People in the past believed that rainwater is the cleanest form of water. Does it remain true until now? Or did the composition of rainwater change through the years?
Rainwater remains the cleanest form of water until it reaches the surface. The pollution in the air, however, can affect this pure and distilled rainwater.
So is it still safe to use rainwater for bathing? Or does rainwater cause baldness?
The answer depends on several factors. And that’s what we’ll be tackling in this article.
Read on to know whether you should or shouldn’t shower in nature!
Why does rainwater make my hair soft?
So, does rainwater make your hair soft? The answer is yes!
Unlike home water, rainwater is soft water. It doesn’t contain additives like fluoride or chlorine that affect your hair texture.
These chemicals are essential for making tap water safe for cooking. But it’s not the best water to use in washing our hair. Washing hair without these hair-drying additives is better for our tresses. That makes rainwater a better choice for softer, smoother hair.
Is rainwater good for hair and skin?
Reading a book in a nook with a cup of warm drink while it’s raining is relaxing. If you get a little adventurous, you might want to step out and shower in nature.
Check the rain water benefits for hair, skin, and even your mental health below!
For hair
Rainwater cleanses your hair naturally. It softens hair, promotes healthy hair growth, and it’s completely free.
To answer the question, “is rain water good for natural hair?”, read below!
It softens your hair.
The amount of salt and magnesium sulfate present in water determines the hardness of the water. These chemicals are present in tap water to make it safer for cooking. But it can make your hair fragile the more you use it.
Rainwater, however, is not hard water. It is soft water. It does not have the chemicals present in the tap water that you normally use when you shower. Thus, it’s softer to your hair than tap water.
The more you use rainwater, the more it will perfect your hair. You’d have soft, shiny hair that will define your curls.
It promotes hair growth.
Rainwater can cause baldness, they say. But did you know that it’s not always the case?
In fact, the proper usage of rainwater helps in promoting hair growth.
Rainwater has METHYLSULFONYLMETHANE (MSM). This chemical actually treats alopecia. So if you have hair growth problems, catch rainwater and use it to wash your hair.
It’s absolutely free!
Needless to say, showering in the rainwater will not cost you anything. Collect rainwater on rainy days and just shower in the rain right away. Be careful of the first rains, though, as it can be damaging to your tresses.
For skin
Is rain water good for bathing as well? Quick answer – yes!
The neutral pH level of clean rainwater maintains the natural elasticity and moisture of your skin, making it softer and smoother. With its pH level, rainwater works perfectly with soap. It’s not just safe for bathing, it’s actually better than your regular tap water.
For the mind
Showering in nature releases happy hormones like endorphins and serotonin. So give yourself a break from your stressful routine once in a while. Step out to feel the rain showers on your skin.
Does rainwater cause hair loss?
Pollutants and chemicals are present in rainwater for some areas, experts say. It can damage the hair bulb and clog follicles. This will make your hair brittle and your scalp itchy. It can also possibly lead to hair loss.
But is it always the case? Not exactly! The effects of rainwater on your hair or skin depend on some factors.
Let’s learn more about that below!
Your Region
Your location in the globe plays a vital role in the effects of rainwater on your hair. If you reside in a polluted city, don’t dare forget your umbrella when forecasters predict rain for the day.
But if you’re living the quiet life in the countryside or you’re enjoying a Sabbatical on the Swiss Alps, unleash the child in you and shower in the rain with no worries!
First-Rain
Because of the pollution present in the air, first-showers become acid rain.
Don’t fret as it’s not acidic enough to burn your skin. But it could be acidic enough to damage your hair follicles, resulting in hair loss or even baldness.
What to do then?
- Avoid the first showers. Let the first drops wash away the pollution in the atmosphere first. If it’s pouring for days or hours, it’s safe to assume that air pollutants are already washed away.
- Dry your hair. “Should I wash my hair after rain?” you might ask. Yes, you should. Or at least, dry your hair. Don’t let it dry on its own. You might catch a cold.
- Use a good shampoo. When using rainwater, make sure to use a good shampoo to wash the dirt away. While soft rainwater has benefits for your hair, it could also contain germs and bacteria that lead to an itchy scalp.
How to protect hair from first-showers?
- Cover your head. Did it not rain in your area for months? Did they predict rain anytime soon? Make sure to bring an umbrella. First-rains can be severely damaging to your hair, scalp, and skin.
- Shower right away. The fungus that’s responsible for dandruff flourishes in humid weather, according to a well-known dermatologist named Dr. Ajay Rana. Prevent that by washing your rain-drenched hair right away.
- Develop a good hair care routine. Give your hair the TLC it deserves regardless of the weather.
How to collect rainwater
Do you want to enjoy the benefits of clean rainwater but don’t like the idea of showering in nature? You should collect rainwater instead.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Catchment surface
- Diverter Pipe
- Container
Here’s what to do:
- Use the catchment surface to collect rainwater. Get a bigger catchment surface if you want to collect more rainwater.
- Install diverter pipes to catch and direct rainwater. It works as your gutter system if you don’t have one. You can install diverter pipes to doorways to divert water away from your home and direct it to your container.
- For your container, you can use buckers, tanks, or barrels. Close your container right away to protect the remaining water from contaminants. This will also prevent evaporation.
CHECK OUT: Is rice water good for low porosity hair
Final Thoughts!
So, is rainwater good for your hair? The answer depends on your location on the globe and whether it’s first-showers or not.
Rainwater is originally healthy for your hair. In fact, there are great benefits that come with showering in the rain.
But air pollutants can cause this clean water to become acidic. When this happens, you need to avoid getting wet in the rain.
