Hard Water Can Wreak Havoc on Your Hair, But These 18 Products Play Defense
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@jordanrisaHave you ever noticed your hair looks and feels different depending on where you shower, even if you use the same shampoo and conditioner? Maybe you're like me, and you're used to your hair feeling soft and silky, but when you shower at your boyfriend's house, it suddenly feels rough and dry. It's because of the type of water you're working with—soft or hard.
Somewhat surprisingly, the water you're showering in can impact your hair. And if you're not using the right products (shampoo and conditioner, specifically), it can lead to dryness, roughness, residue, and even breakage. Keep scrolling to learn all about soft vs. hard water and shop the 18 best products that play defense.
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@raissatchThe terms are somewhat misleading, but the difference between soft and hard water is mineral content. Take it from dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, who owns AziMD and hosts the More Than A Pretty Face podcast. "Hard water passes through the soil where it accumulates minerals like calcium, chloride, and magnesium, which can increase transepidermal water loss, leaving the hair and skin dry and causing more buildup and residue," she says. "Soft water, on the other hand, contains lower levels of calcium and/or magnesium."
So, how can you tell whether you have soft or hard water? According to Iris Rubin, MD, Dermatologist and Founder of SEEN Skin & Hair Care, the trick is to look to the lather (or lack thereof). "In terms of skin and hair products, hard water can affect soap and detergent performance, leading to reduced lather and making complete rinsing more difficult," she says. "Soft water enhances soap and detergent effectiveness, resulting in better lathering and easier rinsing."
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@britcorreiaShirazi says hard water can make hair feel crunchy. "These minerals from hard water penetrate and crystallize in hair strands forming a crispy cast, interfering with hydration," she says. That explains why my hair felt drier and more prone to breakage and tangles whenever I was at my boyfriend's house; he had hard water, whereas I had soft water. It all makes sense.
As if that's not enough, Shirazi says the minerals in hard water can interfere with shampoo and conditioner, leading to an icky residue. "Depending on the concentration of these minerals, hard water can also prevent dirt, grime, or even ingredients in your shampoo or conditioner from dissolving completely, making it harder to wash out," she says. "So, long term, the buildup can take a toll on the hair leading to breakage."
People with more porous hair textures or color-treated hair will be more prone to the effects of hard water. According to Howard McLaren, co-founder and creative director of R+Co, it can lead to color fading, which is why color-protecting shampoos and conditioners are vital. Sigh.
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@jaimeridgeAccording to Dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, there are certain ingredients that can "chelate" or bind to minerals in hard water and prevent them from binding to the hair and skin. These include vitamin C, apple cider vinegar, charcoal, and EDTA (the latter is used as a chelating agent).
Shirazi agrees, saying clarifying shampoos usually include these chelating ingredients to keep the effects of hard water at bay. "It's best to use clarifying shampoos twice monthly and not too often as they can also contribute to dryness," she says. "Apple cider vinegar is another common ingredient that helps remove residue to use as a DIY solution, but again you want to be cautious of not overusing it."
As for ingredients to avoid, Shirazi cautions against using shampoo and conditioners that contain sulfates, as they can be drying, and when you're working with hard water, you want to maximize hydration.
