Everyone loves to dance in the rainwater as it drips from head to toe. Experts conclude that rainwater is naturally soft and free from pollution, making it good for hair. Parents and grandparents often talk about its purity and cleanliness. Being distilled water, it lacks harsh chemicals and minerals. Its acidity balances the pH, which can boost hair growth. The first rain was believed to cure skin and hair ailments, and was seen as excellent for both.
However, due to pollution, climate change, and other factors, rainwater is not as pure in current times. Pollutants like smoke, dust, and chemicals mix with rain, making it impure. The quality of rainwater is influenced by the area it falls on. Nowadays, air contains acidic pollutants, including heavy metals like lead (Pb). When it rains, these are brought down, potentially damaging hair.
Despite these challenges, rainwater remains a simple, yet profound elixir. It offers benefits that nourish our lives and ecosystems. In personal care, rainwater can maintain healthy, vibrant locks. Its natural advantages include promoting natural shine and reducing exposure to harsh chemicals found in conventional products. Exploring the science and anecdotal wisdom behind it reveals a refreshing perspective on hair care, emphasizing a symbiotic relationship between humanity and the environment. Embrace this unconventional beauty secret as a transformative elixir for hair well-being.
Perks of Rainwater
The following are the perks of rainwater.
Rainwater is Soft Water
Naturally soft water doesn’t have chemicals or minerals that can damage and dry hair. Unlike tap water with hard chlorine, magnesium, and calcium, soft water controls damage and keeps hair shiny and hydrated.
Rainwater Helps with Hair Cleansing
Rainwater removes dirt, sweat, and detergent buildup from the scalp pores, preventing clogged follicles and thin hair strands.
Rainwater Provides Hair Nourishment
Rainwater, rich in magnesium, calcium, and potassium, strengthens the root network of hair, improves blood circulation, and delivers essential nutrients to hair cells, supporting growth.
Rainwater Defines Curls
Rainwater defines curls by reducing frizz and adding moisture. Curly hair is prone to dryness and needs maximum hydration to maintain elasticity, bounce, and shape without weighing it down.
Chemical-Free
Municipal water supplies are treated with chlorine and other chemicals that strip hair of its natural oils and color, causing dryness, brittleness, and faded color. Rainwater, being free from additives, provides a gentler cleansing process and maintains hair integrity.
pH Balance
Rainwater has a pH level closer to neutral (pH 7), unlike tap water which is alkaline. Washing with rainwater helps maintain pH balance, preventing cuticles from opening excessively, resulting in smoother hair less prone to frizz and damage.
Natural Shine
Rainwater’s absence of mineral deposits and chemicals contributes to hair’s natural shine. Hair strands reflect light more effectively, making them healthier, glossier, and vibrant. Free from dulling effects of buildup.
Reduced Irritation
For individuals with sensitive scalps, the harsh chemicals and minerals in tap water can cause scalp irritation, redness, and itching. Rainwater can alleviate these issues, providing a soothing and comfortable hair-washing experience.
Environmentally Friendly
Collecting and using rainwater for hair care aligns with sustainable practices. It reduces demand for treated tap water and helps conserve resources by minimizing energy-intensive processes involved in water treatment.
Economical
Rainwater harvesting systems might need an initial investment, but they offer long-term cost savings. Reduced water consumption and decreased reliance on hair care products due to improved health mean lower utility bills and fewer purchases.
Enhanced Hair Color
The absence of mineral deposits in rainwater prevents gradual dulling of hair color. Hair treated with rainwater retains vibrancy and depth for longer periods, making it an appealing option for individuals who dye hair.
Preservation of Hair Products
Rainwater’s purity can affect the performance of hair care products. Shampoos and conditioners may lather effectively, while styling products distribute evenly. The lack of mineral interference helps products work optimally, potentially extending their shelf life.
Connection to Nature
Incorporating rainwater into your hair care routine fosters a deeper connection with the natural world. It reminds us of the interconnectedness between our well-being and the environment, encouraging a holistic approach to self-care.
How to Identify Polluted Rainwater?
Normal rainwater pH is 5.6. If it falls below, it indicates acid rain. Sources of acidity include burning fossil fuels, automobile emissions, and industrial activities in urban areas. Natural contributors like organic emissions from forests, vegetation, and livestock manure are also responsible. During dry periods with little precipitation, prolonged drought and southwest monsoons can increase chances of acid rain occurrence. To remove scalp buildup naturally, avoid polluted rainwater.
How Does Acid Rain Affect Hair?
Acid rain causes acid burns on the scalp and ruins hair, making it brittle and damaged. Hair loses luster and shine, becoming limp. Polluted rainwater has harmful effects on hair. Try a DIY hair mask for curly hair to help restore health.
Causes Itchy Hair and Scalp
Rainwater has sulfur compounds due to pollution in present times. Not washing hair after enjoying the rain allows sulfur contents to stay on the scalp, causing itchiness, irritation, and other issues, making the scalp vulnerable to problems.
Causes Hair Damage, Making the Hair Dry, Dull, and Knotted
Moisture from rainwater that lingers in hair becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, which can weaken hair roots. Uneven drying causes damage, making hair dry, dull, and knotted.
Makes the Hair Rough and Frizzy
Rainwater exposure can cause hair damage. Contact with acid rain (containing nitric and sulfur) eliminates moisture, making hair rough and frizzy.
Worsens Dandruff
Longer wet hair is susceptible to yeast growth on the scalp. Experts recommend not going to bed with damp hair. Bacteria and yeast flourish in warm environments, where microorganisms proliferate, causing dandruff and an itchy scalp.
How to Use Rainwater to Improve Hair Health
Follow these steps to improve your hair health using rainwater:
Collecting Rainwater
Set up a water collection system on your balcony or backyard to collect rainwater. Use buckets, tubs, barrels, or advanced techniques like downspouts and rain chains. Cover the container with a fine-mesh screen to keep it clean and debris-free.
Filtering Water
Rainwater is generally pure and clean, but it is crucial to filter it before use. Eliminate contaminants and impurities with cheesecloth, a fine sieve, or a coffee filter to ensure the water is collected properly.
Boiling Water
Boiling rainwater is an added precaution to ensure safety for hair. Boil the water for at least 5 minutes, then let it cool down.
Rinsing Hair
Boiled and cooled rainwater is great for washing hair after shampooing and conditioning. Filtered rainwater is a mild pH balancer that enhances scalp health, adds natural shine, and makes hair smooth. Try it once or twice a week for hydrating, misting, and styling curls. It’s also good for watering houseplants. Ensure your hair is product-free and clean before using.
Myths and Facts Regarding Rainwater for the Hair
A common myth is that rainwater promotes hair growth because it contains minerals. However, these are filtered out during evaporation and condensation. Rainwater is distilled water, free from impurities with no added minerals to boost growth.
Conclusion
Rainwater offers numerous benefits for hair health. It is naturally soft, free from harsh chemicals, and helps maintain the hair’s pH balance, enhancing shine and preventing damage. Despite the potential pollution in modern rainwater, using filtered and boiled rainwater can minimize risks. This natural resource also supports environmentally friendly practices by reducing reliance on treated tap water. By incorporating rainwater into your hair care routine, you embrace a holistic approach that connects personal well-being with environmental sustainability. Whether it’s for cleansing, nourishing, or defining curls, rainwater remains a valuable, gentle option for maintaining healthy, vibrant hair.
FAQ’s
Is rain water good for my hair?
Rainwater is suitable for normal hair types. It helps maintain the natural pH balance, enhance shine, and prevent mineral buildup. When trying a new hair care routine, it is advisable to start gradually and monitor response.
Does rain affect hair loss?
Humidity can deprive the scalp of natural oils and nutrients, leading to dry, weaker roots. Rainwater moisture weakens hair follicles, causing hair to tangle and leading to hair fall in the rainy season.
Which water is best for hair growth?
Rice water is best for hair growth. The amino acids in rice water strengthen hair roots and aid faster growth. It helps in the regeneration of hair overall, says Korab.
Is rain water good for your skin?
Rain water is the purest form of soft water and is good for skin. Its nature is not alkaline. Boiling the water from the rains and then bathing in it might be good.
