Remedy for Hard Water Buildup in the Hair

By: Melissa King

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If your hair seems dull and lifeless or impossible to style, you may be a victim of hard water. Hard water damages hair by coating it with layers of mineral deposits, including calcium, iron and manganese. These minerals can even turn your hair an unsightly orange or brassy color. Thankfully, the effects of hard water aren't permanent. Ward them off with a homemade remedy or a purifying salon-style treatment.

Step 1

Rinse your hair with purified water after shampooing. This will wash away mineral deposits left by the hard water.

Step 2

Wash hair with a clarifying shampoo that's designed to eliminate buildup and residue. After shampooing, treat your hair with conditioner, then rinse.

Step 3

Combine 2 tablespoons of white or apple-cider vinegar with 1 pint of lukewarm water. Pour the vinegar mixture over your hair in the shower. For better coverage, pour the mixture into a spray bottle and mist your hair all over. Leave the vinegar in your hair for as long as 10 minutes, then rinse well. The odor of the vinegar will go away after your hair dries.

Step 4

Mix 1 quart of warm water with the juice from two fresh-squeezed lemons. Stir, then pour the lemon water over your hair, or apply it with a spray bottle. Wait for 10 minutes and rinse.