Hard Water

Don’t let hard water ruin your hair. As water moves through soil and rock, it dissolves very small amounts of minerals and holds them in solution. Calcium and magnesium dissolved in water are the two most common minerals that make water “hard.” The degree of hardness becomes greater as the calcium and magnesium content increases.

If you are on a municipal water system, the water supplier can tell you the hardness level of the water they deliver. If you have a private water supply, you can have the water tested for hardness. Most water softener companies will be able to supply you with a free water testing kit or do the test for you.

Once you’ve tested your water supply, the hardness of your water will be reported in milligrams per liter (mg/l) or parts per million (ppm) grains per gallon. One grain of hardness equals 17.1 mg/l or ppm of hardness.

De-mineralizing/clarifying shampoo - It will remove chlorine in the hair. It also removes trace minerals such as copper (that makes hair turn green), lead, iron, salt and product build-up such as wax based conditioners, hairsprays and medications. Use after swimming in chlorinated pool/Sea water, and seven or eight times a year to keep the hair clean. Some stylists suggest that clients use a liquid gel dishwashing detergent, or a highly alkali shampoo to clarify the hair; this could be to the detriment of the hair, especially if your hair is chemically straightened/TRd. Alkali shampoos cause protein loss and damage to the hair