You might be thinking, "What is hard or soft water, and what does it have to do with my hair?" Well, it turns out the kind of water we use to wash our hair can have some not-so-great effects on our curls. And here’s why.
Hard water can make curly hair feel dry and frizzy and cause curls to fall flat. This is because the minerals in hard water, like calcium and magnesium, can prevent moisture from penetrating the hair.
Soft water doesn't have the same drying effect or cause the same buildup. You might find that you don't need as many products when you travel to an area with soft water; the bare minimum will suffice. You may also notice that your hair feels softer and fluffier.
In short, the main difference between hard water and soft water is that hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Soft water, on the other hand, has fewer minerals and a lower pH level.
How Do I Know If I Wash My Hair in Hard Water or Soft Water?
Generally, soft water means you use very little shampoo and get lots of lather, but it takes longer to rinse off the soapy feeling. The harder the water, the more shampoo you'll need to get the same lather, and rinsing is much faster.
How to Protect Your Hair From Hard Water:
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You might want to consider getting a water softener or shower filter. These tools can help remove mineral buildup from your water, leaving it softer and gentler on your curls.
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Make sure you clarify regularly to remove mineral buildup from hard water. Try Jessicurl Clarifying Shampoo for a gentle, yet effective reset that does not have any fragrance added for a truly clean slate.
- Keep on top of your deep conditioning to help hydrate your curls and prevent dryness. Try Jessicurl Deep Conditioning Treatment for medium to thick or protein sensitive hair or Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner for fine hair or if a protein treatment is desired.
So hard water vs. soft water can make a big difference in the health and appearance of your hair. While soft water might be the ideal choice for our hair know there are ways in which you can adapt you cleansing and conditioning routine to ensure your curls look and feel their best!
Love Claire x
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