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If you think the water you use is totally pure, think again. Don't go getting worried, though. Your water is probably perfectly safe, but there is a possibility that it could be wreaking havoc on your hair. There's a chance that the water coming out of your shower head contains calcium and magnesium, which can deposit on your hair and leave it less healthy. If you have hard water, full of minerals, don't fret. Just find a shampoo and conditioner that will combat it and leave your tresses soft and beautiful.
The Deal
Eighty-five percent of water in the U.S. is hard, so the odds of you having hard water are pretty high. Hard water makes it more difficult for shampoos and conditioners to foam, which means you're left with residue on your hair even after a thorough rinse.
Check the Label
New York City dermatologist Doris Day tells "Real Simple" magazine that shampoos and conditioners with chelating agents are the best to use if you have hard water. Chelating agents dissolve the calcium and magnesium that builds up in hard water, giving your shampoos and conditioners a fighting chance.
Another Ingredient
Since hard water makes foaming more difficult, try a product that contains cocamidpropyl betaine, a detergent that helps to increase foaming. Cocamidproply betaine can be found in tons of baby shampoos and sulfate-free shampoo products, according to popular hair blogger, CurlyNikki. Before you buy, read the label to be sure. If, after trying a shampoo with cocamidpoply betaine, your hair feels a little dry, dilute it a bit the next time you wash.
Conditioners
Because shampoos that contain chelating agents and cocamidpropyl betaine can be a little rougher on the hair, you have to follow up with a good moisturizing conditioner to keep your tresses in their best shape. "Real Simple" magazine recommends Pantene and Garnier conditioners to keep your tresses in their best shape. The mag also loves the shampoo to fight hard water buildup, too.
Your Best Option
If you don't feel like using harsh shampoos just to rebuild your hair with moisturizing conditioners, skip all the extra stuff and get yourself a water softener or a filter. This is truly the best way to deal with hard water. Then, just go ahead and lather, rinse and repeat with your favorite shampoo and conditioner without the extra worry of nasty buildup.
