Thursday, May 2, 2024

How Hard Water Affects Hair & Products To Minimize The Damage

hard water hair

When you use soft water on your hair, you don’t have problems caused by mineral exposure and buildup. Using soft water on your hair can rinse the hard water minerals and leave your hair feeling smoother and looking shinier. Though the effects can depend on your hair type, hard water buildup usually leads to hair that’s flat, lifeless, greasy, and dry, along with a host of scalp issues. “Hard water can coat curly hair with a film of mineral buildup that leaves the hair feeling filmy, straw-like, and also stretches curls, causing them to go limp,” says de Leon. When washing your hair, be sure to notice how you apply your shampoo.

Add a Filter to Your Shower Head

hard water hair

Before you switch up your whole haircare routine, be sure to check what your hair type actually requires. “There’s no need to change your shampoo – stick to one formulated for your hair texture,” says Kingsley. The best thing you can do to address your hard water problem is to get an in-home water test from professionals that can test the level of hard minerals in your water. Testing your water regularly is essential, and Aqualite’s water experts can help you identify potential water problems and how to solve them.

Washing with Hard Water

While hard water doesn’t technically turn your hair gray, periods of rapid hair loss from the damage can cause those silver strands to emerge more quickly. If you’ve ever noticed spots on the dishes after you wash a load, then you have seen these minerals first hand. You might also notice a murky film on glass shower walls along with lower water pressure from the deposits building up in the pipes and shower heads.

hard water hair

Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo

Let’s discuss hair health and our approach to hard water hair treatments. When there's a buildup of minerals on the hair, it can lack shine and the ability to retain moisture, causing the hair's natural luster to fade. Hard water can also cause your color and highlights to fade fast and turn brassy. Split ends are also problematic since the hair's protective outer layer starts to slowly break down, causing the hair to split and break. And the scalp can feel tight or itchy due to the residue left behind. There's also a connection between excessive exposure to hard water and hair thinning.

Oils can also help to protect against heat and minimise flyaways, so they’re worth adding to your haircare routine even if you’re not directly looking to fight against frizziness. However, if you have experienced any of these symptoms in your hair and skin, there are several steps you can take to combat the damage and improve your hair and skin health. Other ways to repair the damage that hard water has caused your hair include the following options.

Hair Masks

"It contains numerous natural cleansing agents to remove toxins and impurities like citric acid and sodium cocoyl glycinate to deep clean while also protecting the scalps natural barrier," says Lee. Plus, it works with all hair types, so everyone can get in on the benefits. The slightly acidic pH of apple cider vinegar makes it a great chelating agent—this means it breaks the bond between your locks and minerals found in hard water—that grabs ahold of metal ions in hair. This shampoo from Aveeno captures the power of ACV using a natural formula that's made with colloidal oatmeal extract.

It’s also a vegan-friendly option and doesn’t include any parabens or sulfates. Instead of using EDTA, it contains apple fruit extract, aloe vera leaf juice, and tamanu seed oil for nourishment, strength, and cleanliness. It’s often said that once you go natural, water should no longer be avoided like the plague. While the premise of that statement is ultimately true, there are a few things about water that you should be concerned about even after you go natural. A strength tester was then used in order to determine how tensile and elastic each hair strand was after its corresponding treatment.

Dry, Brittle Hair

But perhaps most annoying was that I didn’t even realize what was happening at first. Hard water isn’t necessarily an overnight evil—it can take weeks or months of quietly messing with your hair before you’re one day left with more breakage than a month’s worth of blow-drying without heat protectant. So to save you from the same potential hair hell I went through, I chatted with an expert and broke down exactly what hard water does to your hair, how to identify it, and, most importantly, how the hell to fix it fast. Additionally, there are also chelating shampoos, which include compounds that are meant to break the bond between your locks and minerals found in hard water.

Hello Klean review How a purifying shower filter helped my hair - Women's Health UK

Hello Klean review How a purifying shower filter helped my hair.

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In this article, I want to give you the BEST tips on how to naturally remove hard water from hair. Be sure not to use hot water when washing your hair to avoid stripping the sebum from your scalp. Wash your hair with lukewarm water, and after conditioning, be sure to do a finishing rinse with cold water to close (or smooth) the cuticle. Various forms of EDTA provide a high pH level that will get rid of mineral buildup and impurities in the hair.

8 Best Shower Filters for 2024 - Cosmopolitan

8 Best Shower Filters for 2024.

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The best way to do this is by installing a water softening system or a soft water shower filter. In the short term, you can look after your hair with leave-in conditioner products and wash your hair carefully to avoid further damage. Make sure you buy a shower filter that offers proven water softening benefits. Most shower filters are only designed to remove chlorine, which is great, since chlorine is another cause of dry, dull hair.

Additionally, in a study with 70 guys, they discovered that when their hair encountered hard water instead of deionized water, it lost its strength. And you know what happens when hair is weak and prone to breakage? Kenneth Byrd, with a BS in Accounting and Management Information Systems and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has over 15 years of experience and is a recognized authority in hair care.

Hard water characteristically has high levels of calcium and magnesium, which can really have negative impacts on your hair – leaving your hair feeling dull and lifeless. I spent most of my life believing my hair was a dry, tangled, and brittle mess, only to move away from home and realize that it wasn't my hair—it was the water. Hard water can result in less-than-favorable results on the hair front, but can it also lead to hair loss? Utilizing special hair treatments or adding a showerhead filter are the fastest methods.

Water with high mineral content affects shampoo by reducing its lathering abilities. Because hard water contains calcium and magnesium ions, when mixing shampoo with hard water, it forms insoluble salts that cannot be rinsed off the hair. These insoluble salts build up on the hair after multiple shampoos. The more often you shampoo, the more buildup occurs and the harder they are to rinse away. Some shower filters are also designed to remove hardness minerals from water.

Ahead, learn everything you need to know about managing hard water and hair health. So if you have low-porosity hair to begin with, you’ll notice more issues with regular hard water use. Imagine the scaly buildup you see on your faucet encasing each strand of your hair.

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Easy Updo Styles for Medium or Long Hair

updo medium hair easy

The right, outfit-matching headpiece will make it easy for you to style hair of medium length or longer with minimal effort. We might picture the famous Marilyn Monroe with her signature short blonde curls, but she also had periods in which she sported medium hair! Here is a simple yet charming updo from such a period. This updo is not only gorgeous to look at, but also very secure! Both the high bun and braided back will make sure that you can work all day or dance all evening without your hair getting in your way. The fact is, these pastel rainbow hues make this bun look so playful and cute.

#9: Textured Loose Updo

Nataly is an experienced freelance writer well-versed in lifestyle, beauty, and fashion. She enjoys testing new hair products to tame her long locks. Believing in the power of self-care, Nataly collects styling tips like gems. Currently, she delivers exclusive content on the latest hairstyle trends and transformations. This article will show you how to style your hair in 20 different ways and achieve awesome results every time. What can be easier than two side Dutch braids married into a low and gentle bun to save you from bad hair days?

Bubble Braid For Medium Hair

The combination of the Dutch braid and curly texture adds an elegant touch to the classic bun. Go from pigtails to twisted braids to a lovely bun in a matter of minutes with one of our favorites from our easy updos for medium hair list. Using the rat tail comb, make a deep side partition. Separate the crown part of the hair with the help of the rat tail comb. Secure the crown part of the hair using a sectioning clip. This will ensure that it won’t interfere with the styling of the lower section.

Wavy Messy Low Bun Updo

These twists will give your topknot a sculpted, dimensional look. Here's an easy style that's been nabbed straight from the runway—an unusually parted ponytail that elevates the otherwise simple look. Your best tool for achieving this coif is going to be a rat tail comb for nailing those precise lines. When you have fine hair, the haircut you have is of the utmost importance. Blunt ends, layers, and even bangs can be of huge assistance in keeping your hair lively and looking its best, no matter how you style it.

Easy Medium Hairstyles - How to Style Mid-Length and Shoulder-Length Haircuts - Cosmopolitan

Easy Medium Hairstyles - How to Style Mid-Length and Shoulder-Length Haircuts.

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Tousled Low Bun

The styles discussed here are simple, contemporary, easy to sport, and have a voluminous appearance. These styles help you accentuate your character and look stylish and sophisticated. Effortlessly graceful and easy to sport, the casual twisted low bun is a fun way to style your locks this season. Be it a day out with your friends or a lunch date, this hairdo fits well for almost all the occasions. The French roll ponytail is a fresh way to style a classic look. Brush your hair towards the middle so that it is all going to the center of the head.

A small comb adds visual interest and makes this the perfect look for a prom or school dance. This full, volume-packed updo makes an impression of a sophisticated bouffant style, extremely trendy these days. You may ask your hairstylist to experiment with this medium updo even if you have thinner locks.

updo medium hair easy

Messy Wrapped Chignon

Once you reach the nape, create a low ponytail. Then, use the length of the ponytail to create a bun and secure it with an elastic. A simple French braid should always be considered when thinking of creating updos for medium hair. It’s pretty, quick, and will always get you out of any hair trouble. Start from your nape area and go up while braiding your hair. Once you reach the top of your head, stop braiding and create a bow with the rest of the hair.

This effortless bun gives the impression of an undone hairstyle and that’s why it’s called so. However, these strands are left out on purpose, to create that messy, tousled look most women love. These buns that fall at the nape of the neck are so elegant and attractive. Once you learn to make this side braid bun, you’ll always have a lovely, formal hairstyle up your sleeve. I like these tousled buns because of the incredible volume they give to the hair.

Natural Texture

updo medium hair easy

If that’s your case, just go with a half up, half down hairstyle. Make two French twists from either side of your head and join them in the middle with bobby pins. If you want to add a little more oomph, you can’t go wrong with waves. The messy side braid is a graciously Grecian hairstyle that is reserved for the ultimate goddess.

The size is dependent upon how big you want your twist to be. Now, taking the rest of your hair, create a low chignon bun. Finish it off by twisting the small section at the nape and wrapping it around the base of the ponytail. I love this style because it’s softer than perfectly pinned updos, and it’s also easy to fix if a piece or two comes loose throughout the day.

The cleaner your hair, the less grit and hold it will have, so a style like this can benefit from few day old strands. Use pins that match your hair color for elegant updos. To stand out, you can use bold or decorative and large pins. Apply hair gel, spray, or mousse before starting the updo to set it in place. Carry a small bottle of hairspray so you can use it whenever needed. This effortless updo is not only stylish but also versatile.

34 Wedding Hairstyles for Brides With Long Hair - Brides

34 Wedding Hairstyles for Brides With Long Hair.

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We all know the messy bun but who says that it cannot be fancy too? Your messy high bun can be adorned with some pretty hair clips for extra charm. You can also use texturizing hairspray to offer it that special texture and body and flaunt your messy bun around all day. To obtain this low bun, you only need to twist the hair and secure it with bobby pins on your nape area. It is PACKED with simple hair tutorials for medium-length hair, and Kate has a way of breaking them down so they are really easy to do. I French braided the front of her hair, leaving out just a few wispy pieces, and pulled the rest into a bun off the side.

I love this look because the hair looks very soft, tousled, and romantic. I recommend using hair matting powder products so the hair can achieve more texture and volume. I recommend a working hairspray as well to create fine detailing work. This updo was created for a rustic and romantic wedding. It’s soft and compliments any dress, being classic and elegant. This look is great for clients with color contrast, specifically blondes or lighter brunettes.

From the intricate braiding on the top to the loose flowing curls on the bottom, there are a few levels of awesome in this hairstyle. Easy hairstyles for medium hair can really be as simple as styling big curls and creating a half up, half down style. Or experiment with a small chignon and curls spiraling out of it. The beauty of curls is that even if your hairdo isn’t perfectly neat, it will still look fabulous. The looped low chignon is very tasteful, as it adds a little pizzazz to the traditional low buns and knots. To create this look, section off a square chunk of hair at the nape area.

With the middle-to-end of the strands braided and tucked into a loose knot, it’s a different approach to a twist for long hair. Separate each section into two pieces and twist them loosely around each other until you reach the ends. Afterward, tuck the twist underneath one time and bobby pin it.

These small yet powerful hairpins are coated with velvet to create maximum hold. Gathered updos are a go-to hairstyle for many occasions since they are delicate and flattering on all types of hair. Curl your locks with a large barrel wand and gather them into a loose, curly chignon. The beauty of this ‘do is that it doesn’t need to be arranged perfectly to achieve the desired effect. If your hair is too short to be pulled into any of the easy updos for medium hair, master a few quick half updos. It also works well for those who don’t feel comfortable with all of their locks away from the face but want to change up the casual downdo style.

Does hard water damage hair? We asked the experts to weigh in

hard water hair

Instead of bottled water, you can also use water from filter jug, and that may not be so much plastic waste. The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers. Wet your hair, take a small amount of the baking soda paste, and gently massage it into your scalp. You can also add a few drops of essential oil (like tea tree against dandruff).

AquaBliss Revitalizing Shower Filter

Instead, the minerals are deposited onto your hair and scalp with every shower. But that’s the price I guess I’ll have to pay to live in the city of brotherly love. Below are some of the best shampoos for hard water, no matter your hair type or texture.

Best Hard Water Shampoo For Itchy Scalps

“Another indication is the presence of residue or soap scum, especially noticeable in areas like the sink or bathtub, which can signal hard water’s effect on the skin and surfaces,” says Krasnaya. When you’re taking dishes and glasses out of the dishwater, examine them for any spots. These spots are signs of mineral deposits like calcium carbonate and indicate a hard water issue. Hard water can cause long-term damage to your hair’s natural growth. This damage is especially likely if you have eczema or psoriasis, as you are more susceptible to hair loss, preventing a healthy growth process for your hair.

A Scientific Case Study on Hard Water Hair – Can Hard Water Damage Hair?

If you’ve gone through all that and still are battling hair issues, it may be time to look at your water. Hard water can cause hair damage, and you may not even know you have it. Choose a mild shampoo (ideally one that’s sulfate-free), and massage it gently into your scalp.

Is Hard Water Bad For Your Hair? Experts Explain The Negative Effects

How Bad Is Hard Water for Your Skin? We Asked the Pros - Real Simple

How Bad Is Hard Water for Your Skin? We Asked the Pros.

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“I typically see it a lot after summer break and my blonde clients return to the salon,” says New York City-based hair colorist and salon owner, Jenna Perry. That’s when you know they were spending time in a place with hard water.” The dulling isn’t just limited to blondes. Brunettes can get darker or go brassy due to mineral buildup, says Bodt, while the lack of vibrancy is especially obvious on redheads, says Perry.

hard water hair

Shehnaz researches and tests new hair care trends and publishes her insights here. To ensure your hair is less affected by the water’s hardness, focus on the scalp. Some may use carbon filters, and some use more advanced technology like oxidation-reduction (redox) filters to create an ionic exchange that neutralizes the heavy minerals. Alkalinity on the scalp can also cause the scalp to overproduce sebum to fight off bad bacteria, making the hair feel greasier than usual. Tangles and knots make the hair difficult to pull apart, brush, and style after a shower. Where the area has high levels of limestone, chalk, or dolomite rocks, rainwater flows through them, collecting dissolved deposits of limestone, chalk, and gypsum that are made up of calcium, carbonates, and sulfates.

Showerhead filter

hard water hair

Add that to the fact that hard water can strip the natural oils from your hair, and you end up with dry, rough, and brittle hair, says Dr. Rubin. “The rough texture caused by hard water can make hair more susceptible to breakage, as it becomes less flexible and resilient,” says Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Perrysburg, Ohio. Alternate between these two shampoos to keep your hair and scalp clean and healthy. You can use a chelating shampoo once every 7 – 10 days with a clarifying shampoo in between uses. This will help you get rid of mineral buildup, maintain healthy hair growth, and prevent dandruff too.

A cost-effective alternative is to purchase a water softener shower head. Should you already have a showerhead that you love, pair it with this add-on filter from AquaBliss. Just unscrew your showerhead, screw this filter to the pipe that comes out of the wall, and then attach the head onto the other end of the filter. You’ll notice an immediate difference in your hair and skin after just one use.

By identifying the potential signs of hard water on hair, you can implement preventative solutions to protect the future of your hair’s health. The acidity of vinegar works to remove cal build up from your hair. It also balances the pH of your hair, smoothes down the cuticles, and leaves your hair feeling soft and silky.

The latter two are added to water at safe levels determined by the Environmental Protection Agency to kill parasites, bacteria, and viruses that could be harmful. While these are great for protecting your guts against nasty stuff like salmonella, the reality is, that none of these elements are great for your hair or your scalp. Concentrate your shampoo on your scalp and massage it in, making sure that the suds don’t reach the length of your hair.

How hard water affects your hair: Tips for frizz-free hair - The Times of India

How hard water affects your hair: Tips for frizz-free hair.

Posted: Mon, 15 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

But a chlorine shower filter won’t entirely eliminate your hair problems if it can’t remove hardness minerals. While hard water has not been linked directly to hair elasticity, experts say it can contribute to issues that increase the likelihood of hair loss. This is especially true considering hard water makes it harder for moisture to penetrate the hair, and dry hair leads to brittleness and breakage. The mineral buildup can also weigh down hair at the scalp, giving the impression of flatter, thinner hair. The good news is that there are many management solutions available if you're dealing with the effects of hard water on skin and hair, Dunphy explains. The most comprehensive option is to get a whole-house water softener or salt-free water conditioner installed.

From personal experience, after my move across the Atlantic, I noticed a lot less volume and texture in my hair and my roots got greasier, faster. Clarifying shampoos typically use sodium lauryl sulfate to get a deep clean. This is a popular choice because it works well in both hard and soft water and is easily rinsed out of the hair. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a good cleanser, but it can be harsh on hair and cause dyes to fade. Deep cleaning or clarifying shampoos should only be used about once a week or as needed to remove buildup.

42 Red Carpet-Inspired Updos for Thin Hair

updo medium hair easy

However, with the right tools for this hairstyle, it can be a breezy walk in the park. The bungee elastics for optimum tension are my favorite tool for creating a structured bun. I also love securing buns with Frenchie’s Velvet Hairpins.

Braided Space Buns Half Updo

Olga's hairstyles have been featured in print magazines such as Salonfocus and Weddings & Honeymoons. The stylist is sharing her knowledge and love for hair by training and mentoring other hairdressers. Undone braids are very trendy right now because they are the expression of that laid-back look everyone loves. So, to be effortless, you can create a ponytail from the undone braid and hide the elastic with a hair strand, gracefully. Staying with the French braid, you can also start with one on top of your head and then stop braiding and simply tie it into a simple ponytail. A casual and nice updo that will also look extra cute.

updo medium hair easy

#16: Youthful Braided Updo

This look would be great for a bride, bridesmaid, wedding guest, or engagement party. This braid is a twist on the classic French braid. It combines traditional braiding techniques with macramé stitching – something I love incorporating into my work. I would tell anyone considering this braid that it looks great on many hair lengths and textures. Sometimes, clients think braids only work on long hair, but this is not always true!

Wavy Hair Twisted Low Bun Updos for Medium Hair

You will want to curl the hair a bit before styling it and add plenty of hairspray. This is the classic version of the half up and half down ponytail. The classic half-up, half-down ponytail is a versatile and universally flattering hairstyle suitable for various occasions. It strikes the perfect balance between casual and polished, making it a go-to option for everyday wear or more formal events. Trying to add volume to the roots all the time can get tiring. Instead, opt to make your ends the star of your updo by flipping them out of pigtails, buns, or ponytails.

Cute & Easy Banana Clip Hairstyles For All Hair Lengths - Refinery29

Cute & Easy Banana Clip Hairstyles For All Hair Lengths.

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You will need lots of bobby pins and hair spray to ensure your hair stays in place while dancing the night away. Here she has added a braided strand around her big bun and it adds texture and looks stunning. She has bright blonde hair here, but this is an updo that would look great with any hair color. This next hairstyle would work best for women with medium-length and thin hair. They went with a messy bun that is teased up in the front perfectly. You could wear this style out on the town or to a big party and feel amazing anywhere you go.

#11: Dimensional Bridesmaid Twisted Bun

I love that it has a classic feel with a modern edge. This style would work well for anyone with longer hair with face-framing layers and fringe. When doing bridal styling, I always remember that these looks should be timeless. No one wants to look back at their wedding pictures and wonder what they were thinking! So when I consult with the client, I always try to ensure we choose something that stands the test of time. She has styled her pretty chocolate brown hair in a side-swept updo in the look above.

30 Messy Bun Wedding Hairstyles - Brides

30 Messy Bun Wedding Hairstyles.

Posted: Wed, 02 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

This is a worthy option for women with medium to long hair. If you want to try to recreate this kind of style at home, sweep your hair back into a messy French roll and fix it with bobby pins and a hair spray. Show off your fashionable earrings in this elegant look. There is some advantage to wearing a more traditional updo, like a French twist or a chignon. These classic and timeless hairstyles always look elegant and sophisticated. The pin curl bun is a hot style from the sexy 60’s!

Sculpted High Bun

It’s also a lovely, less formal approach for a bridesmaid. This style makes easy updos for medium hair texture and fine types! This also works perfectly for mid-length to long hair. You don’t need long hair to create this chic messy bun — a perfect updo for a special occasion. Use several bobby pins to roll and fix a loose bun and tease the crown with a comb a bit to make your style more voluminous. Besides being cute, this hairdo seems very easy-going and low maintenance.

Add some bling to a pulled-back 'do by adhering stick-on pearls or gemstones throughout the hair. This freckled look adds a hint of decadence but still plays it cool. Your hair will magically appear fuller thanks to the gems poking out of your braid. We tapped Prothero and celebrity stylist, Ted Gibson, for their advice on turning a fine-haired updo into a showstopper. Bookmark this for the next time you want to fake an epic coif of fuller-looking strands. This hairdo is loud and powerful and gives off an aura of confidence to the wearer.

"For this fun multiple bun updo, use a wax stick and tail comb to create those perfect partings in the hair," Mader explains. An effortless-looking chignon is one of those easy updos for medium hair that pairs well with both casual outfits and evening gowns. You can try to create this trendy hairstyle using a hair tie and bobby pins or show it to your hairstylist as a reference. This fabulous loose bun with curls is perfect for a wedding, providing an elegant and romantic look. The combination of loose curls and a textured bun adds a touch of glamour to your hairstyle, making it suitable for various formal occasions.

We started out with some loose waves throughout. I did these waves with a flat iron then lightly brushed through them. Once the braid reaches to the back of the head, you can secure with an elastic.

It is very versatile and can be customized according to your own preferences. This look will suit a true fashionista with medium hair, adding class & sass to any well-thought outfit. A good quality statement headpiece can oftentimes be worn in more ways than one – take advantage of that!

Low buns can also be created on one side of your head through the same twisting technique as before. Use bobby pins to keep the bun in place and maybe add a subtle hair accessory for extra elegance. Tucked updos for medium hair are one of the easiest looks to pull off.

If you wear your hair like this, you only need mid-length hair. The 90s claw clip is back in fashion and better than ever. In the photo above, she added a super thick braid along the sides and held the rest of her hair up in a stylish claw clip. This is a pretty hairstyle that you could wear running around town or out to a party. Creating an adorable fishtail braid in the top part of your half-up, half-down hairstyle is a charming and stylish way to elevate your look..

It can still have eye-catching details, while also being understated. Updos for medium-length hair can’t offer many inches to work with, so a more minimalist approach is a win-win for those with shorter locks. Meet Mary Allen, a writer at The Right Hairstyles Magazine with a passion for the artistry of hair, who first joined our editorial team in January 2022. A halo braid should begin at the back of your head and go around it to the other side over your hair.

How Hard Water Affects Hair & Products To Minimize The Damage

Table Of Content Add a Filter to Your Shower Head Washing with Hard Water Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo Best Shampoos For Hard Water, Teste...