Everything You Need To Know About Hard Water

You ask and we listen. Particularly, with summer just around the corner, we find this is a peak time for hard water-related questions so we have everything you need to know…

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water is water with high mineral content. Predominantly, the two minerals that determine hard water are the levels of calcium and magnesium.

Overall, hard water is measured in parts per million (PPM) and how many particles of hardness are dissolved in the water.

Below indicates the PPM and the water hardness:

(Source: Aqua Care) 

Hard Water Locations

At Remi Cachet, we often talk about hard water being a risk in holiday locations but, did you know that you or your clients could also live in a hard water area?

Overall, you will find that particularly the South East of England and London have high levels of hard water.

You can find out more about hard water locations by popping in the relevant postcode on Aqua Cure here.

Hard Water Issues On Hair Extensions

Hard Water can impact you/your clients in numerous ways such as affecting their/your skin and hair. Specifically, looking at hair extensions, due to the higher levels of calcium and magnesium compared to “soft water”, “discolouration” is one of the issues that can be caused.

Discolouration is when the hair colour changes due to the contact it has had with exposure to certain ingredients as well as hard water. Many recognise discolouration as an instant change in their hair but sometimes, this can be a gradual change. Overall, we find that this is mostly seen in blonde hair as a green, brassy, pink or peach colour coming through.

To find out more about discolouration read our previous blog post All You Need To Know About Hair Discolouration.

Discolouration is not the only impact of hard water on the hair, you will often find the exposure can cause:

• Dullness
• Breakage
• Dryness

Reducing The Impact Of Hard Water On Hair Extensions

Below are just some of the steps we recommend you/your clients take to avoid exposure to hard water:

1. Don’t Go On Holiday Whilst Wearing Hair Extensions

Our advice always has been and always will be to avoid wearing hair extensions whilst on holiday. If your clients are wearing hair extensions this exposes the hair to hard water that can cause issues for their hair extensions. Therefore, it’s important to explain our recommendation to those clients who have been talking to you about wearing their hair extensions on holiday.

2. Find An Alternative Water Source To Wash Your Hair

For holiday destinations, if your clients wearing hair extensions is a MUST on holiday, they must be aware of the various risks including (but not limited to) hard water. Steps they must take to reduce the exposure include washing their hair with bottled water.

For those living in a hard water area, we recommend the same steps are taken and that they wash their hair with bottled water.

3. Have A Water Softener System Installed

If your clients live in a hard water area and the above step isn’t manageable we recommend that you look into having a water softener system installed. The system directly attaches to your main supply and strips the hard water particles from the water before going into the ongoing water supply.

The above steps must be followed to ensure the hair extensions are not affected by hard water.

Resolving The Impact Of Hard Water On Hair Extensions

If the above steps are not followed and you/your clients are dealing with the impact of hard water, some steps can be taken to help resolve the issues…

For Discolouration…

Malibu C is the answer. The brand’s collection of products that have been created to resolve discolouration naturally removes the deposits from the hair.

Two products you need whether it’s for you or your clients are:

Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Remedy

• Restores the life of weighed-down locks for body, bounce and sheer brilliance.
• Naturally removes hard water deposits and impurities.
• Leaves the hair instantly softer, shinier and full of swing.
• Eliminates brassiness, discolouration and damage caused by mineral absorption.
• A vitamin-infused formula that deeply penetrates for superior moisture retention.

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Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Kit

• The number one defence system against malicious minerals and other elements in hard water.
• 100% vegan.
• Instantly removes and prevents discolouration, dryness, damage and dullness.
• Unleashes perfectly purified, weightless hair and reveals unmatched body and shine.

Contains:

• Hard Water Wellness Shampoo 266ml
• Hard Water Wellness Conditioner 266ml
• Hard Water Wellness Treatment 5g (x4)

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For dullness, dryness and breakage…

Remi Cachet Hair Oil

• Enhances the hair’s natural beauty.
• Leaves it noticeably radiant.
• Extracts of Argan Oil nourish the hair to give an intense glossy finish, great softness, and leaves the hair looking rejuvenated.
• Results in the hair feeling silky soft, and revitalised.
• Formulated with essential ingredients that have been developed to extend the lifespan and performance of the hair extensions.
• Vegan-friendly formula.

Remi Cachet Miracle Mist

• Signature formula penetrates the hair, enhancing the hair's natural beauty, and leaving the hair noticeably radiant.
• Extracts of Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein nourish the hair to help retain moisture, repair damaged hair, and leaves the hair looking rejuvenated.
• Includes heat protection.
• Formulated with essential ingredients that have been developed to extend the lifespan and performance of the hair extensions.
• Results in the hair feeling silky soft, and revitalised.

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If you have any questions about hard water, feel free to contact the team who will be happy to help.