Is Islamabad’s Water Ruining Your Hair and Skin?

If your hair has suddenly stopped cooperating or your skin feels tight no matter what you use, the problem might be your water, not your products.

Islamabad’s water is naturally high in minerals, especially in houses that rely on private bore wells. As groundwater travels through the city’s mineral-rich layers, it picks up calcium and magnesium. These minerals are safe to drink but they cling to the body in ways that most people do not realise. If you have ever seen a chalky layer on your taps or kettle, that residue is the same mineral buildup your hair and skin are reacting to. With the onset of winter dryness, the effects can feel even more noticeable.

On hair, mineral residue forms a thin coating that makes strands feel dry and rough. It also builds up on the scalp, which is why wash days can feel heavier and you may notice more shedding than usual.

The thinning you see is temporary and usually settles once the mineral film is removed. Styling products also stop working properly because they sit on top of the buildup instead of absorbing.

Skin reacts in a similar way. Hard water disrupts the natural barrier, leaving that familiar tight, slightly uncomfortable feeling after a shower. Some people develop dullness or small bumps on the arms and legs that no moisturiser seems to fix.

The good news is that a few small changes make a noticeable difference. A shower filter is the simplest place to start. Choose one that targets calcium and magnesium and replace it regularly. A weekly clarifying shampoo helps lift buildup, and a quick apple cider vinegar rinse can smooth the cuticle and bring back shine, as long as it is properly diluted.

For the face, washing with a little filtered or reverse osmosis water is surprisingly effective. Reverse osmosis systems filter out the minerals that make hard water feel harsh. Most homes have a small RO tap in the kitchen, so filling a cup or jug with this water for face washing is an easy way to avoid mineral residue.

Follow with richer moisturisers for the face to balance dryness.

Islamabad’s hard water is not going anywhere, but with a few easy adjustments your hair and skin can recover quickly.