Consumer Guide to Understanding a Water Softener and Conditioning System

Water softener, no shampoo, and no products might just be the formula for perfect hair. People with frizzy curls have discovered that the problem might lie in how they treat their locks, and the solution is to dramatically change their wash and care routine. While it may sound odd, washing your hair less and using fewer products can help restore your hair to a healthier state. It has worked for many women, and a bit of experimentation can help you find right balance for more fuss-free styles.

A Water softener system is a good investment for the skin and hair as well as the entire household in general. The filter helps remove mineral deposits of calcium found in the majority of homes. This calcium is what causes lime scale buildup, soap scum, and dryness of the skin and hair. When washing without a water softener, soap and shampoos can leave a thin coating on the surface. With a filter, more traces of soap are removed, leaving the hair and body cleaner. Some people complain of feeling slimy or having limp locks following a shower with a water softener. This may be attributable to not scrubbing vigorously enough, but more often than not it is just the body readjusting the sebum production. Over time this should regulate and feel more normal, as well as cleaner.

No shampoo, or the less appealing title "no-poo" for short, is becoming a craze particularly among women with unmanageable waves or curls. The idea behind dropping commercial shampoos and similar hair products is that the sulfates and silicone found within coat the hair, and over time this will dry out the strands. Dry strands can split, frizz up, and break off. It's also believed that by shampooing regularly, natural oils and sebum from the scalp that protects the hair shaft is stripped away too quickly. The result is that the hair becomes "greasier" within a few days, requiring another wash. This soon becomes a viscous cycle that can damage both the scalp and hair.

The no shampoo theory, which is supported by many dermatologists, may eventually lead to shinier and smoother hair once the scalp has had time to regulate sebum production. People with curly hair have also found that their hair pattern becomes more well-defined. This can take anywhere from two to six weeks, but some individuals may never quite adjust and will require the occasional shampoo. There are variations including using intermittent baking soda and apple cider vinegar rinses, conditioner, or moisturizing the ends with coconut or other oils.

Hair products may be another waste of money for some people. The big culprit is again silicone, which while it temporarily can smooth down unruly hair shafts, in the long run the coating it leaves can cause dryness and damage. Alcohol is another problem ingredient. There are some products available with fewer chemicals that can work well as styling aids, but for those who go no shampoo, they often find that their hair has more volume and is easier to shape using the natural hair oils anyways.