Table Of Content

Dr. Zeichner says that the general recommendation is to use ultra-hydrating hair products that help protect the outer layer of the hair from the damaging effects of calcium in the water. Chelating shampoos include chelating ingredients like phytic acid, disodium EDTA, tetrasodium EDTA, sodium gluconate, and citric acid that grab metals out of the hair. Clarifying shampoos also deep clean the hair, but they don’t always contain chelating agents, so it’s important to check the INCI list if you’re looking for a formula that specifically removes heavy metals.
Living proof Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo
Is hard water ruining YOUR hair? Users swapping to this £23 clarifying shampoo see 'a noticeable difference' in ... - Daily Mail
Is hard water ruining YOUR hair? Users swapping to this £23 clarifying shampoo see 'a noticeable difference' in ....
Posted: Mon, 29 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The soft, flowing hair of your dreams might become a reality once you try one of these remedies. Hard water prevents the cuticle from sealing, so your color can wash out easily. They cover the scalp and dry it out, and can also block the follicle which will cause inflammation. Take a look at the faucets in your bathroom as well as the showerhead. Hard water will leave a mineral build-up in these places that can be hard to scrub away. If these hotspots don’t give you answers, you can look at other places in the house.
ACURE Curiously Clarifying Lemongrass Oil and Argan Oil
If you believe that you have hard water, you can use water test strips or a water test meter to measure your overall water quality. To mitigate the effects of hard water build-up on your hair, you will need to use a chelating shampoo. Hard water damage results in strands that are dry, brittle, and dull. If the damage becomes extensive, then you may also see breakage or patches of hair loss. Just mix five parts filtered water with one part of vinegar in a spray bottle.
Try a citrus and vinegar rinse
That’s because hard water contains a buildup of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. This produces a film on the hair, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate. Victoria is a huge fan of the Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Hair Remedy. It uses vitamin C to remove hard water residue and leave your hair silky smooth. “You just wet your hair, sprinkle the powder on it, and massage the hair back and forth,” she says. You may notice the metallic smell of coins—Victoria says that’s the the minerals leaving your hair.

The first thing you should do is consider investing in a good shower filter that can remove contaminants and minerals. All shower filters look pretty similar, but there are key specifications you should keep in mind before buying, including the type of filtration system, your shower type, and the filter's longevity. “I love our Vitamin C Jelly, which removes hard water mineral deposits on your hair,” says Kingsley. If your hair needs some real TLC, this might be the most effective solution for you. Aside from your skin and hair, there is another way to tell if you have hard water in your home.
Can Hard Water Cause Hair Loss?
There are also purifying shampoos and acidic rinses, like apple cider vinegar, with chelating ingredients. "Apple cider vinegar can help lower the hair's pH and break up any buildup," Caspara says. Pre-wash treatments, such as Colorproof Pre-Tox Spray ($31), are also important to implement into your hair care routine to help strip away hard water minerals, buildup, and residue. "To help safely and gently remove hard water buildup from hair, she recommends Virtue Refresh Purifying Shampoo ($32) for thicker hair types and Rahua Scalp Exfoliating Shampoo ($40) for more medium hair density types. Caspara says hard water hair treatments are essential, especially before any chemical service, such as highlighting, coloring, perming, straightening, or relaxing.
If you can brave it, Labrecque recommends ending your shower or bath with cold water to seal your cuticles. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to counteract these effects.
Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula
Use it once or twice a week to remove buildup and get shiny hair that's full of body without the excess oil. Testers agree that while this product sits at a budget-friendly price point, the quality has an expensive feel to it. Overall, users say their hair is left feeling super clean after just one use. The not-so-secret key ingredient in Drybar's clarifying shampoo is activated charcoal that purifies, cleanses, and absorbs a hair-raising 100 to 200 times its weight in impurities. Customers also say they love the shampoo's scent, which doesn't actually smell like charcoal. Restore moisture and shine into your locks with a nourishing hair mask at least two times per week.
If it keeps building up, it can lift the cuticle of the hair shaft. That will make affect the elasticity of your hair, making it weak and brittle. Since dry hair becomes more easily tangled, trying to detangle brittle hair leads to breakage. If your glasses always come out of the dishwasher with spots, you might have hard water. If you often end up with mineral stains on your freshly washed laundry, it is likely you have hard water.
A hard water test strip is also included, so you can see just what you're dealing with. Users say this product provides fast results, with one tester noting that they saw improvement in their hair after one wash. Another tester adds that the hard water in their home typically makes their hair dry and brittle. However, consistently using Malibu C has made their hair "soft and manageable." If you're looking for an even deeper cleanse, follow Sunday Shampoo with a second wash using your everyday shampoo. Another thing to look into is hair treatments specifically designed to help prevent and detoxify the hair from harmful metals.
Simply mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar with 2-3 cups of filtered water and work it into your hair. The easiest fix is probably to get a clarifying or chelating shampoo. In pursuit of shampoo commercial-worthy hair, we often end up with a collection of shampoos and conditioners gathering dust in the corner of the shower because they just didn’t seem to work right.
These minerals don’t do well in liquid form and are apt to attach to surfaces and become hard. While the signs of hard water on hair are clear as day, finding a fix can be frustrating. That’s why I put together this ultimate guide for identifying hard water and protecting your tresses. Hairdressers like Jessica Le from Icon Hair in Scottsdale, AZ, and Jillian Allen at Bespoke Salon in Phoenix, AZ, have both witnessed the impact of hard water on hair health. Hard water can cause your hair to go brittle over time because of the chemicals and minerals that are used to treat the water. It can also strip out your color, or even affect the tone of your hair color.
While it contains some minerals, the concentration is nowhere near as high as hard water. One study involving 70 males found that hair lost strength when exposed to hard water, compared with deionized water. Some people have even experienced hair loss as a result of hair breakage. This leave-on body exfoliant from Paula’s Choice contains two-percent beta hydroxy acids (BHA) to manage rough, dry skin.