Forget the Sharks! It's the Hard Water You Should Fear (Especially in Florida)

One, two, three, four, five… counting the seconds while I rinse conditioner off my scalp, hoping it doesn’t leave it greasy or irritated, while my poor ends cling to life, gasping for moisture.

I’ve run through every strategy with clients—breaking down product routines and what they’ve tried—and every now and then, I come up empty. The missing piece? Hard water.

We didn’t solve world peace, but we might’ve won a battle with one of hair’s biggest enemies.

In Florida, the beach isn’t the only thing messing with your hair. Our water is loaded with minerals like calcium and magnesium, especially in areas like Tampa, Orlando, and Miami. These minerals coat your strands, leaving hair dry, dull, frizzy, and lifeless. The buildup also clogs your scalp, making it harder for products to work.

The Culligan shower head with a hard water filter.

One of the most underrated beauty tools is a shower head filter. It’s a simple change with major impact. A good filter removes chlorine, minerals, and metals that cause buildup and irritation, helping protect your natural oils, maintain your color, and support a healthier scalp. It even helps with dry skin and eczema.

Before we talk products, understand this: removing buildup lets your products finally do their job. No more greasy roots and parched ends. No man needed—installation is easy.

Clarifying and Hard Water Removal Shampoos

To break down what’s already there, use a chelating or clarifying shampoo weekly. They’re designed to remove hard water minerals and should be part of your regular routine.

Apple Cider Vinegars

If you’re more of a DIY lover, apple cider vinegar is a natural way to break through buildup while balancing pH and restoring shine and softness. For curly or textured hair, lemon juice can be a gentler option. It’s less stripping, smells better, and helps maintain softness—just be cautious if your hair is red or dark, as lemon can naturally lighten it.

After clarifying, it’s all about recovery. Deep conditioners and masks help replace lost moisture, while leave-in protectors prep the hair for next time, sealing the cuticle and locking in hydration.

Deep Treatments & Masks

So if your hair still feels off even when you’re doing everything right—maybe it’s not your routine. Maybe it’s your water.

✨ Schedule a product buildup treatment at your next salon visit!

✨ Shop my hard water care favorites!

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