Whether you're dealing with build-up from hard water or well water, this cult-favorite (seriously) shampoo from Ion will get your hair clean with two chelating ingredients: EDTA and sodium gluconate. It's also ~technically~ sulfate free (though still uses some strong clarifying cleansers), making a slightly milder choice on the spectrum of hard-water shampoos. The fresh-activation delivery system releases the vitamin C onto the hair within seconds of application. The treatment uses a multi-action formula to gently lift away impurities and buildup and normalize the hair’s pH balance. It deep cleanses without leaving the hair too dry, unlike sulfate-based shampoos.

The key ingredient that defines a hard water shampoo. You will usually find chelating agents listed as Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, and citric acid. Instead of using negative charges to generate surface reduction, a demineralizing shampoo works by binding to minerals and wrapping them into water-soluble molecules that can be rinsed out. Let’s start with the basics—what is hard water in the first place? It’s a term used to refer 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, not to mention causing color changes, too. Along with changes in your hair texture and tone, other tell-tale signs of hard water are a less-than-luscious lather with shampoo and soap, flat and easily-tangled hair, and a film-like layer on the skin.

Where Can You Buy It from?

To make it worse, the heavy minerals also prevent other products like shampoos and conditioners from working effectively, causing layers of extreme buildup over time. While chelating shampoos are not as harsh as clarifying shampoos, they must still be used sparingly to avoid over-drying the hair and prevent discoloration. Mark DeBolt is a celebrity colorist and co-founder of Mark Ryan Salon. A protégé of celebrity colorist Marie Robinson, his areas of expertise include his signature blend of foil highlighting, balayage, and specialty color placement techniques. Currently, he’s an ambassador, educator, and hair color expert for Wella Professionals.

As you peruse through hard water shampoos, the first thing DeBolt suggests is distinguishing 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.A demineralizing shampoo traps minerals, chemicals, metals, chlorine, and oxidizers to flush them out and restore the pH balance while eliminating buildup and other hard water hair issues.

The Malibu C gel breaks down this layer to create a clean canvas that readies the hair for superior color absorption to ensure successful chemical services. If you have psoriasis or any other scalp condition, you may need to consult a healthcare professional before using it. Malibu crystal gels contain strong, active ingredients, such as ascorbic acid, that can aggravate existing scalp conditions. Where Can You Buy It from?It’s the little secret that hairdressers use to take their services to the next level. It’s the go-to product for many elite stylists worldwide for good reasons. If you currently live in a hard water area, a good hard water shampoo to remove minerals buildup is a must. Not a choice. The Malibu crystal gel treatment draws out hard water mineral deposits, chlorine, buildup, toxins, irons, and impurities from the hair and scalp, leaving them clean, detoxed, and refreshed. They are effective at clarifying and demineralizing the hair, saving time and preventing the need for re-dos, and accelerating hair color processing times to deliver better results and reduce salon visits. The treatment removes the oxidizers and restores the hair’s natural pH, preventing hair color from turning brassy, ashy, or muddy. To Prepare the Hair for Color Processing Here is a list of what the treatment does and its key benefits: To Remove Hard Water Minerals from the Hair

Unlike many treatments that rely on harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients, the Malibu C crystal gel is made with all-natural, gentle, yet effective ingredients. Disodium EDTA, or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, is a white, odorless, and water-soluble powder. It is used as a chelating agent and preservative in cosmetics, personal care products, and food. Like Sodium Gluconate, it binds to metal ions and impurities to make them water soluble for easy rinsing. Eco-Friendly, Plant-Based, and 100% Vegan

What Does It Feel Like in the Hair?

Aside from the practical problems, hard water can also have adverse effects on the skin and hair. What Does Hard Water Do to Your Hair?