We spoke to the experts to find out how water quality can affect clients' hair and how you can ensure the removal of metal and mineral build-up from hard water.
How Does Hard Water Effect Hair?
Hard water contains salts and calcium, which can affect the skin and cause some drying and irritation explains Anabel Kingsley, Brand President and Consultant Trichologist at Philip Kingsley: "Water may affect the texture of the hair and how it feels and behaves. Many people notice their hair is dryer when they shampoo with hard water, that it frizzes more easily and that not as much lather is created," she says. Maria Nila Professional Ambassador, Diego Miranda, adds that washing hard in hard water regularly can lead to weakened hair strands and follicles over time: "This is caused by high levels of Magnesium and Calcium creating a barrier around the hair follicle preventing moisture from getting to the hair." Metals and minerals present in water can damage the hair, reducing the effectiveness of chemical and colour services, Pedro Pimpao, K18 Global Ambassador says: "I work in central London, and the water here is very hard and full of bad minerals. Using the K18 Chelator and the Detox Shampoo, I see an improvement in my lightning services, colour vibrancy, and healthy hair on my customers,"
What To Tell Clients
"There is no need to make a massive shift to your haircare routine if you are in a hard-water area, but if you find your strands feel parched, use a pre-shampoo conditioning treatment twice a week," recommends Anabel. "To combat frizz, apply a lightweight smoothing cream or serum. You may also want to consider a heavier conditioner. I suggest using our Vitamin C Jelly, which removes hard water mineral deposits on your hair." "My top tip for anyone looking to protect their hair colour from hard water quality, for the best result long-term is to add-on the L’Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox in-salon treatment," says L’Oréal Professionnel Editorial Ambassador, Adam Reed, explaining: "This works to help neutralise copper levels in our water and pipes that can cause hair breakage during the colour service. I recommend this treatment with every colour appointment as it is vital hair is detoxed and protected to allow long-lasting colour and glossy, healthy hair."
"Water quality is often out of our control and varies significantly by county and even town but there are a few ways that you can help to prevent damage," reassures Diego. His top tips include:
- Install a water softener which will filter excess minerals
- Incorporate a purifying shampoo and conditioner into your weekly hair routine, Diego uses the Maria Nila Eco Therapy Revive
- Advise your clients to spend a few minutes massaging their scalp every time they shampoo to stimulate the follicle and increase blood circulation and oxygen
- Also advise clients use a hair mask weekly to rehydrate and protect