Dreaded Hard Water

[BrokenJetSki]

I live in New Mexico, USA and we have really hard water. I've tried several dread shampoos, even ones that claim they are specifically for hard water and after using them my hair would be tacky, as though I didn't even use a shampoo and all the mineral deposits couldn't get washed away. I've been using diluted dish soap for a while but I'd like to try something that isn't sooooo drying. For those of you with hard water, what have you found that works (other than baking soda, I've tried and it makes my hair too brittle), preferably sulfate free (although I'll use a sulfate based shampoo if it's neccessary)?

[BrokenJetSki]

I know theres someone in this group that also resides in NM but I can't remember who it is. I think she lives in Santa Fe?

[jxbx]

We have the same hard water issues in Southern California. I just broke down and bought a water softener for the house instead. It helps with all the other hard water issues as well as dreads

[BrokenJetSki]

Aug 8, 2016 19:29:23 GMT jxbx said:

We have the same hard water issues in Southern California. I just broke down and bought a water softener for the house instead. It helps with all the other hard water issues as well as dreads ;)

As much as I'd love to get a water softener, it's not practical for me right now. ): Plus I'd like to find something that'll work for when I travel to other areas with hard water. Some say T-Gel but I don't have dandruff or any skin conditions and I feel like it might be a bit harsh? Plus it has sulfates.

[jxbx]

Yeah, understood. That's a tough one since hair product can only do so much. Maybe a better solution is to get a couple of gallons from the purified water dispenser they have near the grocery store and wash/rinse "old school" with that.

[alethionaut]

Hard water here, and the only shampoo that works for me is l'oreal pure sulphate free. It also smells lush as its rosemary and juniper - not exactly a sustainable company but I gotta work with what I can

[BrokenJetSki]

Thanks guys. Have you heard anything about the Trader Joe's Tea Tree tingle shampoo? I know some use it for their dreads but not sure about how it works with hard water. It's only $4 so I might try it.
If not I might just start rinsing with purified water, because my dish soap alternative isn't ideal.

[jxbx]

I've been using the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree version for eons now. I love what it does to my scalp more, but it leaves my dreads feeling good as well.

[Deleted]

I've used Trader Joe's Tea Tree regularly for the last two months, and we have pretty hard water here. I've had zero issues with it. Btw, the 'tingle' is no lie, you'll feel it.

[BrokenJetSki]

Just bought some. I looooove tingle shampoo. Used to use an old mint shampoo and I always loved how cool my scalp felt. I'm excited!

[Deleted]

I dilute the shampoo with water at least 1:3. Thinking another thing you might do every few washes is a quick, diluted ACV rinse. That should help with hard water issues.

[Deleted]

Wow! What are the odds of reading this now! Let me explain.

So, on my trip, at the hotel, it's kindof hardwater out there. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending how you look at it ) I didn't bring any dreadlocks' shampoo, so I didn't wash but...yeah, I was JUST thinking how I will have to take dishsoap or a good dreads shampoo for hardwater...so, thanks from me too for this thread!

[banba]

Have you thought about adding essential oil to your shampoo or keeping some diluted in a spray bottle to spritz on? I did that with tea tree oil when I first started it was the only kind I had.

[gruenkernkuechle]

Acid is able to solve more chalk in water. To solve chalky deposit in water cookers you can use vinegar or lime-acid. So it should work for hair-washes to rinse your dreads with ACV to solve the chalky deposit in your dreads with water.