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1
best overall shampoo for hard water
Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo
1
best overall shampoo for hard water
Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo
Pros
- Moisturizing formula
- Gently removes buildup
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Some reviewers report packaging issues
This hard water shampoo comes highly recommended by all of our experts, and even boasts a 4.5 out of five stars on Amazon for its well-rounded formula. It “removes mineral build up and discoloration, restores moisture, and protects against future mineral deposits and impurities,” Grace says. “It is gentle on the hair, while also containing antioxidants that help to protect the skin against environmental stressors,” Dr. Garshick adds.
| Hair type | All |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-free | Yes |
| Scent | Orange |
| Size | 9.0 fl. oz. |
2
best value shampoo for hard water
Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo
2
best value shampoo for hard water
Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo
Now 40% Off
Not only does this affordable, apple cider vinegar-based pick add bounce and shine to strands, but Grace recommends this shampoo because it “gently cleanses and relieves an itchy scalp,” while helping to remove buildup from the hair. “I have hard water and it’s been ruining my hair. It was dull and knotty,” one reviewer on Amazon writes. “With the first wash my hair is finally back to normal. This has totally brought my hair back to normal and soft instantly.”
| Hair type | All |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-free | Yes |
| Scent | Apple |
| Size | 12.0 fl. oz. |
3
Best shampoo for hard water for dry hair
Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo
3
Best shampoo for hard water for dry hair
Ouidad Water Works Clarifying Shampoo
Pros
- Removes mineral and chlorine buildup
- Maintains natural moisture level
- Suitable for curly hair
Cons
- Contains sulfates
Grace recommends this hydrating yet clarifying shampoo for all hair types, including those with curly hair. It “deeply cleanses” the hair while maintaining natural moisture levels, she explains. According to the brand, it uses fruit acids and extracts to remove residue, chlorine, and hard water deposits without stripping the hair of hydration or natural oils.
| Hair type | All |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-free | No |
| Scent | Tangerine, orange |
| Size | 8.5 fl. oz. |
4
best shampoo for hard water for color-treated har
K18 Clarifying Detox Shampoo
4
best shampoo for hard water for color-treated har
K18 Clarifying Detox Shampoo
Pros
- Gently removes buildup
- Contains peptides for hair strength
- Color-safe
Cons
- Pricey
“This gentle detox removes up to 99% of product buildup while being a color-safe, non-stripping clarifier that leaves the hair feeling fresh,” explains Laura Beth Cabott hairstylist and owner of Artistry by LB. The formula contains activated charcoal, salicylic acid, and a patented peptide ingredient to buff away product buildup, excess sebum (a.k.a. oil), and minerals while keeping the hair strong and healthy.
| Hair type | All |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-free | Yes |
| Scent | Clean citrus |
| Size | 8.5 fl. oz. |
5
best shampoo for hard water for natural hair
Creme of Nature Argan Oil Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
5
best shampoo for hard water for natural hair
Creme of Nature Argan Oil Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Pros
- Adds softness and shine with Argan oil
- Cleanses buildup from scalp and hair
- Protects against breakage
Cons
- May not be suitable for those with fine hair
Those with curly and coily hair may want to consider this clarifying product to remove buildup while maintaining bounce and texture. “This unique deep cleanser removes build-up, refreshes the scalp, helps to protect against breakage, and revives the hair’s natural pH balance,” Grace explains.
| Hair type | Curly, thick |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-free | Yes |
| Scent | Sweet |
| Size | 15.5 fl. oz. |
6
best shampoo for hard water for dull hair
L’OREAL PROFESSIONNEL PARIS Metal Detox Shampoo
6
best shampoo for hard water for dull hair
L’OREAL PROFESSIONNEL PARIS Metal Detox Shampoo
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Brightens hair color
- Adds softness and shine
- Targets metals and minerals in water
Cons
- Pricey
“Used to help detoxify the hair, while also helping to hydrate, this shampoo can protect the hair while also leaving the hair feeling soft and nourished,” explains Dr. Garshick. This product also helps prevent breakage while prolonging hair color and adding shine, thanks to its ability to neutralize the minerals and metals in hard water.
| Hair type | All |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-free | Yes |
| Scent | Citrus |
| Size | 10.1 fl .oz. |
7
best shampoo for hard water for blondes
Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
7
best shampoo for hard water for blondes
Olaplex No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo
Pros
- Adds softness and shine
- Safe for blondes and color-treated hair
- Only a small amount of product is needed
Cons
- Some reviewers say it works better when used with a hydrating conditioner
This shampoo may offer a way to remove minerals from the hair, keeping it looking and feeling clean, but it also works very well, “ especially for the blondes,” explains Cabott, who suggests pairing it with a blonde toning mask to maintain color and tone.
| Hair type | All |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-free | Yes |
| Scent | Clean |
| Size | 8.5 fl. oz. |
8
Best gentle shampoo for hard water
OUAI Detox Shampoo
8
Best gentle shampoo for hard water
OUAI Detox Shampoo
Pros
- Gently removes build up
- Adds softness to hair
- Maintains hair strength
Cons
- Pricey
This formula “removes hard water deposits and gently removes build up while softening the hair,” Grace says. The apple cider vinegar acts as a clarifying agent, but the well-rounded formula also contains keratin to keep hair strong and healthy.
| Hair type | All |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-free | Yes |
| Scent | Melrose Place (floral) |
| Size | 10.0 fl. oz |
9
Best shampoo for hard water for damaged hair
ACT+ ACRE Cold Processed Hair Cleanse
9
Best shampoo for hard water for damaged hair
ACT+ ACRE Cold Processed Hair Cleanse
Pros
- Maintains natural moisture balance
- Soothes the scalp
- Gently removes buildup
Cons
- Pricey
“This sulfate-free cleansing process helps to remove excess buildup as can be caused from minerals in hard water, while also containing plant-based oils to help nourish the scalp and hair,” Dr. Garshick explains. This gentle, moisturizing formula is a great pick for those struggling with dry, damaged hair.
| Hair type | All |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-free | Yes |
| Scent | N/A |
| Size | 10.0 fl. oz. |
10
Best shampoo for hard water that adds shine
ORIBE The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo
10
Best shampoo for hard water that adds shine
ORIBE The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo
Pros
- Adds shine
- Gently removes buildup
- Protects against breakage
Cons
- Pricey
This unique mousse formula features three superstar ingredients to clarify the scalp and hair: volcanic ash, sea kelp extract, and green tea extract. “This shampoo works to increase shine while helping to purify and deeply cleanse the scalp without stripping away natural oils or leaving the scalp feeling dry or irritated,” Dr. Garshick explains. “It can be used for all hair types or textures.”
| Hair type | All |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-free | Yes |
| Scent | Côte d’Azur (floral) |
| Size | 7.1 fl. oz. |
11
Best Serum for Hard Water
Vegamour GRO Scalp Detoxifying Serum
11
Best Serum for Hard Water
Vegamour GRO Scalp Detoxifying Serum
Pros
- Gently removes scalp buildup
- Protects scalp moisture barrier
- Safe for color-treated hair
Cons
- Formulated only for the scalp—not for strands
While not technically a shampoo, this pre-shampoo scalp treatment comes highly recommended by Dr. Garshick for decreasing buildup. “This uses a silk protein that helps to eliminate scalp buildup and helps to soothe scalp damage,” she explains. “It also contains zinc PCA to absorb excess oils and reduces scalp irritation. It can be used weekly.”
| Hair type | All |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-free | Yes |
| Scent | Citrus |
| Size | 2.0 fl. oz. |
14
amika Reset Clarifying Gel Shampoo
14
amika Reset Clarifying Gel Shampoo
Pros
- Great scent
- Adds volume and shine
- Gently removes buildup
Cons
- Must be used with a hydrating conditioner
It’s called a “reset” for a reason. This clarifying shampoo is a personal favorite of mine that I’ve been using for years. Not only does it smell amazing, but I love how clean my hair feels after using it. The gel-to-foam formula is formulated with ingredients like antioxidants, pink clay, and charcoal for clean, healthy hair. “Every healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp and this shampoo does just that, removes all the dirt from my scalp and promotes a healthier scalp,” one Sephora reviewer wrote. “My hair feels super healthy, hydrated, and smooth. It also smells so good and I like the ingredients used.”
| Hair type | All |
|---|---|
| Sulfate-free | Yes |
| Scent | Warm vanilla, spicy sweet clover, fresh citrus |
| Size | 6.7 fl. oz. |
How to choose and use the best shampoo for hard water
✔️Look for clarifying and chelating ingredients. Dr. Garshick says that clarifying formulas are “especially good for hard water” and can make a big difference in removing mineral buildup. Grace recommends looking for clarifying ingredients like vitamin C and apple cider vinegar, as well as chelating agents (which help remove minerals found in hard water) like ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA).
✔️Consider hydrating formulas. Shampoos for hard water are necessary for removing buildup, but Dr. Garshick recommends using hydrating products and deep conditioners to help replenish moisture loss in addition to purifying and clarifying shampoos.
✔️Consider a hard water filter. In addition to the products you use, “adding a shower filter can help remove harmful contaminants and improve the water’s pH balance,” Grace explains. She recommends the PureAction Water Softener Shower Head and the AquaHome Group Luxury Filtered Shower Head Set.
How often should you use a shampoo for hard water?
While shampoos for hard water are effective at eliminating build-up in the hair and allowing your other products to penetrate deeper into the hair cuticle, these products can be drying if overused. Our experts agree that a good rule of thumb is to use a shampoo for hard water once per week and follow up with a hydrating conditioner for clean, healthy hair.
How we chose the best shampoo for hard water
Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
Assistant Editor
Shannen Zitz is an Assistant Editor at Prevention, where she covers all things lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and relationships. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Prevention, she graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor's degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.
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