What is Hard Water?

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water is water that contains a high level of dissolved minerals, mainly calcium, magnesium, iron, and copper. These minerals are naturally present in many water sources and vary depending on location. While hard water is safe for everyday use, it can have noticeable effects on hair—especially lightened or color-treated hair extensions.

How Hard Water Affects Hair Extensions

Hair extensions, even premium-quality ones, are more porous than natural hair due to the coloring and processing they undergo. Because of this, minerals from hard water can easily attach to the hair shaft and build up over time. This can cause:

  • Brassiness or yellow/orange tones, particularly in blonde or lighter shades

  • Dullness and loss of shine

  • Dryness or stiffness due to mineral coating

  • Reduced effectiveness of conditioning and toning products

It’s important to note that this is not a quality issue—this reaction can occur with all high-end extension brands when exposed to hard water.

How to Prevent and Manage Hard Water Effects

To protect hair extensions from hard water damage, we recommend the following:

  • Install a shower filter to reduce mineral content before water touches the hair

  • Use a clarifying or chelating shampoo every few weeks to remove mineral buildup

  • Apply a purple or blue toning shampoo/mask as needed to neutralize brassy tones

  • Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Kit

  • Always follow with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture

  • Limit excessive heat styling, which can worsen dryness and discoloration

Overall, hard water is measured in parts per million (PPM) and how many particles of hardness are dissolved in the water.

Below indicates the PPM and the water hardness:

PPM

WATER HARDNESS

0 – 50 PPM

Is soft.

51 – 100PPM

Is moderately soft.

101 – 150PPM

Is slightly hard.

151 – 200PPM

Is moderately hard.

201 – 275 PPM

Is hard.

276 – 350 PPM

Is very hard.

350 + PPM

Is aggressively hard.

 

Hard Water Locations

We often talk about hard water being a risk in holiday locations but, did you know that you or your clients could also live in a hard water area?

An overwhelming 85 percent of the USA has hard water, so the likelihood that you live in state or city with hard water is high.

Two products we recommend:

Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Remedy

  • Restores the life of weighed-down locks for body, bounce and sheer brilliance.
  • Naturally removes hard water deposits and impurities.
  • Leaves the hair instantly softer, shinier and full of swing.
  • Eliminates brassiness, discolouration and damage caused by mineral absorption.
  • A vitamin-infused formula that deeply penetrates for superior moisture retention.

Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Kit

  • The number one defence system against malicious minerals and other elements in hard water.
  • 100% vegan.
  • Instantly removes and prevents discolouration, dryness, damage and dullness.
  • Unleashes perfectly purified, weightless hair and reveals unmatched body and shine.

Contains:

  • Hard Water Wellness Shampoo 266ml
  • Hard Water Wellness Conditioner 266ml
  • Hard Water Wellness Treatment 5g (x4)

 

With proper care and protection, hair extensions will maintain their color, softness, and overall appearance for much longer—even in areas with hard water.

If you have any questions or would like product recommendations, we’re always happy to help.

 

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