Hard Water Hair: Treating Damage & Best Prevention Methods

Table Of Content

• Um...what about products, tho?
• Hair Thinning and Hair Loss
• How To Know If Your Water Is Hard Or Soft
• Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula
• Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two
• Is Your Shower Making Your Hair Dry & Frizzy? This Sneaky Culprit May Be To Blame

We did the research for you and rounded up the 12 best clarifying shampoos on shelves. Hard water can often cause hair color to fade and appear dull, whether the hair is dyed or natural, according to Jessica, a stylist. Even if you don't add a special water filter or softener to your shower head, there are other ways to combat the effects of hard water on the hair.

Um...what about products, tho?

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"Naturally, water has minerals and is considered soft or hard depending on how much of these minerals are found in it," explains Mai Hernandez, hairstylist and co-founder of A | M Salon in West Hollywood. With all the potential for issues when using hard water, it's easy to see why fears about it causing hair loss would arise. Despite the laundry list of complaints caused by hard water, neither expert cited it as a direct cause of hair loss. While it may contribute to issues that increase the likelihood of hair loss, no direct link has been found. Drinking plenty of water is essential to your overall health and the appearance of your hair, skin, and nails.

Hair Thinning and Hair Loss

For a more cost-effective or removable option, keep reading for filters you can use directly on your showerhead. These options are great whether you own or rent (just be sure to ask your landlord for permission before changing out hardware). The majority of the south and east of England has hard water, so there’s a chance it could be impacting you without you even realising. For those of you who desire silky and shiny tresses, here are some effective solutions. No amount of conditioners or styling sprays can rescue you, as the root of the problem lies in your tap water.

How To Know If Your Water Is Hard Or Soft

That means using a nourishing conditioner as part of your regular routine, Penny James, the founder of Penny James Salon in New York City, tells SELF. As a bonus treatment, Dr. Shirazi recommends treating yourself to a weekly hair mask, too, in order to repair the hair’s cuticle and lock in moisture. A hard water shampoo is specifically formulated to counter buildup and prevent damage, leaving your hair voluminous, shiny, and hydrated. Here are the best shampoos for hard water, per experts and product testers.

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Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula

After washing your hands, see if you feel a film covering the skin. A film over your hands is caused by soap forming soap scum reacting to the calcium from your hard water. Hard water’s effect on hair can make the task of brushing and styling your locks a painful and irritating process.

Itchy Scalp

Moisturizing and deep-cleaning, this is another one of Dr. Okereke’s top picks. If your water is hard and it’s severely affecting your pipes and your appliances, you may want to consider installing a water-softening system (consult with a plumber first). A simpler solution, and one that should do the trick if you have hard water, is buying a showerhead filter.

Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two

Porous hair makes it more difficult for dye pigments to attach to the hair shaft, causing them to disperse and fade faster. That’s why color-treated hair often looks dull and fades faster when washing in hard water. The most common chelating ingredient in hard water shampoo is called EDTA, or ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid. EDTA and its salt variants were formulated specifically to counteract hard water in hair. You can also find EDTA in products like moisturizers, bath soap, and cleaning products. The downside of shower filters is that they only treat your shower water, so they won’t protect your whole home from scaling.

And when it comes to your hair, Colin Ford, education director at Sachajuan, says hard water can be to blame for a myriad of issues. "While not dangerous, hard water can leave your hair dull and brittle, making it more prone to breakage," Ford says. Hard water results in a less efficient cleansing of the skin and can leave behind potentially irritating residue. Plus, it leads to an increase in dryness compared to soft water, says Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami. She cites a 2018 study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology that found people who wash in hard water hold onto greater residuals of sulfates from the products they use, which can be irritating to some. This means you should be especially vigilant about using sulfate-free products if you have hard water.

Hard water can cause the scalp to flake and itch due to calcium deposits that appear as crusty white and chalky crystalline spots near the roots. Calcium minerals from hard water can also clog the pores on the scalp, depriving the skin of oxygen and creating an alkaline environment. If the signs are not caught early on, they can lead to thinning hair on the crown and, eventually, hair loss. Hard water can also clog the pores on the scalp with minerals, which can hamper hair growth. It can even provide needed nutrients, as calcium and magnesium are both things your body needs.

Then, spray your hair and let it sit for five minutes before rinsing it out. Doing this twice a month or every other week helps to remove and prevent build-up before it destroys your hair. (Source)  This causes them to fall flat and appear stringy rather than full and shiny. Unfortunately, it also means that investing in moisturizing hair products won’t help. Your locks won’t get the hydration they need because of the mineral buildup around each hair strand. The minerals create an impenetrable layer– and you have to remove the buildup first.

You apply pre-shampoo (also called “pre poo”) treatments to your scalp and hair before getting in the shower. They help protect each strand and your scalp from the negative effects of hard water. If you suspect that you have hard water and want to know for sure, then the best way to find out is by using a test that checks the hardness. You can purchase one for around $20 at your local hardware store. If the test reveals that there are high numbers of minerals running through the pipes, installing a water softener or shower head filter will lower the levels.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t steps you can take if you live in an area with hard water (and yes, certain parts of the country do have harder water than others). Another budget-friendly option to add to your wish list is the Ion Hard Water Shampoo. Formulated with disodium EDTA (a chelating agent) and sodium gluconate (a formula stabilizer), this product is perfect for those who shower with hard or well water.

It’s less intense than a chelating shampoo, and it may or may not contain EDTA in its formula. Instead, it uses ingredients like citric acid, salicylic acid, activated charcoal, apple cider vinegar, and bentonite clay to remove other types of buildup from the hair and scalp. A clarifying shampoo can get rid of toxins, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Whether you’ve never considered the water hardness of your household tap or you’re keenly aware of it, hard water hair damage can show up as an immediate annoyance or possibly pose longer-term problems for your strands. Here’s what you need to know about hard water—and whether you should add a treatment to address its effects to your own hair care routine. In this article, we discuss how to prevent hard water hair damage (including hair breakage) and how to encourage healthy hair growth.

If you notice water deposits on your sink faucet, dishes, and shower head, really what you are seeing is the crystallization of the mineral residue from hard water. The minerals also tend to build up so if your water pressure is low in your sinks or shower, this is also a good sign you have hard water. If your new shampoo routine isn't doing the trick, there are alternative measures to safeguard your hair from hard water.

Hard Water on Hair: 9 Best Products That Fixed My Damaged Curls

Table Of Content

• Rehydrate & Soften 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Conditioner
• The 8 Best Hard Water Hair Treatments
• What Are The Signs Of Hard Water On Hair?
• Dry, Brittle Hair
• Um...what about products, tho?
• How does hard water affect your scalp?

This will enable the moisture from the mask to penetrate the strands. Hard water may severely effect your scalp, leading to irritation that results in hair loss. Hard water may aggravate skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, especially in young children. But before you give up and sentence yourself to a life of less than lustrous locks, check to see if you have hard water.

Rehydrate & Soften 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Conditioner

According to the brand, it's great for all hair types to restore strands and keep them smooth for up to 72 hours. The easiest fix to your hard water problems could be as simple as a shower head swap. This No. 1 bestseller is designed to filter out those unwanted, itch-inducing chemicals through a proprietary filtering system. Over 30,000 shoppers have given it a five-star rating, with one of them even calling it "life-changing." "If you're an individual that has really fine hair that's dry, then yeah, it's going to affect your hair, without a doubt. Because you're going to soak it up like a sponge," he clarifies.

The 8 Best Hard Water Hair Treatments

Eventually, hard water deposits create a cast on your hair that is hard to get off. This can cause your hair to get brittle and lose its elasticity. You might also notice that your hair feels dry and loses its color and luster. In a worst case scenario, hard water can contribute to hair loss and problems with your scalp such as eczema (source). Garren recommends this lightweight conditioning rinse from his R+Co range to keep your hair shiny and smooth and your color looking bright.

What Are The Signs Of Hard Water On Hair?

The addition of honey and fruit extracts counteract any drying that would take place in the clarifying process. The study found that the tensile strength and elastic nature of each hair sample showed no discernible difference when treated with one form of water over the other. Therefore, according to this study, hard water doesn’t reduce the tensile strength of hair. Remove mineral buildup while adding a whole lot of moisture to your locks with L’Oréal Professionnel’s Metal Detox Mask. You’ll also need to make sure you use a good conditioner to replenish your strands. Jennie recommends Verb Hydrating Conditioner or any other deep conditioning formula.

Even worse, it can actually strip your hair of its natural oils. Figuring out if you have hard water takes a little investigating, but there are some telltale signs that you might be able to spot right away. Hard water also leaves mineral deposits on other things it touches. Hard water is the presence of excess minerals — notably, calcium and magnesium.

Um...what about products, tho?

She suggests starting on the ends and in the back of your hair to avoid damage. This brush from Act & Acre is actually designed to avoid breakage, thanks to its double-length bristles. The brand also has a comb that can be used while in the shower to avoid post-shower tangles. "Eight out of 10 times, it's not the water that's the issue. It's the individual and the fact that they don't really take proper care of their hair," says Azadganian. For him, it's more important to know your hair, that way you can learn the best way to maintain and nurture it.

Whenever you’re not using a clarifying shampoo, choose one that is ideally sulfate-free. While hard water itself isn’t harmful, there are some downsides when it comes to the hair and skin. If you’ve ever washed your hands and noticed a film on them afterward, this is the result of hard water.

Shower Filter

You must not use a chelating shampoo daily because it has strong cleansing ingredients that can dry out the hair. A water softener is a water-filtration mechanical appliance connected to the main water source of a residential home or commercial property. The appliance uses either an ion exchange or a reverse osmosis process to remove magnesium and calcium from the water, replacing them with sodium or potassium ions.

How to Counter the Effects of Hard Water

"I love shower filters and absolutely recommend them to family, friends, and clients," says Hernandez. In the U.S., 85% of the country has hard water, so even if you live somewhere with softer water, you're likely to experience it while traveling. Luckily, there are plenty of hard water hair treatments designed to help counter its impact and bring your lengths back to life. Plus, you can install a special shower filter to get the bad stuff out before the water even hits your head. You can improve this issue by switching to soft water (by using a water filter, for example). You may also want to try chelating shampoos and pre-shampoo treatments.

However, there are clarifying shampoos and other hard water hair treatments out there with a wide range of natural ingredients, so you are bound to find the right fit eventually. Hard water is caused by strong concentrations of minerals like magnesium and calcium. Hard water is found in various locations throughout the globe and, therefore, can be difficult to avoid altogether.

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Hydrologist, water engineer, water sommelier (yup, that’s a thing) — you don’t have to be any of these to know that not all H2O quality is the same. It's most noticeable when you go on vacation, say from New York to Martha’s Vineyard or Virginia to Las Vegas, and your hair feels totally different after washing it. Water can be harder in some places around the country, and the level of hardness can make one city better for a good hair day than another. Hard water minerals can chip away at the cuticle layer, making it weak and less resilient. Over time, a weakened cuticle layer exposes the hair to external elements that degrade its structure and eventually result in a slow but steady decline in the overall health of the hair fibers. A damaged cuticle layer also prevents moisture from being effectively locked in, meaning that the hair will always feel dry like straw.

"Deep conditioning masks and oils can be great in helping repair dry and brittle hair from hard water," says Lendzian. The best way to treat hair damaged by hard water is to introduce moisture with hair masks and oils. You can prevent mineral build-up by installing a water softener or a shower head filter that’s designed to remove hardness minerals from your water. When it comes to preventing the effects of hard water damage on the hair and scalp, the best place to start is with a device that can clarify the water and flush out the amount of hard minerals in it. Both water softeners and water filters are beneficial and have preventative effects, but Dr. Zeichner says each works differently. "Water softeners remove calcium compounds from the water whereas water filters remove other impurities," he shares.

For coarser, medium-to-thick hair, Azadganian says hard water most likely won't cause as much of an issue. If you're big on beauty (like us), you may have come across the term "hard" water, and not in a very positive way. It's said that it could cause damage to your tresses and affect the way it feels and how you style it. So, we asked two hair experts to help us get the facts straight on this type of water, what it does to the hair and if it's worth avoiding at all costs.

Save Time And Look Chic With These 23 Easy Updos For Medium Hair

Table Of Content

• E-girl Hairstyles: Are You Brave Enough to Try TikTok’s Latest Hair Trend?
• Low Bohemian Bun Hairstyle
• Cute Braided Donut Bun

Finally, you want to pin the braid, forming a chignon. You can either pin it over the base of the ponytail or under. If you want those colorful strands as a temporary effect, they may be added with hair chalks or hair mascara. This hairstyle is great to try on the days when you want an effortlessly cute look!

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Once the product is fully dry, turn to your favorite dry, texturizing spray to plump up fine strands and give them texture. This prep work will not only thicken up your mane, but it's also guaranteed to give you transformative results. Hassle-free, this could be your perfect daytime companion.

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Low Bohemian Bun Hairstyle

With dark hair, we sometimes lose the intricacy of a style. Medium to thick hair texture is best as well. If the client had finer hair, I would deconstruct this style more.

Cute Braided Donut Bun

Feather out small sections of the updo to create texture, dimension and body. Yet, without long locks or extensions, your bun might be lacking those key traits. Enliven your locks and try an updo with bangs. This way your hairstyle with look good in the front and back.

Formal Tuck and Roll Bun

This will ensure the bun doesn’t get too big or heavy. We don’t know if the pun was actually the intention of this hairstyle – a beehive bun with bees on it – but we’re loving it! It works great on long or medium hair, for either casual or fancier occasions. I think it takes a minute to make this simple bun.

The contrast between the structured chignon and the softer braided margins adds a touch of sophistication to the overall appearance. All you have to do is tie your hair half up, half down, and twist up and around. Get your hairstyle for medium hair ready in five minutes!

Filled with braided styles, catwalk looks and more, our collection of easy hair updos have never been simpler to replicate, especially when you’re shown how. So, if you want to beat hair boredom, keep on scrolling. The “S” Roll is a topsy-turvy way to add some curves to your typical French roll updo. To create this look, divide the hair into two sections horizontally.

This would be a lovely look to wear on your wedding day or if you are a wedding guest. Get a hair tie, bend your neck down, grab all your hair and casually twist it into a bun. That’s all you have to do to get the perfect messy bun. This style can be created with a good quality flat iron and a little extra hairspray. You’ll also want to use a light “wet-look” hair gel to help tame flyaways.

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"Apply them about 2 inches from the part." Style the hair underneath over the extensions to cover them, using a flat iron to smooth out the hair. "Pull everything up into a ponytail on top of your head," continues Gibson. "Twist the ponytail into a twist leaving the ends out that creates a fan shape at the architectural bun. Spray with firm hold hairspray to hold in place." Are you looking for a simple yet elegant updo for medium and long hair? We know how to keep it cool and professional!

Cool shades of blonde are undoubtedly very feminine and elegant, especially when paired with beautiful flower hair accessories. Ideal for a wedding or prom, this is one of those quick updos made for fine hair that cannot take a ton of bobby pins annoying the scalp. The loose low bun with face-framing strands will make a breathtaking wedding or prom updo. As one of the most delicate and elegant updo hairstyles, this hairdo will help you make the best impression and draw everyone’s attention. The low twisted bun is amazing, and it works as a classy look. Section off the side strands from the ears to the nape.

However, it’s possible to make this classic bun look chic and modern simply by choosing a more stylish scrunchie design. If you have locs, you'll want to copy Halle Bailey's hairstyle ASAP. "To get this look, position your locs in the direction you want them to go," adds Lavoy. Here is a charming and whimsical hairstyle that effortlessly combines elegance with a hint of playfulness. Soft, bouncy curls are gathered into a loose and tousled updo at the back of the head.

Then I apply a dime size amount of the tame wild between my palms, grab a brush, and gather it into a ponytail. I then split the pony into two sections, wrapping, smoothing, and pinning it into place. These are some of my favorite quick little styles out there. Both are super easy updos that anyone could style, plus I’m gonna show you a couple options depending if you have medium length hair or longer hair to style.

13 fabulous updos for medium hair

Table Of Content

• Low Bun with Different Braids
• Easy Classic & Classy Low Bun Updos for Medium Hair
• Low & Twisted Updo With Vintage Headpiece
• Simple Updo for Curly Hair
• The Crown Twist

To create this style, start with wand curled hair. Section off the front middle portion and let it extend to the crown area. Create a loose ponytail on the top of your head with this section. Then, proceed to lightly brush the remaining curls into the bun and bobby pin them into place. Fishtail braids are a little more complex but still not difficult to create.

Low Bun with Different Braids

If you need a full glam updo but don’t have time to go to the salon, here is an almost effortless curled updo you can make at home. Braids are also one of the ways to spice up a simple bun. They’re sophisticated and also give those cute, youthful vibes. You can gather these front strands/bangs in your bun, but, this way, you’ll get that face-framing effect. Those face-framing bangs will balance the face shape and highlight the finest facial features. This low style is ideal, as it goes from day to night.

Easy Classic & Classy Low Bun Updos for Medium Hair

Bobby pins are great for controlling flyaways and keeping your updo in place. Great for rich, solid colored hair, this classic updo with a modern touch shows what perfection really looks like. With not a hair out of place, spritz and spray the flyaway strands down when wrapping the braid across the bun. This works on short to long hair, thin and thick textures.

Low & Twisted Updo With Vintage Headpiece

It is a strong-hold hairspray that helps fight against humidity without residue or flaking. It is also flexible, allowing you to change the style easily. Let this cute hairstyle for medium length hair inspire you on trying creative ‘dos that look simple yet special!

Half Up, Half Down Updo for Medium Hair with Two Braids

If your face is rounder, I recommend leaving some pieces near the face to slim the sides. If you have naturally curly hair, such hair updos for medium hair also work because you can go with your natural curl pattern. After parting your hair half up and half down, twist the end into a bun.

#14: Effortless Casual Updo

Finish the look with hairspray to ensure the curls hold throughout the event, and you’ll be ready to shine on that special day. Brush the length of your hair using the paddle brush. Create an off-center partition at the front using the rat tail comb. On the larger side, loosely side sweep a section of the hair and pin it just above the level of the ear using bobby pins. On the smaller side, separate two thin sections of the hair and hold them up using the sectioning clips.

Simple Updo for Curly Hair

Here we see a gorgeous metallic hairband in two different, but equally stunning updos. Then, make this high bun by pulling your hair up very high, almost to the top of your head. If you don’t know how to do it, you can make it with the help of a hair donut. Leave this curled strand in the front for that glam effect.

The Crown Twist

So, if you already have them, you can always make them into a high bun and completely change your appearance for an event, for example. Lorene Kendall is a professional hairdresser who has been around in the industry for quite some time. She has traveled to different countries and cities because of her undeniable passion for styling. Her creativity and eyes for fashion are what make her stand out the most. With her talent, she provides service that will beautifully translate what her clients want into actual art. Here she has different levels of swirls and pinned them up with big and small pearls.

Easy Side Ponytail With A Braid

Besides, they are stunning and look effortless, which makes them the perfect hairstyle for all occasions. The double braids in this updo are definitely the trick to keeping everything in place while also adding dimension and texture. This look really works even when your hair is super messy or more textured and doesn’t take much longer to do than a regular bun. Pamela Anderson is known for her iconic, bombshell updos. "Get this style by using a larger barrel curling iron to create the sexy, messy texture," Mader explains. "Then use French pins to pin up your hair in the back, leaving the ends out at the top to give you that signature Pamela Anderson style."

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Use hair powder or eyeshadow that matches your hair color to fill in any areas where the scalp is peeking through. This will give the illusion of fullness and help define those strong, clean part-lines. The faux-hair updo is ideal for shoulder-grazing length hair. Uber stylish and manageable, you should definitely give this one a try. Tug on your updo a little to create a messy and carefree look. Repeat steps 1-4 on the other side of the part, until you reach the back of the head, then combine the ends of each braid with an elastic.

Just ask Riverdale’s star Lili Reinhart, who switched up her signature ponytail for this fail-safe updo. I write for City Girl Gone Mom and will be writing a piece on Fall hairstyles. I was wondering if I may get permission to use your photos, as we would link to your site. This elegant side bun is a great option for more fancy or formal occasions.

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To achieve this look, you want to start off with day old curls or waves. Begin braiding a loose French braid from one temple. Once you reach the opposite side of the head at the nape, bobby pin the tail underneath the bulk of the braid or leave a part of it, sticking out playfully. The top knot has been trending across runways and sidewalks alike, mostly because it’s so chic and so simple!

Creating a stylish twist to a classic bun starting with a French braid is a fabulous way to elevate your hairstyle. Start with a French braid and end up with a fab twist to a classic bun. Bring your hair up into a faux hawk and tease away! Creating a Puffy Afro Faux Hawk is a bold and stylish way to showcase natural curls while adding a touch of edginess.