Is water helping or hurting your curls?

Ever notice changes in your curls after moving to a new area or traveling? It might not be just in your head. The type of water you wash your hair with — whether it's hard or soft — can significantly impact your curls.

Let’s dive into what this means for your hair care routine.

Understanding hard water

Hard water contains high amounts of minerals like calcium and magnesium. While these minerals are great for your health, they can wreak havoc on your curls by:

Building up on your hair: This can make your hair feel stiff, sticky, or straw-like, and it can dull your hair colour.

Making it difficult to lather shampoo: You might end up using more shampoo or washing more frequently, which can dry out your curls.

Interfering with moisture absorption: The mineral build-up can block moisture from penetrating the hair shaft, leading to dry, frizzy curls.

Soft water and your curls

On the flip side, soft water is treated to remove these minerals and can be much gentler on your hair. Here’s how soft water can benefit your curls:

Easier to manage: Your hair might feel smoother and more manageable because soft water allows for better moisture absorption.

Less product needed: Shampoo and conditioners will lather more effectively, and you'll need to use less product to get the job done.

Healthier appearance and feel: Overall, your curls might appear shinier, softer, and less frizzy.

Tips for managing hard water

If you suspect hard water is affecting your curls, here are some strategies to mitigate its effects:

Use a chelating or clarifying shampoo: These shampoos are designed to strip mineral build-up from your hair. Use once a month or according to your hair’s response.

Install a shower filter: This can help to filter out some of the minerals that make water hard.

Regular deep conditioning: Since hard water can dry out your curls, it’s crucial to reintroduce moisture regularly. Deep conditioning treatments like this one can help combat dryness and restore hydration.

Can soft water be bad?

While soft water is generally better for curls, it can sometimes make hair feel too slippery or oily. If you find this to be the case, you might need to adjust the amount of conditioning products you use.

Understanding the type of water you have can help you better care for your curls.

Adjust your hair care regimen based on your water type and watch your curls thrive in any condition!

Looking for more curly hair tips and tricks? 

Check out more of our advice here.

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