How to Prevent Your Curls From Hard Water
How to Prevent Your Curls From Hard Water
If you feel you’ve tried everything to help your hair be at its best, but nothing seems to work, there might be a chance that the problem isn’t you or the products you’re using, but instead, your water at home could be the culprit.
No matter where you live, the fact is that 90% of homes have hard water that poses a threat to all hair types, and it’s time you learned how to keep your curls safe from the effects of the water in your pipes. Healthy, nourished kinks, coils, and curls await you, so keep reading and take your hair routine to the next level, starting here:
What is hard water, and what does it do to curly hair?
Hard water is water with a high concentration of dissolved minerals that can eventually lead to a build-up of chalky deposits that are found in sinks, bathtubs, and even our hair.
So, sis, the mysterious force that makes it seemingly impossible for your hair to cooperate isn’t a figment of your imagination if you’re a part of the 90% of people who have hard water at home. And while hard water is considered safe to drink, some minerals like calcium or magnesium found in hard water can’t bind to certain hair products like shampoos, conditioners, and more, which reduces their effectiveness and can lead to overuse.
After washing your hair again and again, the excess minerals in hard water create a film over the hair, making it difficult for your hair cuticles to let in and retain much-needed moisture. And as a result, here are three telltale signs of hard water damage to look for:
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Excessively dry hair
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Hair easily prone to damage and breakage from simple styling like combing or detangling
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Hair loss
The good news about hard water is that there are practical, affordable solutions that can help protect your curls! So first, test for hard water at home yourself or call in a pro, and then armor yourself with the tips below to reclaim control of your hair routine and help save your hair goals:
1. Install a water softener shower head. Soft water is cleaner and better, and the most cost-effective alternative to installing an entire water softener system at home is opting for a shower head. It’s easy, affordable, and perfect for daily use.
2. Wash with a chelating shampoo. Use a clarifying shampoo like this one at least once a week to remove any mineral buildup and revive your hair.
3. Wash and refresh your hair with bottled or distilled water. This one is for anyone looking for an easy fix for their hard water situation. Simply skip the tap altogether, and reach for mineral-free distilled water or purified water, which has minerals but is still softer than tap.
4. Keep your hair moisturized with a leave-in conditioner.
Combat your dry, brittle strands with a natural, deeply hydrating conditioner that will leave your hair feeling smooth and glossy.
Checking your water quality at home could make all the difference in how you care for your hair, so use this simple test and see if you need to implement these tips above!