Ever been on holiday and all of a sudden found your hair looks better than it has in months, only for it to go back to frizzy and flyaway or flat and lifeless the moment you get home? We instinctively change up the obvious: our hair products [1]. Perhaps we even try a change in diet [2], take vitamins, or try to re-create that hotel room vibe at home. That might help, but it's likely the main issue is actually your water supply [3]. Very hard or soft water can really wreak havoc with even the healthiest hair. The best solution is to filter your water, but not all of us have the budget or means to fit a filter or softener at the water supply, and the ones that attach to your shower hose [4] don't always solve the problem.
So you need the next best thing: some expert tips and a regimen that'll make the most of the water you've got. But before you can fix the problem, you need to make sure you're tackling the right issue. Read on to find out how to battle both hard and soft water, with some expert tips and recommendations to keep your hair looking as luscious as possible.
Is Your Water Hard or Soft?
Over 60% of the water [5] in the UK is described as "hard" or "very hard", which means it has a high mineral content. If, when you pour a glass of water, it looks a little cloudy, then it's likely you live in a hard water area. You might also battle constant white patches on dark work surfaces or tiles and quick build up of scale in your kettle, around taps, and in the toilet bowl. You can do a postcode check [6] if you're still unsure.
Those mineral deposits that build up in your kettle can also build up on your hair, causing it to look flat and dull. Does that mean soft water is better for your hair? In theory, yes. But of course it's not that simple. There is such a thing as "too soft". Very soft water can make it difficult for you to rinse away product build up. If you don't use a lot of hair products, you might not notice, but if you've got oily hair, this can add to the problem.
How to Take Care of Your Hair in Soft Water
As we've determined, soft water can be really tricky to manage. "It's about adding those little helpers from your preferred hair range into your routine," Says Stanley Watts, co-owner of London salon The Kings Canary [7]. "I wouldn't change your shampoo . . . Instead, I recommend adding in an extra boost to the conditioner with a leave-in treatment [8]. Most product ranges will have a leave-in protein treatment to use once you have completed the usual shampoo and conditioner routine."
If you're coping with soft water, try IKG Hair Mistress Hydrating Balm [9] (£14) and OUAI Leave-In Conditioner [10] (£22). Adding suitable products to your routine is a good idea when you're travelling, too. Check the area you're visiting before you pack — that way you'll know if your hair is in for a shock before you arrive.
Products For Soft Water
For soft water, try extra protein products such as Evo Mane Attraction [11] (£18) and Labelm Protein Spray [12] (£16). "If the water is soft, leaving your hair too flat/soft/flyaway, added protein will bolster your hair and give it back its bounce, and I'm all about that," says Watts. "Protein to our hair is like the vitamin D and iron to our tired, busy lifestyles."
Add Some Luxury to Hard Water Hair
Not washing regularly can feel strange at first, but there are things you can do to keep your hard water hair regimen feeling luxurious. "Treatments wrapped in a warm wet towel is a good 'Sunday routine' whilst we do all our other bits," explains Watts. Really make the most of the time you take to wash your hair with a treatment such as Lush Roots Scalp Treatment [15] (£13) or John Freida Detox & Repair Masque [16] (£7).