Blog - How to Deal with Hard Water on Curly Hair

November 1, 2018 by Swirly Curly 

 

 

 

 

If your city has subpar water, you might be wondering how to deal with hard water on curly hair. Hard water isn’t necessarily bad for your health, although some experts claim that it can contribute to kidney stones.

 

Are you unknowingly causing damage to your hair? Get the Natural Hair Mistakes Free E-Guide to make sure!

 

Rather, it’s horrendous for performing tasks like washing your hair and face, doing laundry, and cleaning. Basically, all cleansing tasks.

 

Fortunately, it’s easy to make a comeback from hard water on bathroom fixtures and clothing. It won’t permanently wreck your new shirt.

 

Hair, however… that’s another problem.

 

In this post, you’ll find out about hard water and some ways you can prevent or counteract the damage that hard water does to hair. If you want to know how to avoid breakage and hard water damage, read on!

 

 

 

 

LOC Method for Natural Hair

Use the LOC method for your curls. Here’s what LOC means, and how to do it:
  • Liquid. The first step in every natural’s routine should be water. Water is the
           true hydrator of hair, and you should always use it first. You can always apply                   water-based products if you want to infuse extra nutrition, but make sure the                 product contains water or aloe vera as the first ingredient on the label.
  • Oil. The second step in the method is oil, and it should always follow hydration. Olive, avocado, and coconut oils are well known to penetrate the hair shaft. These amazing oils will protect your hair, lubricate it, and provide long-lasting nutrients. Shea butter and castor oil are also highly effective at healing and protecting your strands.

 

  • Cream. Applying a nutrient-dense cream is the final step in the LOC process. Choose a cream that is low in chemicals and make sure it is petroleum-free. If you have high-porosity hair, you’ll probably want a heavy and thick cream. Low porosity types will benefit from a light cream, like a thin leave-in conditioner. 

Moisturize Before You Shampoo

 

Applying moisturizing ingredients right before you step in the shower is a sneaky way of moisturizing between washes. This technique is known as pre-pooing. It moisturizes and protects the hair from the potential damage that can occur during wash day.
A pre-poo will help to reduce breakage and quicken your detangling sessions. Your main goals on wash day should be to hydrate the hair and cleanse the scalp.
Using a pre-poo will help your natural oils to remain intact. Plus, it will allow you to cleanse your scalp without having to worry about the effects on your hair. 
Pre-poos don’t need to be elaborate.
Doing a pre-poo can be as simple as saturating your hair with your regular conditioner as the first step in your wash day. Shea butter, aloe vera, and coconut milk are also great pre-poos.
Pre-poos can be done before a co-wash too, especially if you’re still experiencing breakage after adopting a co-wash routine.

Refresh Your Natural Hair At least Once During the Week

Seven days is too long to make your hair wait for hydration. Even if you do the LOC method, your hair will likely need hydration and moisturization during the week.
You can either wet your hair in the shower for hydration, or simply use a water spray bottle to dampen your hair. If you want more than water, try a detangler, a leave-in conditioner, or aloe vera juice.
Then follow the hydration with the rest of the steps in the LOC method. 

Reduce Friction

 

Reducing friction is one of the lesser known ways of keeping your hair hydrated. The less you rub your strands, the more the oils will stay intact. Here are some ways to reduce friction:
  • Use Softer Ponytail Holders. Pay attention to the type of hair tie you use. It’s not enough to only avoid metal clasps. Aim to wear ponytail holders that are made of a soft material—something that won’t rub against your hair. Snappees are soft and extra helpful because they don’t require you to pull them from your hair.

 

  • Avoid Friction from Shirt Collars. If your hair is neck-length, and a rough shirt collar or sweater could potentially harm it, make sure you protect it. Your clothing may be too abrasive, and that will sabotage your efforts to have moisturized hair. Placing your hair in a bun or ponytail will help to get it off your shirt. You can also try wearing a silk scarf around your neck to provide a soft surface for your ends. 

 

  • Avoid Cotton Towels. Cotton towels are too drying and abrasive for natural hair, and they should be avoided. Use a cotton t-shirt or a microfiber towel instead. Microfiber towels are not 100% cotton, so they tend to be easier on the strands.

 

  • Protect your Hair During the Day. Use a hat or scarf when you’re outdoors. Wind can make your curls rub against each other and cause breakage. Hats are great for protecting against UV rays. Slip your hat or scarf on when you’re outdoors. Just make sure it is satin-lined, so you’re not causing further damage when you go to remove it.

 

  • Protect Your Hair During the Night. Cotton pillowcases are a big enemy of curls. You may not see evidence of breakage on the pillowcase in the morning, but you’ll probably find broken ringlets on the shower floor on wash day. Pillowcases rub against the strands and can wipe off oils that could have been used to protect your mane. Instead, wear a satin bonnet at night to guard against damage. 

 

Hydrating, moisturizing, and protecting your hair between washes will give dramatic improvements to the health of your curls. If you adopt these things into your regimen, you’ll likely have longer, thicker, and more lustrous hair within a few weeks.
What about you? Do you have any special techniques you do to keep your natural hair moisturized during the week?