Your Hard Water May Be Sucking The Life Out Of Your Locks

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Restoring dull or frizzy hair to full health has never been an easy task. (Shoutout to all those who have spent a pretty penny on countless hair oils and dry shampoo.) But the scary truth is that the issue may be coming from inside your shower: Hard water may be to blame for all your bad hair days. The good news? There are shampoos for hard water, and they're specifically made to fight its effects.

But what is hard water, exactly? In short, it means that your water has a concentration of minerals like magnesium and calcium, per the United States Geological Survey (USGS). And while it's harmless to consume, it can be rough on your skin and hair. Since 85 percent of U.S. households have hard water (!!) so chances are it's running through your taps right now, Homewater 101 claims. Want to see what the mineral concentration looks like in your own shower? Leave it to Aquasure to tell you if your shower is effected by hard water.

"While hard water is acceptable to bathe in, it doesn't make it optimal for hair health," says certified trichologist and founder of thinhairthick.com Tiffany Young. She adds that frequent hard water exposure can lead to frizzy, dry, and thinning hair because mineral deposits create a cast over the hair shaft, preventing the absorption of moisture.

A hard water shampoo is specifically formulated to counter buildup and prevent damage, leaving your hair voluminous, shiny, and hydrated. Ready to give one a try? Here are the best shampoos for hard water, per experts and product testers.

Sunday Shampoo

A favorite of senior cosmetology educator at the Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Dallas Todd Faulk, Bumble and Bumble's Sunday Shampoo is designed to be used once a week to remove product residue, excess oil, and built-up pollutants—all things that can dampen your hair's shine. If you're looking for an even deeper cleanse, follow Sunday Shampoo with a second wash using your everyday shampoo.

Testers agree that this is the perfect product for those with oily hair. They say that it removes buildup without stripping the hair, and the fragrance is subtle. A few users note that this product also adds volume.

Rave Review: "I tried EVERYTHING, including personalized haircare. I never got close to the results I've gotten with this. I literally can feel that weight is now off my hair."

Hard Water Wellness Collection

Malibu C's vegan and sulfate-free Hard Water Wellness Shampoo is gentle enough to use daily—but don't worry. When it comes to protecting the health and vibrancy of your hair, it pulls no punches, removing discoloration and infusing moisture so well it has online reviewers raving.

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."

Rave Review: "This stuff has literally restored my hair back to soft, shiny, and clean-feeling just after two uses! The difference in touching it is like night and day. I cannot recommend these products enough."

No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo

If you're one of the many who curl, blow dry, or flat iron your hair, spoiler alert—your hair bonds are probably broken. And adding hard water to the mix doesn't help the situation. Olaplex's Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo is designed to help take care of both. It helps remove buildup while strengthening and restoring hair at the same time. Note: you should only use it once every one to two weeks.

Users say this product leaves their scalp feeling clean without drying out their strands. Testers love the scent and add that the shampoo doesn't strip hair coloring.

Rave Review: "I have tried the regular Olaplex Bond Maintenance Shampoo, but the clarifying one is a game changer. After the first few uses, I realized how much buildup was on my hair and head. It felt like I could feel a breeze through my scalp for the first time in years...like it was actually clean!"

Clarifying Charcoal Shampoo

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.

Testers agree that while this product sits at a budget-friendly price point, the quality has an expensive feel to it. Several note that it alleviates an itchy, flaky scalp. Overall, users say their hair is left feeling super clean after just one use.

Rave Review: "This is the best clarifying shampoo I've ever used. It smells amazing. I use a lot of product for styling, and this shampoo cleans my hair really well. It's truly a quality shampoo and makes you feel like you're in a spa of luxury when you use it."

Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo

Living Proof's all-star lineup of ingredients makes it another favorite of Faulk and online reviewers alike. Formulated with compounds that bind to the metal ions in hard water, activated charcoal that removes excess oil, and a scalp-soothing complex, this shampoo is a triple threat when it comes to fighting the effects of hard water. A hard water test strip is also included, so you can see just what you're dealing with.

Testers who have been affected by hair loss due to hard water say they felt their hair become fuller after a few months of using the shampoo. Many users also find the formula to be hydrating and not stripping. Those with oily scalp say that they don't have to wash their hair as often as they used to.

Rave Review: "I never write reviews. There are no hair miracles. But this product REALLY made a difference in my hair. My hair is soft and full of body! Unreal!"

Shampoo Two

Trying to breathe some life into dull, oily hair? Enter Paul Mitchell's Shampoo Two. Use it once or twice a week to remove buildup and get shiny hair that's full of body without the excess oil. You might call it a hair resurrection.

Testers say this product leaves their hair feeling super fresh. Those with oily hair note that they no longer need to wash their hair every day. Users also say that in addition to a great price, a little bit of product goes a long way.

Rave Review: "My hair is literally squeaky clean! As I rinse and pull the water out of my hair, it squeaks! All the product buildup was gone, and my hair and scalp were the cleanest they've ever been! I love it. Plus, it smells lovely. "

Clarifying Shampoo

Get ready for a total hair reset. The stars of Moroccanoil's clarifying shampoo formula are the moisturizing plant extracts, argan oil that nourishes each strand, and the keratin that helps restore strength. The shampoo is also made with the brand's signature scent of spicy amber and musk with sweet florals.

Testers who are sensitive to fragrance say the smell of the shampoo is subtle and not irritating. Users agree that the formula is great for anyone who wants a deep clean. Many note that they saw a difference in the first few months.

"Not only does this shampoo make your hair smell ~literally~ amazing, but it coats your hair in the most gorgeous shine and leaves it feeling so healthy," says WH associate fashion & commerce editor Lily Wohlner. "Once your strands are dry, they feel so clean, but never stripped."

Rave Review: "My hair feels like I just got out of the salon. The sticky/greasy feeling is gone, and my hair looks and feels amazing. It’s so light and fresh."

Metal Detox

Consider this detox shampoo from L'Oreal a lifeline for your color-treated hair. The pro formula with glicoamine works wonders to strip the metal ions from your water since they can especially damage dyes, balayage, or lightened hair. The shampoo is also made to prevent breakage while promoting color longevity.

Testers who live in areas with hard water say that this shampoo leaves their hair feeling soft after a few uses. Some also note that while it's a bit more expensive than other brands, it's worth every penny. Additionally, users say it doesn't leave residue, and the fragrance isn't overwhelming.

Rave Review: "The results were very surprising—no brittle, hard hair. Also, this time I didn't lose a lot of hair as I combed. I'm very used to my hair being soft and manageable, like cotton. Today...I got my hair back. I absolutely, positively love the product."

Water Works Clarifying Shampoo

Curls + hard water = frizz city. Luckily, this shampoo from Ouidad is formulated to remove the hard water minerals that cause your curls to go limp without removing the moisture they need to stay looking tight and healthy. It's formulated with fruit acids to produce a powerful blend that's fast-acting, but gentle on your hair.

Some users who don't have curly hair say the product works well on their strands and highly recommend it. Testers with curls note that the shampoo helps with preventing breakage and adds shine. They also appreciate that it doesn't weight down their hair or change their curl pattern.

Rave Review: "This really works well to clarify. It doesn't strip my hair or make it dry at all. Since we have hard water, I use it about twice a week and I use a fair amount of product."

Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo

The slightly acidic pH of apple cider vinegar makes it a great chelating agent—this means it breaks the bond between your locks and minerals found in hard water—that grabs ahold of metal ions in hair. This shampoo from Aveeno captures the power of ACV using a natural formula that's made with colloidal oatmeal extract.

The oat content has a soothing effect on the scalp that's perfect for those who tend to get itchy or inflamed up there. Hard water can clog scalp pores, which can often lead to irritation and inflammation, board-certified dermatologist and consultant for Vegamour Neera Nathan, MD says.

Testers who struggle with hair loss say using this shampoo led to less shredding and more length over time. Some note that it added volume and shine while leaving their scalp feeling fresh and clean. Many testers who are sensitive to fragrance say they love the scent as well.

Rave Review: "I didn't realize my hard water was taking such a toll on me. [My hair] ended up literally being so dry it was crispy and falling out...I found this awesomely-priced shampoo and conditioner and noticed the change right away!"

Mongongo Oil Exfoliating Shampoo

Designed specifically for 3A to 4C natural hair, Mielle's exfoliating shampoo is designed to gently remove buildup without leaving your locks dry. Made with mongongo oil, the shampoo hydrates hair while taming frizz at the same time.

One tester notes that they could see a difference in their hair after just one use. Others agree that, aside from the shampoo's ability to get rid of buildup, it's also great for detangling hair. Dozens of users say the formula is extremely moisturizing and leaves curls feeling soft.

Rave Review: "Love this shampoo!! It has made my scalp look and feel so soft, clean, and healthy! It doesn’t make my hair feel like it’s being stripped of moisture at all but still manages to completely cleanse my hair and remove all buildup."

Peptide Prep Color-Safe Detox Clarifying Shampoo

If you're looking to splurge a bit on a shampoo that will allow you to keep your color without stripping your hair of moisture, you'll love the Peptide Prep Color-Safe Detox Clarifying Shampoo from K18.

"It removes buildup, minerals, and heavy metals and contains their K18 peptide, which keeps the hair strong and healthy," says hairstylist and trichologist Jill Lee. "It also removes several metals in hard water like nickel, cadmium, lead, zinc, and iron." She adds that it's ideal for those with damaged or chemically-treated hair.

Testers who usually deal with hair loss say they shed significantly less while using this shampoo. They note that it also adds much more volume to their hair. One person says that their hair was damaged from bleaching, but the shampoo helped the healing process.

Rave Review: "I had greasy, oily hair my entire life until I tried this shampoo. My hair has completely transformed, and I get compliments daily. Excellent product!"

The Original Detox Hair Shampoo

Those who tend to have negative reactions to harsh products will be thrilled to know that The Original Detox Hair Shampoo has natural ingredients that are gentle on your hair and scalp. "It contains numerous natural cleansing agents to remove toxins and impurities like citric acid and sodium cocoyl glycinate to deep clean while also protecting the scalps natural barrier," says Lee. Plus, it works with all hair types, so everyone can get in on the benefits.

Users like that this shampoo gives their hair a reset without stripping it of moisture. Additionally, testers love the fresh yet subtle mint scent. One user even says that they occasionally pass on using conditioner afterwards because of how moisturizing the formula is.

Rave Review: "It's actually detoxing and has a great mint scent. A little goes a long way. It cleanses all chlorine from my hair after my daily swim."

Hard Water Shampoo

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 removes brassy and yellow hard water discoloration, and it's 100 percent vegan," says Lee.

Testers with varying hair types say that this product does an excellent job at leaving hair looking and feeling fresh. One user adds that it helps with preventing breakage and splitting. Another notes that the shampoo gives her hair more volume while adding moisture.

Rave Review: "Well water buildup was more obvious as my hair turned white. Ion shampoo made a difference after the first wash and an even bigger one after the second. Yay!"

How Our Team Chose The Best Shampoos For Hard Water

For the past month, Women’s Health editors, including commerce editor Jasmine Gomez and editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert, researched the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated shampoos for hard water. Our team consulted four hair and cosmetic experts and then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best shampoos for hard water for a wide range of needs and preferences.

Meet the experts

Todd Faulk is the senior cosmetology educator at the Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Dallas. Jill Lee is a hairstylist and trichologist. Neera Nathan, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and consultant for Vegamour. Tiffany Young is a certified trichologist and founder of thinhairthick.com.

How to choose the best shampoo for hard water

Ingredients

Reading the label doesn't just apply to packaged foods. When you're looking for a shampoo that's really going to be able to stand its ground against hard water, there are a few keywords to look out for on the label. According to Faulk, what you want is a shampoo that describes itself as a "buildup remover"—which should discard chemical oxidizers, have a cleansing detox formula, or is pH-balanced. This will help you ensure the shampoo you're purchasing has the right properties to target the metal found in hard water.

Moisturizing properties

A shampoo that has added ingredients to help lock in moisture is important when you're doing a deep clean. Even better, follow your hard water shampoo with a conditioner. "Look for a conditioner that has some sort of protein that can cover the hair strands and leave a coating to help protect the hair," says Nathan.

How often should you use a shampoo for hard water?

Hard water shampoos are great at stripping all that nasty buildup from your hair. But if you use them too much, they can also start stripping things like moisture that your hair actually craves.

Start by reading your labels. Most hard water shampoos are designed to be used once a week, and you might even get by with using them a couple of times a month if the damage is less severe. Either way, make sure to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner so that your scalp and strands get enough hydration.

How can you protect your hair from hard water?

If your new shampoo routine isn't doing the trick, there are alternative measures to safeguard your hair from hard water. Consider installing a water filter at home; it can cover your entire house or, if you're in an apartment or on a budget, simply attach it to your showerhead.

Nathan compares these filters to a drinking water filter. The devices can help filter out salts before they affect your hair and skin, she explains.

What’s the difference between a hard water shampoo and a clarifying shampoo?

There aren't really any shampoos marketed as "hard water shampoos." Instead, you'll see something that says either "clarifying shampoo" or "exfoliating shampoo." Clarifying shampoos are designed to be better at removing buildup and residue than regular shampoos. So, when you’re dealing with hard water, they’re a great place to start, says Nathan.

Additionally, there are also chelating shampoos, which include compounds that are meant to break the bond between your locks and minerals found in hard water.

What shampoo for hard water is safe on color-treated hair?

Hard water is one of the worst enemies of color-treated hair, since it can cause your new shade to go dull or fade quicker than usual. Washing with a color-safe hard water shampoo will help protect its shine. But make sure to check your labels first and watch out for any of the usual color-fading suspects, like sulfates and parabens. If you're looking for an option that's safe for color-treated hair, try the L'Oreal shampoo on this list.

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