Hard Water vs. Soft Water: Why Your Curls Feel Dry, Frizzy, or Limp—And How to Fix It! | Curlsmith

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Are your curls frizzy, dry, or limp, lifeless, or not holding their shape, or are they just not cooperating no matter what products you use?

The problem might not be your routine—it could be your water! Today, we’re breaking down hard water vs. soft water, how they affect your curls, and how to remove stubborn buildup with the new Curl Reset Detox Shampoo from Curlsmith, who are kindly partnered with me on this video.

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium that can stick to the hair. Over time, buildup makes hair dull, brittle, and hard to style. These minerals block moisture absorption, leaving curls dry, rough, and frizzy. This accumulation of buildup can lead to damage and breakage over time, especially those with fragile curls.

Signs You Have Hard Water:

• White residue on showerheads, water spots on your shower, clogged faucet screens, spots on glassware.
• Hair feels dry, rough, and brittle due to that mineral buildup which can also block moisture absorption
• Hair looks dull and lacks shine
• Hair feels stiff, tangled, and harder to style
• Curls lacking their usual bounce or curl pattern
• Frizz, especially at the roots
• Shampoo doesn’t lather well on the first shampoo
• Itchy, flaky scalp from buildup

How to Remove Hard Water Buildup

Regular shampoos and clarifying shampoos won’t remove mineral deposits. You need a chelating shampoo, which contains special ingredients to break down hard water minerals.

Certain clarifying or “detox” shampoos contain these chelating ingredients:

• Disodium EDTA
• Tetrasodium EDTA 
• Citric Acid 
• Phytic Acid
• Acetic Acid
• Sodium Gluconate

The new Curlsmith Detox Shampoo contains naturally derived, gentle chelating agents like Acetic Acid and Phytic Acid, which bind to metal ions and remove hard water minerals.

Curlsmith’s studies showed that In just one wash it removes:

• 87% of hard water minerals
• 86% of product buildup, without leaving hair feeling dry or stripped.

The formula also includes Apple Cider Vinegar to balance the scalp and Peppermint Oil for a soothing, refreshing sensation.

How does the new Detox Shampoo Compare to the Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo

The Wash & Scrub Detox Shampoo is a regular clarifying shampoo that also contains a scrub, which is great for gently exfoliating dry skin, flakes, and buildup. This does not chelating ingredients to remove hard water minerals. It does contain Apple Cider Vinegar which can help, but I have not found that to be as powerful as other chelating ingredients.

The new Detox Shampoo contains chelating agents like Acetic Acid and Phytic Acid which are more targeted towards stubborn hard water minerals.

How to Use the Curlsmith Detox Shampoo

1. Wet hair thoroughly.
2. Apply Curlsmith Detox Shampoo to the scalp and work into a lather.
3. Massage thoroughly to break down buildup.
4. Rinse well and repeat if needed.
5. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner or deep conditioner to restore hydration.

How to Prevent Hard Water Buildup

• Install a whole-house water softener that adds salt to your water at the source to soften it. This is the best long-term solution. However this may not be an option if you don’t own your home.

ShowerStick – A True Softener

• Use a chelating shampoo like Curlsmith Detox every 4-5 washes to maintain balance.

What is Soft Water?

Soft water has fewer minerals, allowing better product absorption. It helps moisturize curls more effectively, but can also lead to limp, weighed-down hair.

Soft water can be water treated with a hard water softener, or soft water can be naturally occurring.

Signs You Have Soft Water

• Conditioner feels hard to rinse out
• Hair feels too soft or slippery even after rinsing for a long time
• Curls lack volume and hold no matter what products you use
• Styles don’t last, and waves/curls fall flat quickly even with the strongest hold products

How to Fix Limp Curls from Soft Water

(Same baseline clarifying routine as hard water buildup with a few additional steps that help!)

1. Use a clarifying shampoo like Curlsmith Detox Shampoo to reset hair.
   • If you’re certain that you have soft water, you may not need a “chelating” shampoo and could use a general clarifying shampoo. However, if you’re unsure or plan to travel, definitely use a chelating shampoo. It won’t hurt and then you know you’re covered!
2. Thoroughly rinse out conditioners to prevent over-softening.
3. Use lightweight styling products to maintain volume.
4. Add protein-rich treatments or deep conditioners to help curls retain their shape.

Whether you have hard water or soft water, knowing how it affects your curls is key to fixing dryness, frizz, or limp curls! 

Still unsure?

Take My Free Hair Type Quiz to determine your hair characteristics, including water type:

I ask a series of questions regarding hair characteristics as well as environmental factors to provide an analysis of your hair type, which include porosity and density. After completing the quiz, you’ll receive a report sent your email with detailed explanations.

The Curlsmith Detox Shampoo is sulfate-free, fragrance-free, and gentle yet powerful—perfect for removing buildup without stripping your hair. If you’re struggling with frizz or lifeless curls, give this routine a try and let me know your results in the comments!