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How Do I Choose the Best Conditioner for Hard Water?

Misty Amber Brighton
Misty Amber Brighton

When you are looking for a conditioner for hard water, it can be important to read the list of ingredients. Some chemicals can actually strip away natural oils, thereby counteracting the benefits of this product. While you may want to avoid certain chemicals, other ingredients could be beneficial. Some conditioners also contain water, and it might be helpful to know whether it has been filtered Also, you may want a different deep conditioner than you normally choose for everyday use.

Some of the common synthetic ingredients in conditioner may include sodium lauryl sulfate or ammonium lauryl sulfate. These ingredients tend to dry the scalp and remove natural oils from the hair follicles. This could negate the benefits of conditioner for hard water, since this product is typically used to moisturize the scalp and hair. By reading the product label, you can find out if these chemicals are included in that brand; you may also want to research the origin of any other ingredients you are unfamiliar with.

A bottle of conditioner.
A bottle of conditioner.

There are many natural ingredients that can be helpful in a conditioner for hard water. These include baking soda, vinegar, and certain essential oils. Vinegar tends to break down calcium and lime, two things that are often found in hard water. Baking soda can remove residue left behind by other styling products, making it easier for the oil in a conditioner to penetrate the hair. Essential oils such as rosemary and witch hazel can soften hair and give it a healthy, shiny appearance.

Natural ingredients such as witch hazel can give hair a healthy appearance.
Natural ingredients such as witch hazel can give hair a healthy appearance.

Some water may be added to hair conditioner whether it is made from natural or synthetic ingredients. If that water is also hard, it may not be very useful under hard water conditions. Distilled or filtered water is generally recommended in a conditioner for hard water, as these types typically do not contain larges quanities of mineral deposits. If the label does not specify whether the water has been filtered or distilled, you may need to call the manufacturer to obtain this information.

Vinegar breaks down minerals in hard water and softens the hair cuticle.
Vinegar breaks down minerals in hard water and softens the hair cuticle.

Conditioner for hard water is normally used after shampooing hair to help you maintain soft tresses. Even so, you may decide to use a deep conditioner from time to time if your hair is damaged or chemically processed. Carefully reading the label and product information can help ensure you find a conditioner that suits your hair type, and is designed to be used the way you intend.

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    • A bottle of conditioner.
      By: Irina Brinza
      A bottle of conditioner.
    • Natural ingredients such as witch hazel can give hair a healthy appearance.
      By: dianamower
      Natural ingredients such as witch hazel can give hair a healthy appearance.
    • Vinegar breaks down minerals in hard water and softens the hair cuticle.
      By: hsagencia
      Vinegar breaks down minerals in hard water and softens the hair cuticle.