Tip 37: Save your hair from London's hard water

The devastating effects of London's hard water on an emu's hair

London is notorious for its hard water. This is water that has a high mineral content which makes the little scales on your hair shaft stand up, causing hair to feel rough and to tangle easily. Shampoo also becomes less effective with hard water because it reacts more with the minerals from the water, and less with the dirt in your hair.

But we have some hacks to save your locks.

1. Apple cider vinegar rinse

Mix 1 table spoon of vinegar with 3 cups of water, and after shampooing massage this into your hair and leave for up to 10 minutes. Rinse. This will add shine and body to your hair. Tips: Don’t substitute balsamic vinegar, only do it once a week, and don’t worry – the smell of vinegar fades when the hair is dry.

2. Vodka

Oddly enough, this works too as the vodka strips bad minerals form your hair. Either add it straight to your shampoo, or add a shot to your hair once you have lathered up. Again, only do this once a week.

3. Clarifying shampoo

If you don’t want to use vinegar or vodka, you can get clarifying shampoos that can cleanse the minerals out of your hair, while also adding shine, thickness and volume. There are salon brands, but there are also high street ones for those on a budget. Even Herbal Essences does one.

4. Leave in conditioner

Don’t forget to moisturise your hair. Leave in conditioners work well, or we personally recommend using argon oil if you can get it.