IE: Is Your Tap Water Secretly Damaging Your Hair?
It all started with a glance at our dog’s water bowl. Within just a few days of refilling it with ordinary tap water, we noticed a chalky, white residue building up around the inside. While it might seem harmless at first glance, this residue is a clear sign of hard water. And it got us thinking.
If that is what hard water leaves behind in a bowl, what is it leaving behind on your hair?
At Obsessions Salon, we’re passionate about helping our clients understand the science behind their hair health. And this is one of the most overlooked culprits we see every day.
What is Hard Water?
Hard water contains a high concentration of minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. These minerals do not evaporate with water. Instead, they linger behind, building up on every surface they come into contact with. That includes your glassware, your shower screen, and yes—your hair and scalp.
What Hard Water Does to Your Hair
If your hair feels dry, dull, or lifeless no matter what you do, hard water may be the reason. Here’s what it does:
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It coats your hair shaft with a layer of minerals that are difficult to wash out.
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It makes shampoo harder to lather and rinse clean.
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It causes conditioner to sit on top of the buildup, reducing its effectiveness.
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It contributes to color fading and brassy tones, especially in blonde and lightened hair.
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It can aggravate the scalp, leading to irritation or dryness.
In short, your products are working overtime, and your hair is still left feeling heavy, coated, or brittle.
How to Check Your Water Quality
It is easy to find out if hard water is affecting your area. Simply Google the phrase “your town water hardness” using the name of your location. The top results should direct you to your local water supplier’s website, where you can find a precise reading.
IE: Ramsgate water hardness
Compare it against this official water hardness chart
If your water is in the moderately hard range or higher, it is time to take action.
How We Protect Your Hair at Obsessions
We see the effects of hard water daily and have invested in systems and products to protect your hair from the inside out. Here’s what we recommend and use in the salon:
Filtered Water Technology
We only use EcoHeads® filtered shower heads at our backwash stations. These salon-grade filters reduce chlorine and mineral content, soften water on contact, and improve the efficiency of every rinse. They make a visible difference in both feel and finish. We also offer advice on installing similar filters at home to improve daily results.
Innersense Organic Haircare
Innersense is our go-to brand for clean, high-performance haircare that truly works. Their formulas are designed to hydrate, balance, and restore the hair even in mineral-heavy environments. Whether you are clarifying buildup or protecting colour, these products deliver powerful results using organic, non-toxic ingredients.
Scalp and Strand Detox
We offer in-salon detox treatments to deeply cleanse the hair shaft and remove mineral buildup. These treatments help restore softness, shine, and product performance, especially after extended exposure to hard water.
Personalised Consultation
Through our 360° Hair and Scalp Health Consultation, we identify exactly what is going on with your hair. This includes scalp analysis, a product review, and a full breakdown of how hard water might be affecting your hair’s texture, colour, and health.
There Is a Science to Beautiful Hair
You could be doing everything right—eating well, buying salon-quality products, and following all the expert advice—and still be held back by something as simple as your water supply. That is why we focus on the whole picture, not just the cut or colour.
At Obsessions, our mission is to help you understand your hair and feel empowered with real knowledge, real tools, and real solutions.
If you have never considered the quality of your water before, now is the perfect time to start.
Book your 360° Hair and Scalp Consultation today and get the clarity your hair deserves.