Why it’s -approved: Hello Klean may be best known for its hard water filtering shower heads, but the haircare collection is the ideal complement when hair is feeling the effects of the drying and dulling minerals. The brand has infused charcoal into its formula, which, much like how it works as a natural filter in drinking water, detoxifies and deeply cleanses to remove buildup. It only takes a couple of washes to start noticing the results – namely, clean, soft strands.

• Why it’s -approved: Rihanna’s go-to hairstylist, Yusef, crowns K18’s Detox Shampoo as his favourite: “It’s a colour-safe formula that deeply, but gently, removes product buildup, excess sebum, and damaging metals and minerals from the hair.” The formula goes beyond cleansing, with activated charcoal to draw out impurities and salicylic acid to exfoliate and calm irritation – making it especially soothing for itchy scalps. A powerful peptide complex further fortifies strands from the inside out (all while preventing further breakage). As Los Angeles hairstylist Davontae’ Washington puts it: “If you know anything about peptides, you know how good they are for the skin. They’re amazing for strengthening the hair as well.”
• : Proprietary peptides, activated charcoal, salicylic acid
• Best for: A clarifying, sulfate-free shampoo that fortifies strands and soothes itchy scalps.

• Why it’s -approved: Living Proof’s intelligent formula includes magnetic polymers that work (aptly) like magnets to draw impurities out of the hair and scalp. Plus, beauty shopping editor Kiana Murden tested Living Proof’s new Clarifying Detox Shampoo as part of her post-protective-style regimen. “Typically, I find that a general clarifying shampoo requires two passes to remove all the product buildup, but this left my hair squeaky clean after one wash,” she writes in her review. “I’m still shocked that I didn’t need to follow it with my regular shampoo.”
• Key ingredients: Activated charcoal, magnetic polymer, a gentle surfactant blend, a naturally derived chelating agent
• Best for: Living Proof’s intelligent formula includes magnetic polymers that work (aptly) like magnets to draw impurities out of the hair and scalp.

• Why it’s -approved: I recently got keratin bond hair extensions to give my fine hair added density, and I incorporated Remi Cachet’s shampoo and conditioner straight away as the formula was specifically designed to enhance the longevity and look of the additional locks. While providing a deep cleanse, it has a delicious aroma that really hangs around – I catch whiffs of it throughout the day. It’s a mix of strawberry and cucumber, so it’s fruity but fresh. But most importantly of all, it leaves the locks hydrated, fresh and shiny.
• Key ingredients: Glycerin, cucumber seed oil, pro-vitamin B5
• Best for: Extensions

Why it’s -approved: Hello Klean has built its name around mitigating the beauty effects of less-than-ideal shower water, and its latest shower head is designed with both skin and hair in mind. The built-in filter targets chlorine, heavy metals and other impurities, while the smaller water droplets provide a satisfying high-pressure shower without requiring any complicated plumbing. Simply swap it for your existing shower head and replace the filter every few months.

How can someone tell whether hard water is affecting their hair?

According to Gaboardi, “If your hair feels dry but also coated, tangles more easily, and doesn’t respond to products the way it should, hard water could be a contributing factor.” She breaks down why: “The minerals in the water form a film over the hair and scalp, which disrupts the cuticle and blocks proper absorption of treatments, so even good products won’t perform as effectively. If your scalp has more product buildup than usual and is feeling irritated, it may be that you have hard water in your area; this buildup can lead to scalp psoriasis or dermatitis if left untreated. If your colour is fading or turning more brassy, this could be a result of mineral and iron oxidation.”

Zoe Irwin, celebrity hairstylist and Remi Cachet expert, says, “When the hair is healthy, hydrated and free from unnecessary buildup, it reflects the light beautifully and has that lovely fluid movement.”

What hair types or textures tend to be most vulnerable to hard-water buildup?

Hard water can be problematic for all hair types but especially those with coloured hair. Victoria Lynch, Remi Cachet founder, tells me, “Hard water can cause fading and colour changes on hair that’s been toned, whether that’s extensions or your natural hair. So, if you’ve invested in a specific shade, hard water can quietly undo that over time.” She recommends a proactive approach, rather than waiting for hair to feel compromised, especially when dealing with extensions. “Extensions are an investment, so maintaining moisture and keeping the hair clean without stripping it is really important for preserving that smooth, healthy-looking finish.”

Gaboardi agrees, spotlighting, “Dry, curly, colour-treated, chemically treated hair and extensions can all be more vulnerable to the effects of hard-water build-up, particularly because these hair types are often more porous or prone to dryness.” She reveals, “Chemical processing can increase the hair’s porosity, making it easier for minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and copper to accumulate. This can leave the hair feeling rough, brittle and dull and may affect how the colour looks.” As for curly and textured hair, she adds, “It is naturally more susceptible to dryness because scalp oils do not travel as easily along the hair shaft. Mineral buildup can add to this dryness, making curls feel coarse, less defined and more prone to tangling and breakage.”

What ingredients should consumers look for in a shampoo designed for hard-water buildup?

You need the balance between clarifying and yet non-stripping. Lynch says, “The tricky thing with hard water is that treating one problem can easily create another. Chelating ingredients such as EDTA are effective at binding with mineral ions and helping to lift deposits from the hair, but if a formula relies on this kind of cleansing alone, it can end up stripping the hair of moisture, leaving you with a different problem to solve. Some products designed to tackle hard water can also be quite abrasive, which risks fading colour, particularly on hair that's been toned.” To counteract this, you want a shampoo that has detoxifying ingredients but also conditioning, nourishing elements like glycerin and pro-vitamin B5.

How often should you use a shampoo for hard-water buildup?

You do not need to replace your current shampoo entirely. Like with clarifying shampoos, this should be a once-a-week inclusion. Saunders stresses, “I definitely wouldn’t automatically use a strong chelating shampoo every wash. How often you need it depends on how hard your water is, how frequently you wash your hair, how much build-up you have and the condition of your hair.” She adds, “For most people, I’d treat it more as a periodic reset rather than an everyday shampoo. And I’d always follow it with good conditioning because once you’ve removed that buildup. you still want to protect the condition of the hair.” Gaboardi concurs, recommending “a hard water or chelating shampoo around once a week, rather than at every wash.”

Meet the experts