Are you looking for the best daily shampoo for hard water in the UK? If you live in a hard water area, like 60% of the UK population, you will need a hard water shampoo! This post will help you find the best shampoo for hard water.
If you live in an area that has hard water it could be affecting your hair. When you wash your hair regularly in hard water, minerals like calcium and magnesium can build up on it. This can make hair look dull and lifeless.
Most of the UK has hard water and some areas have very hard water such as the South East of England. This is because the bedrock is mainly chalk and limestone. When rain water passes over it trace minerals like calcium and magnesium dissolve into the water.
The good news is there are some excellent shampoos designed for hard water areas. They help to prevent the build up of minerals on your hair and keep hair looking fresh and shiny!
This post is all about the best shampoo for hard water in the UK
Best Shampoo for Hard Water UK
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What is Hard Water?
Hard water is water which has high quantities of dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. Soft water on the other hand tends to have higher concentrations of sodium, or salt.
In the UK over 60% of us live in hard water areas. Hard water occurs in areas were the bedrock is made up of limestone, chalk, flint and stone that contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium.
The South East of the UK has the hardest water in the country since it is mostly made up of chalk and limestone.
How Can Hard Water Affect my Hair?
1. Shampoos don’t lather easily
If you are regularly washing your hair in hard water, shampoo and soap may not lather well.
2. Hair can become dull
Your hair may become dull from minerals which can build up on it.
3. Hair can become dry and frizzy
Hard water can make your hair dry since it leaves a film over the hair making it more difficult for moisture to penetrate. Hair is then left frizzy and prone to break.
4. Hair can be damaged
Studies have shown that hard water can actually damage hair. In one study hair samples were washed in both hard and distilled water for 30 days. The hair washed in hard water was found to have become thinner and had a more ruffled appearance. The full study can be found here.
5. Hair can become thin
Hard water has also been associated with hair thinning and a dry scalp. Another study found that hair lost strength when exposed to hard water and started breaking. That study can be found here.
See More of the Signs of Hard Water on Hair
What is the Best Daily Shampoo for Hard Water?
Choosing the right clarifying shampoo can help to revive hair that has been damaged by hard water. Shampoos formulated for hard water are designed to remove mineral build up on the hair.
Before going into my top five shampoos for hard water in the UK, check out the comparison table below. I have chosen five excellent shampoos for different hair types.
Best Daily Shampoo for Hard Water – A Buyer’s Guide
THE COMPARISON TABLE
Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. AreaH2o Hard Water Shampoo
- Gently Removes Impurities Creating Cleaner Shinier Hair. Paraben Free. Cruelty Free.
Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The AreaH2o Hard Water Shampoo is paraben free and cruelty free. It is formulated for normal hair to gently remove the residue and impurities found in hard water.
This shampoo leaves hair shiner, cleaner and less frizzy. You will also notice the shampoo lathers better with less water.
2. Neutrogena Shampoo Anti- Residue
- Non-irritating
- Clean rinsing
- Available in 6 oz. and 12 oz.
Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Neutrogena Shampoo Anti- Residue only needs to be used once a week to remove hard water residue, but it’s gentle enough to be used daily. It’s made for all hair types, even colour-treated hair.
3. OGX Charcoal Clarifying Shampoo
- Die Detox Kur für das Haar – Das OGX Purifying Charcoal...
- Besonders angenehmer Duft – Das angenehm nach Kokosnuss duftende...
- Glanz Shampoo mit ausgewogenem pH-Wert – Das pflegende...
Last update on 2024-11-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The OGX Charcoal Clarifying Shampoo is made for oily, greasy hair. It is a deeply purifying and detoxifying shampoo that leaves hair cleansed and shiny. Hair will no longer be weighed down from residue build up.
This shampoo is sulphate free.
4. KMS Head Remedy Deep Cleanse Scalp Shampoo
- Head remedy shampoo by KMS
- Deep cleansing shampoo removes residue build up from hair products, minerals, pollutants and hard...
- Gentle enough for daily use. Leave hair looking clean, healthy and nourished
Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The KMS Head Remedy Deep Cleanse Scalp Shampoo is a clarifying and chelating shampoo designed for oily hair. It removes the build-up from hard water residue.
This shampoo is gentle enough for daily use and removed minerals and pollutants from the hair. It contains alpha hydroxy acid, lactic acid, malic acid and Tetrasodium EDTA which work together to even out the hair surface and remove impurities. Hair is left clarified and fresh.
5. Spa Master Micellar Chelating Detox Shampoo
- DETOX shampoo - for deep cleansing of hair and skin from dirt, styling products, as well as chlorine...
- Recommended for hair and scalp preparation for recovery and care procedures.
- Detoxification - eliminates toxins and harmful chemicals from both the scalp and the entire length...
Last update on 2024-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Spa Master Molecular Cosmetics Micellar Chelating Detox Shampoo is my favourite shampoo for hard water. It removes toxins and harmful chemicals from both the scalp and the entire length of hair.
It is excellent if you have dry hair as your hair won’t be left stripped of its natural oils. Hair is left bouncy, soft and clean.
Conclusion
If you live in a hard water area you need to invest in a good hard water shampoo. Hard water can damage your hair, leaving it thin, dry and weak. It can also affect the colour of your hair.
Using a hard water shampoo regularly keeps your hair soft and shiny. Fortunately there are some great formulas which include sulphate free options. If you live in the big city, like me, you no longer need to put up with dry hair!
FAQs on Shampoo for Hard Water
How do I know if I live in a hard water area?
Water hardness is measured by the number of mineral deposits per million – ppm. Very hard water would register more than 180ppm. London and the South East of England has between 251-450ppm.
How can I soften my shower water?
You could install a shower head with a water filter. In the bath you can add bath salts or baking soda to counter the drying effects of hard water.
Is Liverpool water hard or soft?
Liverpool has a water hardness level of 79.10 ppm. This is considered hard water but it is not as hard as the South East of England.
How do I know if I have hard water in my hair?
Signs may include dry hair, hair thinning, frizziness and a dry itchy scalp.
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