that your hair is quite dry and tangled. However, you don’t need to worry because this effect is only temporary.
This drying out happens due to the high concentration of minerals in the the water. The types and amount of minerals present will change in each location but the main minerals present in most hot springs are silica, calcium, calcium carbonate, magnesium, and potassium. The two minerals that are responsible for the drying out are calcium and magnesium.
Just like with hard water, the presence of these minerals can leave deposits in your hair that make it feel dried out and easily tangled. However, there are a few benefits that hot spring water has that may actually help your hair in the long run.
The sulfur present in the water helps to remove impurities from your pores and is very effective in treating dry scalp. The other minerals, like silica, that are beneficial for your skin will also be effective in keeping your scalp healthy. This will can even help with preventing hair loss.
So, in the long run, hot spring water may help your hair grow strong even though it might feel dried out in the moment.
It is worth noting that hot spring water has been known to strip color from dyed hair, so you may need to put your hair up to avoid this happening while you soak.
If you want to avoid drying out your hair, I recommend putting your hair up if it is long and avoiding putting your head underwater.
Hot Spring Hunt Fact: Hot spring water is incredibly good for your skin and acts as a powerful natural detox that is effective as smoothing rough skin..
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I shower after hot springs?
I don’t recommend showering after being in a hot spring, as this can wash away some of the minerals. However, if you have sensitive skin that gets easily irritated, it may be beneficial to have a quick rinse.
However, it is essential that you shower before getting into the hot springs for sanitary reasons.
What are the benefits of hot spring water?
As we have discussed, hot spring water has many benefits.
These include hydrating the skin, treating dry scalp, treating inflammation, and reversing UV damage. It is also effective at detoxing your skin and treating dry and rough skin. Soaking in warm water is also incredibly relaxing and good for your mental well-being.
There are some sources that will extoll other more dramatic health benefits, but these have not been scientifically proven.
How long should you soak in a hot spring?
Due to the intense heat, I don’t recommend soaking for too long, as this can cause you to faint or get dehydrated.
I recommend soaking for 10-15 minutes at a time and increasing your water in take between dips to stay hydrated.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, soaking in a spa is a wonderful self-care moment with more benefits than drawbacks.
Hot spring water is not good for your hair on a temporary basis, but it can help your scalp, which will make your hair healthy in the long run.
I hope this saves you from having dried-out hair the next time you visit a hot spring or inspires you to deal with the temporary effects for the sake of your scalp health.