If you’ve ever traveled to a European country, you might have noticed a dramatic change in your hair. Besides becoming dry and brittle, hair often falls out a lot, which can be really scary! 😱
We live in Italy, and during our first weeks here, we were desperate about our hair. After lots of research, we realized people don’t talk much about this topic. That’s why we decided to share the main reasons why this happens and some tips to deal with it, based on our experience and findings.
Main Reasons for Hair Dryness in Europe
Hard Water
Hair can become stiff and dry because of the high amount of limestone in the water. In many areas, it’s common to find “hard water,” which is rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals build up in your hair when you wash it, leading to issues like:
- Mineral Build-Up: Calcium and magnesium deposit on the hair, making it heavy and stiff.
- Less Foam: Shampoo lathers less in hard water, which makes you use more product and leaves extra residue on your hair.
- pH Changes: Hard water can change your hair’s natural pH, opening the cuticles and making strands more vulnerable to damage.
- Dryness: Minerals absorb the hair’s natural moisture, leaving it dry and dull.
Climate
Europe has many regions with cold, dry weather, especially in winter, which can strip moisture from your hair.
Routine Changes
Traveling usually changes your hair care routine and may disrupt your diet, which affects hair health too.
Indoor Heating
Heated indoor spaces often lower air humidity, which also dries out your hair.
How to Reduce Hair Dryness in Europe
Here are some of the solutions that worked for us:
Use Chelating or Clarifying Shampoos
These shampoos help remove excess minerals. Also, try to hydrate your hair more often to reduce the dryness problem.
Shower Head with Mineral Beads
If you plan to stay in Europe for a while, this option helps filter the water before it reaches you. We installed one and noticed a huge difference. These shower heads are common, easy to find, simple to install, and cost around 10 EUR.
Diet and Vitamins
Maintain a balanced diet and consider supplements to fill nutritional gaps. However, always consult your doctor before starting any vitamins.
In short, we tried a mix of everything: we started taking vitamins, installed a shower filter, and bought the hair care products we mentioned above. We definitely noticed an improvement 🙏
If Italy is on your travel list, check out these posts to help you plan your trip:
The 50 Most Famous Italian Wines
Italian Regional Cuisine: What to Eat in Every Province
Driving in Italy: Essential Tips for Car Rental, Tolls, Parking, and ZTL Zones
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