Your hair is a complex organism, and the way it looks and feels has a lot to do with the environment you wash it in. Unfiltered water exposes your strands to minerals and chemicals that strip the natural properties out of them, leading to frizzy, dry and difficult-to-style tresses. But a simple investment in a shower head that filters out the contaminants in your water can make your hair easier to manage without having to add extra products into your routine, saving you money and time.
Aside from protecting your color by keeping your strands clean of mineral deposits and chemicals, filtering your water can also make the products you do use more effective. Unfiltered water can leave behind a residue that makes it hard for your shampoo and conditioner to penetrate the hair shaft, making them less effective. But when your strands are free of build-up, they are able to soak up the moisture from your products and become much more hydrated and shiny.
Most people are unaware that the type of water they wash in has a huge impact on their hair. In fact, it may be the main culprit for brittle, dull or frizzy strands. Hard water is a common issue in large parts of the country and contains high amounts of magnesium and calcium, which can actually build up on your scalp and hair causing damage.
But while you can always invest in a water filter, if you want to take your hair care regimen up a notch, try switching out your hot water for cool rinses when you wash and style. The cool water helps seal in the moisture from your products, keeping your strands hydrated and shiny. And it also gives you a more even distribution of product, so that every strand gets the same benefits.
Not only are cooler rinses better for your hair, but they’re also great for the planet. Warm water requires more energy to heat, which contributes to global warming and pollution. Cool water, on the other hand, uses less energy to heat and saves you money and time while boosting your hydration levels and preventing hair damage.
Professional hairstylists have long kept a bottle of nutrient-spiked water in their kits, but the trend has now gone mass market, with brands like Evian and Caudalie creating their own versions of the hair rinse. These sprays, which are often infused with hydrating oils and silicones, provide a more subtle and lightweight alternative to regular hair rinses, while still offering the same transformative effects.
They’re ideal for quickly restyling a blowout, taming flyaways or adding a more natural finish to your natural waves or curls. You can also spritz a little on dry hair for a quick refresher and to avoid that dull, lifeless look that sometimes comes with over-processed strands. And if you have bleached locks, they can help rehydrate your strands and prevent further damage from the peroxide in a light mist.