What is hard water?
Because hard water contains more minerals, it can weigh down, dry out, and damage your hair. According to celebrity hairstylist and Ouidad brand ambassador Irinel de Leon, magnesium and calcium are two of the most prevalent and plentiful metals found in tap water around the world. Hard water is a term used to describe water sources that have high concentrations of those two metals, according to the expert.

You most likely have hard water if your faucets and showerheads frequently develop a white buildup. All hair types may be harmed by hard water, but fine hair—which is already vulnerable to buildup—and curly hair—which is already dry by nature—are particularly negatively affected.

What does hard water do to the hair?
Depending on your hair type, hard water buildup typically causes flat, lifeless, greasy, and dry hair as well as a variety of scalp problems. According to de Leon, “hard water can stretch curls, making them go limp, and coat curly hair with a film of mineral buildup, leaving it feeling filmy and straw-like.” The same thing can happen to your scalp; blocked follicles will interfere with hair growth and your curl pattern’s consistency.

How do I solve this problem?
Fortunately, there are methods to counteract the damaging effects of hard water on hair. One option is to install a water softener, but this is expensive. Instead, there is the option of installing a water-filtering showerhead head that can filter a number of the harsh minerals as you clean, such as the T3 Source Mineral Water Filter or the Pure Action Water Softener Shower Head.

A simple DIY solution to solve this issue is apple cider vinegar. Because ACV contains a wealth of natural acids that soothe irritated, itchy scalps while also aiding in the dissolution of product buildup. Since it clarifies well, curly hair types benefit greatly from its use.

Here’s an easy recipe to try:

1. Two cups of water and one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar should be combined in a cup.
2. Tip your head back, pour shampoo over your hair, then massage it into your scalp after washing your hair.
3. Allow it to sit on your hair for two to three minutes, then rinse it out and condition as usual. Repeat each week or as necessary.