Do you need a Water Filter for Your Hair? Let’s talk about it.

By :  Lane C

Does your hair look dull or flat? Constantly stiff and dry no matter how much conditioner you use? Even sometimes looking slight shades of green or orange? The common denominator is Hard Water. As a cosmetologist, I see clients doing everything right, yet their hair just won’t cooperate. This could be the result of the unfiltered water you’re using at home. Let’s break down how water quality affects your hair and whether a water filter is worth the investment.

⸻

The Type of Water you are using on your hair.

Water “hardness” refers to the mineral content in water, with hard water having more minerals and soft water having fewer minerals.

Hard Water

Most Homes have hard water that contains high levels of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. Hard Water can originate from various sources, including underground aquifers, wells, and reservoirs. As rainwater seeps into the ground, it percolates through layers of soil and rock, dissolving minerals along the way. This mineral filled water then finds its way into underground aquifers, which serve as natural reservoirs. 

When the water is pumped out of these aquifers or drawn from wells, it retains its mineral content, resulting in hard water.

Soft water

Soft water is water defined by its low mineral content. Water is considered “ soft “ when you either have or installed a shower filter, a water softener , or have reverse osmosis. Soft water is treated to remove harsh chemicals and minerals that might be causing you grief while using hard water.

City Water

City Water can be hard, soft or somewhere in between depending on the region you live.

Water that flows through city pipes can also pick up metals and minerals like copper and manganese or even lead in older systems. Some City Water plants actually ADD minerals to tap water to improve “ drinking flavor”.

How to find out what water you have?

To find out if you water Is hard or soft. You can research your local water source or get it tested. If your water is from a locally regulated source, you don’t need to test it unless you want to. It’s likely that there’s a water quality report available online, since local governments often make these reports public. That will help you learn more about whether you have hard or soft water.

How is the type of water you use impacting your hair health

Hard water is the main culprit for people having issues with their hair. Especially when it seems they have tried everything else. Here are some signs you might be experiencing if you have hard water.

    •    You have Mineral buildup on the hair shaft or severe dandruff.

    •    Your hair feels dry, rough, or brittle after washing

    •    Your color to fades fast or your natural hair color turns shades of green, blue, or orange due to mineral content

    •    Your shampoo and soaps do not lather very well in water

    •    You have scalp irritation or flakiness, or itchiness

Okay I have hard water, what now?

After finding out you have hard water your next step will be investing in a shower filter.What is a shower filter you ask?

A shower filter filters out harsh chemicals and severe mineral buildup that hard water contains. Many people including myself who switch to a water filter after using hard water can say that the water almost feels “silky” it is so clean.

My current favorite filter we sell here at the spa is /kit sch’s/ brand.

It is super easy to install and comes with all the tools you need right in the kit. It instantly purifies with a high concentration of KDF-55 and Calcium Sulfite. Together, these help remove chlorine & impurities and balance the water’s pH levels without compromising your water pressure.

Invest in a clarifying shampoo.

Now be for real , just because you got a shower filter does not mean that you don’t have harsh chemicals and mineral content still living on your scalp and hair shaft. The best way to get rid of that unwanted build up is going to be using a clarifying shampoo!

My favorite recently I use at the spa is the Natulique Volume shampoo which doubles as a clarifying shampoo.

Natulique is a brand that is certified organic , paraben free, artificial fragrance free, silicone free, and much more clean things that are safe for your hair and health.

The mild clarifying formula in the shampoo will gently removes excess oil, build up, and impurities, leaving the hair and scalp feeling clean and refreshed.  It actually is able to Thicken and reconstructs flat and fine strands, bringing life and strength back to the hair. So perfect for getting you back on track with your hair health!

Lastly-  Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

Even after using a mild clarifying shampoo your hair will be thirsty and needs hydration after all it has gone through.

I placed some of my favorite moisture based products I use below at the spa. This will help you navigate how to rehydrate your dry strands.

My favorite moisture mask for your hair-

The Intelligence Nutrients shine bright Moisture mask

This is a deep conditioning mask infused with nutrients and natural oils to strengthen overworked hair, adding weightless body, shine and softness.

To use - Apply this after shampooing and leave on for 1-5 mins. Use as often as needed.

My favorite leave in conditioner -

The ntelligence Nutrients Fortifi-hair Leave-In Treatment

This product is meant for dry and damage hair to help to rebuild, repair, and protect against further damage. It uses active plant proteins and shea butter blends to address dryness and add moisture into the hair.

To Use - apply this product after shampooing and conditioning fresh out of the shower. It can be used after every wash or as often as you feel your hair needs.

The Bottom Line

If your hair feels off despite your best efforts, don’t overlook your water. Healthy hair starts with a healthy environment, and filtered water can make a noticeable difference in how your hair looks, feels, and responds to care. By investing in the right products you can get your hair back on track in no time.

Your favorite crunchy cosmetologist,

Lane C