At the end of a recent trip to Iceland, I was stunned at just how soft and shiny my hair had become. I was only there for a couple of weeks. Still, treating my locks to the volcanic country’s naturally filtered water (some of the softest in the world) rather than London’s mineral-filled hard water, made a huge difference in such a short time. This was a surprise and yet it shouldn’t have been. One of my northern friends has been telling me since the day we met how much better her hair looks and feels when she goes home. But short of relocating, what can we do to get the glossy hair we so desire?
Geology is the main natural determining factor in whether water is hard or soft. Hard water occurs naturally when rainwater passes through rocks like limestone and chalk, dissolving minerals like calcium and magnesium, which then enter water supplies. Trichologist Hannah Gaboardi explains, “Over time, these create a mineral buildup on your scalp and hair, which can cause hair to feel brittle and dry and affect your overall hair health.”
When water is hard, it can have a huge impact on the look and feel of our locks. “The biggest thing I notice is how it changes the feel and behaviour of the hair,” says hairstylist and extensions expert Poppy Saunders. “Mineral build-up can leave the hair feeling rougher, drier and less shiny and you can sometimes feel that coating on the hair even after it has been washed.”
Gaboardi explains the science. “Calcium and magnesium in hard water bind to the hair shaft and form a mineral coating that disrupts the cuticle. The cuticle has a natural coat which helps protect the hair shaft, keeping it smooth and detangled. When the cuticle barrier is disrupted, it increases friction between strands. Hard water also breaks down the keratin structure of the hair strands. This makes the hair feel dry, rough and more prone to breakage, while also blocking the absorption of active treatments. Over time, this buildup can also affect the scalp environment, reducing how effectively we can stimulate healthy hair growth.”
The first step to counteract the dulling impact of buildup is to find the right shampoos for hard water. Designed to remove buildup and leave locks clean and cleansed, shampoo is crucial in combating the effects of hard water. Gaboardi confirms this: “Using a clarifying detox shampoo helps strip away that coating on the hair, while conditioning treatments restore strength and hydration.”
Below, with recommendations from the experts, are the best shampoos for hard water to fight the effects of buildup and deliver the glossy, shiny hair we all deserve.
L’Oréal Professionnel Metal DX Shampoo
