**Seattle Showers: Soft Water Crashing Hair Lasers?**
By Franklin Everett ShawSeattle, the Emerald City, is known for its lush greenery and, well, its rain. But what many don’t realize is that the very water that keeps the city green might be wreaking havoc on your hair. We’re talking about Seattle’s notoriously soft water, and its potential to turn your luscious locks into a dull, faded mess.
Seattle’s water is soft, meaning it has a low concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium. While this might sound appealing (no more soap scum!), it can actually be detrimental to your hair, especially if you color it.
Here’s the problem: soft water lacks the minerals that typically bind to your hair shaft. This leaves your hair cuticle more open and porous. Think of it like tiny, microscopic shingles on a roof – when they’re tightly sealed, everything’s protected. When they’re lifted, things get in.
This increased porosity means your hair is more susceptible to absorbing chemicals, including chlorine (even in treated city water) and the very chemicals in your shampoo and conditioner. This over-absorption can lead to a number of issues.
- Color Fading: That expensive salon color? It’s going down the drain faster than you think. The open cuticle allows dye molecules to escape more easily.
- Dryness and Brittleness: While it seems counterintuitive, soft water can actually dry out your hair. The constant absorption and release of water and chemicals disrupts the natural moisture balance.
- Increased Tangles: The open cuticle creates friction, leading to more tangles and breakage.
- Weird Texture Changes: Some Seattleites report their hair feeling “gummy” or “sticky” even after washing. This can be due to the altered pH balance and chemical buildup.
So, what can a Seattle resident do to combat the soft water blues? Here’s a step-by-step guide to protecting your hair.
Step 1: Invest in a Shower Filter. This is your first line of defense. A shower filter removes chlorine and other impurities from the water before it even touches your hair. Look for filters specifically designed to remove chlorine and heavy metals. A good option is the AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter. It’s readily available online and at some local hardware stores.
Step 2: Embrace pH-Balancing Hair Care. Soft water tends to have a higher pH, which further opens the hair cuticle. Use shampoos and conditioners with a slightly acidic pH (around 4.5-5.5) to help close the cuticle and seal in moisture. Look for products specifically labeled “pH-balanced.” Brands like Redken and Paul Mitchell offer pH-balanced options.
Step 3: Clarify Regularly (But Not Too Often). A clarifying shampoo will remove any mineral or product buildup that might be contributing to the “gummy” feeling. However, these shampoos can be drying, so use them sparingly – once or twice a month should suffice. The Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo is a good choice.
Step 4: Deep Condition Like Your Life Depends On It. Because soft water can dry out your hair, regular deep conditioning is crucial. Look for masks containing moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or argan oil. Apply a deep conditioner once a week and leave it on for at least 20 minutes. Consider using a shower cap to trap heat and enhance penetration. Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask is a popular and effective option.
Step 5: Consider a Chelating Shampoo (If Necessary). If you’re still experiencing buildup despite using a shower filter and clarifying shampoo, you might need a chelating shampoo. These shampoos are designed to remove mineral deposits from hard water, but they can also be effective for removing buildup caused by soft water. Use them very sparingly, as they can be extremely drying. Malibu C Un-Do-Goo Clarifying Shampoo is a good, albeit potent, option.
Step 6: Rinse with Cool Water. Hot water opens the hair cuticle, while cool water helps to close it. After washing and conditioning, give your hair a final rinse with cool water to help seal in moisture and color.
Step 7: Protect Your Hair from the Sun. Seattle might be known for its rain, but the sun can still damage your hair. UV rays can fade color and dry out your strands. Use a leave-in conditioner with UV protection or wear a hat when spending extended periods outdoors.
Step 8: Adjust Your Hair Color Routine. If you color your hair, consider switching to a demi-permanent color, which is less damaging than permanent color. You might also want to talk to your stylist about using a color-locking treatment after coloring to help seal in the dye.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them:
- Over-Clarifying: As mentioned earlier, clarifying shampoos can be drying. Don’t overdo it!
- Using Products with High pH: Avoid shampoos and conditioners with a high pH, as they will further open the hair cuticle.
- Ignoring the Problem: Don’t assume that your hair problems are due to something else. If you live in Seattle and are experiencing changes in your hair texture or color, soft water is a likely culprit.
- Not Installing a Shower Filter: This is the single most important step you can take to protect your hair from the damaging effects of soft water.
- Using Hard Water Shampoos: These shampoos are designed to add minerals to the hair, the opposite of what you need in Seattle.
Real-World Scenario:
Let’s say you’re a Seattle resident named Sarah who recently dyed her hair a vibrant red. Within a few weeks, she notices the color fading significantly, and her hair feels dry and brittle. She’s frustrated because she’s using high-quality color-safe shampoo and conditioner.
Sarah’s problem is likely due to Seattle’s soft water. The open cuticle is allowing the red dye molecules to escape, and the lack of minerals is disrupting her hair’s moisture balance.
By following the steps outlined above – installing a shower filter, using pH-balancing hair care products, deep conditioning regularly, and adjusting her hair color routine – Sarah can significantly improve the health and vibrancy of her hair.
The Bottom Line:
Living in Seattle doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your hair. By understanding the effects of soft water and taking proactive steps to protect your hair, you can maintain healthy, vibrant locks, even in the Emerald City. Don’t let the soft water win! Take control of your hair care routine and enjoy the beauty of Seattle without compromising your style.