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Byrdie / Kevin Liang
Let’s start with the basics—what is hard water in the first place? It refers to water that’s full of minerals, which doesn’t necessarily sound like a bad thing, right? Here’s the issue: These minerals build up and harden on your hair, ultimately leaving it dry and brittle. They can also cause color changes, too. Other tell-tale signs of hard water are a less-than-luscious lather with shampoo and soap, flat and easily-tangled hair, and a waxy film on hair and skin.
Whether or not you have hard water ultimately comes down to where you live but the good news is there are ways to remedy the situation without packing up and moving. Installing a shower head filter and professional treatments are both options, but the easiest (and most cost-effective) fix is reaching for the right shampoo. A chelating formula contains ingredients that actually attach to the minerals and metals found in hard water and whisk them away while clarifying shampoos break down residue—whether from hard water or excess product—on the outer surface of the hair. Ingredients like vitamin C, apple cider vinegar, and EDTA (a chelating ingredient used for deep cleansing) are also ones to look for, as they can help remove mineral buildup.
Ready to add a clarifying or chelating shampoo to your shower routine? We tapped celebrity colorist Mark DeBolt and Chicago-based stylist Shelly Aguirre for recommendations and even tried a few top-rated options ourselves to compile this list of shampoos for hard water that actually work. We considered shampoos (and shampoo-adjacent products) based on how well they clean hair, whether or not they clear scalp build-up, and if they help hair feel its very best. We then cross-referenced our expert-recommended picks with the top-rated products we tried and landed on the best shampoos for hard water.
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Strengthening, antioxidant-rich formula
Doesn't contain sulfates
Great for chlorine build-up
Can stain white, gray, or super blonde hair
Mark DeBolt, celebrity colorist and co-founder of Mark Ryan Salon, counts this shampoo as the best product in the world for hair affected by hard water—and we’d have to agree. By simultaneously removing the waterborne minerals that damage and discolor your hair and depositing strengthening proteins and essential moisture, this formula takes a two-pronged approach to getting your hair into tip-top shape, making it the true standout of this list.
What’s more, the gentle, sulfate-free formula also contains antioxidants to protect hair from environmental damage such as UV rays, and pollutants. It’s also a favorite of Shelly Aguirre, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. She finds it works especially well for those who have chlorine build-up.
We didn't experience any issues, but some reviewers online mention their white hair turning yellow after use. While the jury's still out on whether or not the shampoo or the hard water itself is to blame, it's something to keep in mind.
Who It's For
If you’re concerned about the overall health of your hair, this formula’s protective qualities with added antioxidants will appeal.
Price at time of publish: $27
Hair Type: Dry | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Orange sorbet blended with malibu fusion | Size: 33.8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Byrdie / Joy Kim
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Suitable for many hair types
Tingly, cooling feel
Doesn’t strip hair
Small bottle
When it comes to natural ingredients that can make a big impact on your hair, apple cider vinegar (aka ACV) reigns supreme. It’s a top pick for removing all kinds of build-up from your hair. Sure, you could go the DIY route and create your own vinegar rinse, but this effective wallet-friendly option is a much easier alternative.
Use it in place of your regular shampoo a few times per week; organic apple cider vinegar gets rid of build-up from your hair and scalp without leaving either feeling dry or stripped. If you’re on a tight buget, this $13 product gives great bang for your buck.
Who It's For
If you have dry, fragile, or color-treated hair, this gentle rinse will treat your strands with the care they deserve. It’s free from sulfates – a lathering ingredient that can also be drying – and contains moisturizing castor oil and shea butter to restore softness.
Price at time of publish: $13
Hair Type: Chemically treated hair, wavy, curly, coiled, textured hair, relaxed hair | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Apple | Size: 10.1 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Byrdie / Joy Kim
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Nourishing formula
Unique mousse consistency
Exfoliates scalp
Not the best smell
Some clarifying shampoos can have a bit of a clinical or medicinal feel to them, but that’s certainly not the case here. With a whipped, mousse-like texture and a sophisticated scent, this feels more like a fancy spa shampoo than a heavy-hitting hair purifier.
We don't mind it too much, but some may not like the scent. It's not loaded with added fragrances (which is a good thing), so it can smell somewhat scientific and kind of bland.
Who It's For
Oribe’s The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo is great for anyone with oily roots. The product purifies and exfoliates the scalp with volcanic ash which, “polishes away dirt, oil, and product build-up,” says Aguirre. “Follow up with a good conditioner and your hair will feel like new again,” she adds.
Price at time of publish: $49
Hair Type: Oily | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Cote d'Azur | Size: 7.1 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Affordable
Safe for daily use
Safe for color-treated hair
Doesn’t really have much of a scent
The name does say it all. Not only does this shampoo help remove minerals (both from hard water and well water), it also helps prevent them from building up in the future.
We love that it adds shine and moisture, too. It’s safe for color-treated hair and is even gentle enough to use daily—not always the case for clarifying formulas. Happy reviewers also appreciate how much lighter and better their hair feels after just one use. It doesn't have much of a scent, which could be a pro or a con depending on your preference.
Who’s It For
Ion Purifying Solutions Hard Water Shampoo is a great all-rounder for every hair type, with a gentle yet effective, purifying formula and an accessible price point.
Price at time of publish: $14
Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: None | Size: 10.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Three sizes available
Good value
Safe for color-treated hair
Can be a little drying
Generally speaking, any chelating or clarifying shampoo has the potential to strip color. This pick is not only color-safe, it also removes build-up from product, pollution, and hard water to keep your hue extra vibrant and shiny. Also cool: It comes with a hard water test strip, so you can see if you do have hard water. (Oh, and if you do—and have the time, of course—it’s best to leave this shampoo on for a minute or two before rinsing.)
Who It's For
If you have dyed or chemically treated hair, this product is a savior. The silicon-free, sulfate-free formula protects the vibrancy of your color without leeching much-needed moisture.
Price at time of publish: $32
Hair Type: Chemically treated | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Citrus | Size: 5.4 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Byrdie / Joy Kim
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Combines chelating and clarifying benefits
Aesthetic-looking bottle
Contains keratin to soften hair
Potent fragrance
This option feels completely spa-like but we promise it doesn't mess around—it contains chelating and clarifying agents to detox hair with lots of build-up and get it back to clean, healthy. The formula contains apple cider vinegar (to gently remove build-up) plus hydrolyzed keratin (to soften your hair). We love that it foams nicely into a luscious lather but also impresses with its hard-hitting clarifying duties. FYI, for the best results, let it sit on your hair for one to three minutes before rinsing.
Who It's For
This detoxing formula is designed to wipe the slate clean with each use, removing dirt, flakes, mineral deposits, and all other impurities. It’s great for all hair types and is designed to be used one to two times per week to keep strands clean and soft. A great addition to your hair care tool kit.
Price at time of publish: $32
Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Ouai’s melrose place scent | Size: 10 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Contains antioxidants
Doesn't strip hair
Contains super hydrating, curl-encouraging ingredients
Can leave behind a filmy residue
As any curly-haired person will tell you, curly hair calls for a different product protocol than straight hair, and that is the case when it comes to removing build-up, too. Many clarifying shampoos are notoriously drying — that’s an issue for curly hair, which tends to be drier than straighter hair types. But this formula uses matcha green tea, aloe vera, and pantheno (AKA hydrating provitamin B5) to leave your curls hydrated, soft, smooth, and silky.
Because it has such nourishing ingredients, some have noticed a filmy residue left behind after rinsing. Combat this by rinsing extra well and following up with another shampoo if need be.
Who It's For
Curly friends, this is your go-to formula. This nourishing shampoo puts much-needed hydration back into curly strands, leaving them clarified, soft, and static-free.
Price at time of publish: $20
Hair Type: Curly | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Green tea | Size: 7.8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Easy to use
Great for swimmers
Helps preserve lighter blonde and gray
Extra step in haircare routine
While this technically isn’t a shampoo, it most definitely earns a spot on this list thanks to its efficacy and how easy it is to use. Just spray it on all over your hair and leave it on for a minute or two before washing as normal; four different filters go to town removing even the slightest trace of damaging minerals.
Who It's For
This formula is so gentle that you can even use it daily if needed, and while it works on all hair types and colors, it’s especially a good choice for lighter blonde or gray shades which are more prone to mineral discoloration.
Price at time of publish: $24
Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Fragrance-free | Size: 6.7 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Effective formula
Fresh scent
Contains protein and amino acids
Smaller bottle
If you’re anything like us, a shampoo can be utterly amazing, but if it doesn’t smell good, you’re not going to use it. This one smells clean, crisp, and fresh, exactly how we want our hair to smell. But it gets the cleansing job done, too, using rosemary leaf extract, tea tree oil, and witch hazel to break down gunk left behind from hard water, styling products, or both. If we could change one thing, it would be to make a bigger bottle available.
Who It's For
R+Co Oblivion Clarifying Shampoo works great on all hair types. The thing that sets it apart from similar formulas is its fragrance. If you’re particular about smells, chances are you’ll adore this one.
Price at time of publish: $27
Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Earthy | Size: 6 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Creamy lather
Strengthening formula
Easy applicator with pointed tip
Not super hydrating
Micellar waters are all the rage in skincare—micelles are small molecules that act like magnets, attaching to and whisking away dirt, oil, and other grime. Here, they do just that, gently washing away impurities and keeping your scalp hydrated (because, FYI, healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp).
The pointed tip makes it easy to deposit the shampoo directly onto your scalp, and we also love how nicely it lathers. Keep in mind that it's not super hydrating, so it's best to follow up with a creamy conditioner.
Who It's For
Brand founder Kristin Ess says her Scalp Purifying Micellar Shampoo is perfect for all hair types, from the finest to the thickest, and from the curliest to the straightest. Ingredients like camomile and aloe will soothe your scalp, while mango seed butter and coconut extracts smooth your strands, leaving your hair not only clean but super soft, too.
Price at time of publish: $15
Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Fresh | Size: 10 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Fruity scent
Rich in nutrients and antioxidants
Helps balance scalp oil
Not great for those with a fragrance sensitivity
This juice-inspired formula from Briogeo is nutrient-rich and packed with vitamins and minerals to support healthy hair and scalp. Papaya enzyme, which is known to help balance oil production, takes center stage in addition to mango extract and cherry extract to help protect against free radicals and promote overall hair health. You can expect your hair to feel and look healthy and strong (and smell incredibly fruity, too).
Who It's For
If you have oily roots, this balancing formula will help get them squeaky clean while ensuring your ends stay silky and soft.
Price at time of publish: $30
Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Fruity | Size: 12.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Great for fine hair
Exfoliating for scalp
Gentle on colored hair
Might not be intense enough for thick hair
ACV Hair Rinse is a substitute for shampoo, ideally for those with fine hair. Aside from gently cleansing and removing impurities (without stripping hair color and essential natural oils), you can count on it to exfoliate the scalp, unclog hair follicles, and help the scalp maintain an optimal pH balance. Added argan oil supports your hair’s strength and shine with vitamin E and fatty acids.
Who It's For
Those with hair that’s finer in texture will benefit from adding this to their weekly haircare routine. It’s super gentle and contains strengthening ingredients like lavender extract and conditioning aloe vera to tame static and add shine.
Price at time of publish: $37
Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Fruity | Size: 8.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Where We Stand
When it comes to the best shampoos for combatting the effects of hard water on the hair, we’re giving top honors to the Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo. It takes a two-pronged approach to bring hair back to life: first, it removes the waterborne minerals that build up on the hair and deposits strengthening proteins and essential moisture. Plus, it protects against environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution. And for a budget-friendly option, the GIRL+HAIR CLEAR+ Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Rinse is great for removing all kinds of buildup from your hair and your scalp.
What to Look For in a Shampoo for Hard Water
- Chelating vs. Clarifying Products: As you peruse hard water shampoos, the first thing DeBolt suggests is deciding whether a chelating shampoo (like the Living Proof Triple Detox Shampoo) or a clarifying shampoo (like Oribe's The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo) would be best for your specific hair needs. As we mentioned above, both are effective in treating the effects of hard water, but they work in different ways. “Chelating products are designed specifically to remove minerals,” he says. These work by actually attaching to the mineral buildup in the hair and washing it away. On the other hand, he says that clarifying shampoos often contain stronger detergents which make them great for breaking down all residue, including excess oil and product buildup in addition to mineral residue. However, clarifying shampoos can also be quite stripping and potentially fade color-treated hair.
- Mineral-Targeting Ingredients: Regardless of the type of shampoo you choose, DeBolt says that it must claim to target mineral build-up, specifically copper, iron, and calcium. He considers vitamin C (like in the Briogeo Superfoods Mango + Cherry Oil Control & Balancing Shampoo) to be the most effective mineral-removing ingredient, but another great ingredient to keep an eye out for is apple cider vinegar (which can be found in the dphue Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse).
- A Gentle Formula: DeBolt stresses that the formula you choose should be gentle. Even as you remove minerals and buildup from your hair and scalp, you don’t want to strip them entirely of their natural oils. This can lead to increased sebum production and result in an oily scalp. For something extra gentle, consider a rinse like dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse instead.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She does have hard water in her apartment, so she both installed a shower filter and tries to use one of these clarifying shampoo formulas once every two weeks or so.
Additional guidance was provided by two experts: Mark DeBolt, a celebrity colorist and co-founder of Mark Ryan Salon, and Shelly Aguirre, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.
This article was updated by editor and wellness expert Esme Benjamin. She loves to protect her hair from hard water whenever possible.
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