Normally, we prefer to have soft water as it has a lot of benefits. For instance, it makes a perfect cup of tea, leaves our skin feeling smooth and silky, and can also assist in clearing acne. However, is soft water really good for our hair, and can shampoo play a role in this?
If you've noticed that your hair appears to be oily even after washing it or lacking volume, it might mean that your hair is not responding well to soft water. But don't worry! 12 amazing shampoos can work wonders for people like you. With the use of the best shampoo for soft water, you'll soon have your dream hair, regardless of whether you have soft water or not.
7 Best Shampoos for Soft Water Areas in 2023
- Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo - Best Overall
- Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo - Best Clarifying
- WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo - Best Natural
- Fekkai Apple Cider Shampoo - Best Smelling
- Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo - Best for Oily Hair
- The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo - Best for Sensitive Scalp
- Klorane Nourishing Shampoo with Mango - Best Nourishing
Is Soft Water Good for Your Hair?
Soft water can be beneficial for hair, but whether or not it's good for your hair depends on your hair type. Soft water has fewer minerals than hard water(1), such as calcium and magnesium. Therefore, soft water is great for those with curly, dry, or frizzy hair since it frequently produces a softness and bounciness that gives the hair life.
However, those with oily hair may find that soft water makes them look even oilier. This is because soft water struggles to gain traction with the hair shaft due to its lower mineral content, which can leave a soapy, slimy residue on the scalp and hair. This can make oily hair look even oilier.
If you live in a soft water area and your hair feels lifeless, unmanageable, or slippery, and using products makes no difference, you may consider using a shampoo specifically designed for soft water. Moreover, if you notice that your hair appears greasy or oily, even after washing, or if you experience some flaking of the scalp, decreased hair volume, with strands feeling thin, it's worth considering a soft water shampoo.
Soft water is considered significantly more gentle on colored hair, and because it lathers more easily, less shampoo is needed. Overusing shampoo in soft water areas can exacerbate the problem, as more product builds up and leaves residue on the hair strands. Therefore, it is essential to use the right amount of shampoo when washing your hair.
How to Select The Best Shampoo for Soft Water
Here are some key factors to keep in mind when choosing a shampoo for soft water:
Hair Type
Firstly, you need to consider what type of hair you have. Different hair types require different types of shampoos, and selecting the unsuitable shampoo can lead to dryness and brittleness. If your hair tends to be greasy, you should seek out a shampoo that is specifically formulated to address excess oil.
On the other hand, if you have dry hair, select a shampoo enriched with a nourishing blend that preserves your hair's natural oils instead of stripping them away.
Ingredients
When choosing a shampoo for soft water, it's important to select a shampoo that won't make your hair and scalp too oily since soft water already has properties that promote oil production.
Instead, opt for shampoos that are gentle and soothing, with natural and organic ingredients such as aloe vera, lavender, and argan oil. These ingredients will help moisturize your hair without making it greasy. You can also look for shampoos that contain honey and apple cider vinegar, which can add volume and shine to your hair without damaging it.
It's also important to avoid shampoos that contain harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde releasers, triclosan, and triclocarban. These chemicals can be harmful to your hair and scalp, and can even cause damage. Also, be cautious of shampoos that have heavy ingredients like salts and sulfates, as they can cause build-up on your hair.
When choosing a shampoo for soft water, keep these factors in mind and choose a product that will leave your hair healthy, shiny, and voluminous.
7 Best Shampoos for Soft Water Areas in 2023
Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo
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Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo is a clarifying shampoo that helps with unwanted oil removal, deep cleansing, and scalp care.
This shampoo also contains natural extracts from Panax ginseng root(2), rosemary(3), and sage, which help to detoxify the hair and scalp from pollutants and product buildup. It’s also packed with essential oils, beneficial vitamins, and conditioning ingredients, and infused with tea tree oil, which all contribute to a healthy and happy head of hair. It's formulated to be a detoxifying treatment and works great with most hair textures and densities.
The product contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), a well-known effective cleanser that helps to create a generous, bubbly lather that lifts impurities from the hair and scalp. However, it's important to note that it's not suitable for color-treated hair.
Using this shampoo twice a week will leave your hair feeling fresh, clean, and restored, with a natural shine and volume. It's also great for preparing your hair before perming, coloring, or any other intensive process.
Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo
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Redken Hair Cleansing Cream shampoo is also a clarifying detox shampoo that is suitable for all hair types, including color-treated hair, and provides many benefits such as purifying, refreshing, and leaving your hair shiny.
What makes this shampoo stand out from others is the AHA fruit acids in the cleansing complex, which help to cleanse your hair of pollution and product build-up. This ingredient also strengthens your scalp and hair cuticles, making it a perfect choice for those looking to improve hair health.
This shampoo is a lifesaver for those living in an area with soft water. It works quickly, lathering up evenly and rinsing out easily, leaving your hair feeling soft and nourished. The pleasant citrus scent is not too overpowering and lasts for a couple of days.
Moreover, this shampoo doesn't strip your hair of its natural oils or leave a heavy residue, making it perfect for daily use. With regular use, your hair will feel stronger, healthier, and more hydrated. It's no wonder this shampoo is trusted by many salons worldwide and is used to prep hair before keratin or color treatments.
WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
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WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is infused with raw apple cider vinegar(4), ethically sourced from the Himalayas, to help clarify and rebuild your hair without the use of harsh or harmful chemicals.
The product has a gentle detox formula, which removes excess oil and buildup while restoring shine and vitality to your hair. This makes it a perfect choice for those living in areas with soft water, as it can help combat the effects of mineral buildup.
This plant-powered shampoo is also designed to fight flakes, thanks to the antimicrobial properties of apple cider vinegar. Additionally, it can revive dull hair by providing hydration and nourishment to damaged, lifeless locks. And, best of all, it's safe for color-treated hair!
WOW Skin Science Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo is also 100% vegan, free from harsh parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, and silicones. Its hair-loving formula is carefully crafted in India with the best ingredients, ethically sourced from all over the world.
Fekkai Apple Cider Shampoo
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Fekkai Apple Cider Shampoo is a sulfate-free detoxifying shampoo that effectively removes product buildup, impurities, and stubborn flakes without over-stripping your hair and scalp.
The shampoo contains a powerful combination of natural ingredients such as
- Apple cider vinegar(4): helps to purify and soothe your scalp while balancing and clarifying your hair and scalp's pH.
- Ginger root extract: contains anti-inflammatory benefits that boost circulation and strengthen hair roots and follicles.
- Pomegranate seed oil(5): protects against environmental aggressors, stimulates scalp circulation, and eliminates excess sebum and product buildup.
This shampoo is safe for all hair types, including keratin and color-treated hair. It has been formulated with scalp-friendly pH levels of 5.5 - 5.9, making it gentle on your hair and scalp. This clean, vegan, and sustainable shampoo is also cruelty-free and free of harsh chemicals.
The shampoo is scented with an invigorating mix of green apples, juicy clean citrus, fresh spearmint, and creamy woods, leaving your hair smelling fresh and clean.
Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo
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Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo is a must-have for anyone who struggles with grimy or greasy-looking strands that feel heavy and lack vitality.
It is designed to deeply cleanse the scalp and hair, eliminating any build-up and impurities that can weigh hair down and leave it looking dull. The formula is enriched with a blend of botanical extracts, including basil(6), jojoba(7), rosemary(3), and others that work together to nourish the strands and provide long-lasting moisture.
One of the best things about this shampoo is that it is gentle yet powerful. While it effectively removes excess oils, dirt, and flakes, it does not strip the hair of its natural oils or leave it feeling dry or damaged. This makes it an excellent choice for those with oily hair who still want to maintain a healthy and vibrant look.
With regular use, this shampoo can help to clarify the scalp and hair, promote healthy hair growth, and leave the hair looking and feeling soft, silky, and full of life.
The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo
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The Body Shop Ginger Scalp Care Shampoo has been named the best shampoo for sensitive and flaky scalps by top dermatologists and hairstylists, as seen on The Today Show.
What sets this shampoo apart from others is that it's vegan and made with ingredients of natural origin, such as
- Ginger essential oil: is known for its purifying properties and pleasantly zingy smell, and stimulating properties and is a popular choice for scalp care.
- Birch bark: a natural source of vitamin C, which is great for building collagen and promoting hair growth by thickening and strengthening hair fibers. It also contains Lupeol Betulinic Acid, which helps to decrease hair loss, enhance keratin absorption, decrease inflammation, and prevent bacterial growth.
- Vegan silk protein: not only fix weak or damaged hair strands but also safeguard your hair and scalp against harmful pollutants and prevent bacteria from sticking. It also helps to leave dry scalps feeling nourished, happier, and healthier.
This shampoo helps wash away loose flakes and leaves dry scalps feeling soothed and rebalanced. It's perfect for those with dry, flaky scalps who want to nourish and repair their hair from the inside out.
Klorane Nourishing Shampoo with Mango
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Klorane Nourishing Shampoo with Mango is a premium quality, plant-based shampoo that is specially designed to gently cleanse, nourish and restore hydration to dry and dehydrated hair. This shampoo is perfect for those with naturally dry hair, split ends or hair that needs extra nourishment and hydration. It is gentle enough for all hair types and ages 3+, and safe for color-treated hair as well.
The key ingredient in this shampoo is mango(8), which is known for its nourishing properties. The Mango in the shampoo helps to nourish the hair without weighing it down, leaving it soft, silky, and full of shine. This shampoo also helps to protect against breakage, making hair easier to manage, soft, and radiant.
What sets Klorane Nourishing Shampoo with Mango apart from other shampoos is its ability to restore lasting hydration and moisture to the hair. This is particularly important for those who live in areas with soft water, which can cause hair to become dry and brittle.
How to Wash Hair with Soft Water Properly
If you’re using soft water to wash your hair, you might experience some unexpected changes, such as excessive greasiness. While soft water is better for your hair than hard water, it can still cause issues for those with oily hair. But don’t worry, we’ve got some tips to help you wash your hair with soft water properly.
Use a Clarifying Shampoo
When using soft water, we suggest using a clarifying shampoo that adds volume and removes excess greasiness.
Rinse Twice
When washing your hair with soft water, try rinsing your hair twice. First, use a conditioner with lighter ingredients that won’t weigh your hair down. Then, use the best shampoo for soft water.
Compared to mineral-rich hard water, soft water is preferable for your hair since it permeates the strands more effectively and results in softer and glossier hair. It also provides a rich lather even with a small amount of product. However, some people may not wash their hair properly with soft water, leading to greasiness.
So, if you’ve been experiencing issues with greasy hair since switching to soft water, give these tips a try and see if they make a difference.
Final Thought
While soft water is generally better for our hair than hard water, it's important not to ignore its potential downsides. In certain situations, it can still cause damage to our hair and scalp. That's why selecting the right shampoo for washing our hair in soft-water areas is crucial in order to avoid these drawbacks and maintain healthy hair and scalp.
We hope that this list has provided you with some useful suggestions for choosing the best shampoo for soft water, which you can incorporate into your regular hair care routine. By doing so, you'll be able to fully enjoy the benefits of using soft water on your hair!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is soft water really good for your hair?
Soft water is more beneficial for the skin and hair due to its ability to facilitate cleaning and rinsing without causing excessive dryness.
How do you make your hair not greasy with soft water?
Soft water may cause your hair to appear greasy and lifeless since it can cause your hair to retain your hair products, which can result in product buildup. This may be especially challenging for individuals with fine or oily hair. To address these concerns, consider using a clarifying shampoo and conditioner.
Does soft water feel greasy?
When you use soft water, you might notice that it feels different from hard water. It can feel silky or slippery. However, people who are used to using hard water may accidentally use too much soap at first. This can leave a soapy residue on your skin that feels slippery.
Should I shampoo with hard or soft water?
Using soft water can benefit your hair in many ways. It requires less soap and fewer rinses to get your hair looking its best, which helps your hair maintain its color and condition for much longer. Moreover, soft water can balance the pH level of your hair, leaving it feeling soft and smooth after every wash.
References
1. Srinivasan, G., Srinivas, C.R., Mathew, A. and Divakar Duraiswami (2013). Effects of hard water on hair. International Journal of Trichology, {online} 5(3), pp.137–137. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.125609.
2. Kim, J.-S. (2016). Investigation of Phenolic, Flavonoid, and Vitamin Contents in Different Parts of Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer). Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, {online} 21(3), pp.263–270. doi:https://doi.org/10.3746/pnf.2016.21.3.263.
3. Uronnachi, E.M., Atuegwu, C., Chukwuebuka Umeyor, Calistus Nwakile, Obasi, J.C., Chidalu Benedicta Ikeotuonye and Attama, A.A. (2022). Formulation and evaluation of hair growth enhancing effects of oleogels made from Rosemary and Cedar wood oils. Scientific African, {online} 16, pp.e01223–e01223. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2022.e01223.
4. Rizg, W.Y., Hosny, K.M., Elgebaly, S.S., Alamoudi, A.J., Raed Felimban, Tayeb, H.H., Alharbi, M.G., Bukhary, H.A., Abualsunun, W.A., Almehmady, A.M. and Khallaf, R.A. (2021). Preparation and Optimization of Garlic Oil/Apple Cider Vinegar Nanoemulsion Loaded with Minoxidil to Treat Alopecia. Pharmaceutics, {online} 13(12), pp.2150–2150. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13122150.
5. Aleksandra Zielińska, Krzysztof Wójcicki, Dorota Klensporf-Pawlik, Dąbrowska, M., Lucarini, M., Durazzo, A., Fonseca, J., Souto, E.B., Silva, A.M. and Souto, E.B. (2022). Cold-Pressed Pomegranate Seed Oil: Study of Punicic Acid Properties by Coupling of GC/FID and FTIR. Molecules, {online} 27(18), pp.5863–5863. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27185863.
6. Kim, J.-S. (2022). A Study of Oil of Basil Extract on Improvement of Hair Damage. Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology, {online} 39(2), pp.294–302. doi:https://doi.org/10.12925/jkocs.2022.39.2.294.
7. Luca Casettari, Roberts, A., Hamzi, S.H., Gad, H.A., Ilham Touiss, Altyar, A.E., Osama Adnan Kensara and Ashour, M.L. (2021). Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity. Polymers, {online} 13(11), pp.1711–1711. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13111711.
8. Khiveh, A. and Fallah, S. (2018). A Review of the Benefits of Mangifera indica L. (Mango) from Iranian Traditional Medicine Perspective and Modern Medicine Achievements. Complementary Medicine Journal, {online} 8(2), pp.2234–2242. Available at: http://cmja.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-562-en.html.
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