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Most people try one clean shampoo that doesn’t work and immediately assume all non-toxic hair products are inferior. But the real culprit isn’t the product – it’s your water!
In the first episode of a three-part “Toxin Free Fails” series, I’m revealing why your expensive clean shampoo might be leaving your hair feeling greasy, buildup-heavy, or just plain dirty.
Spoiler alert: It has nothing to do with the quality of the product and everything to do with the mineral content flowing out of your shower head.
You’ll discover the simple chemistry behind why hard water literally holds plant-based cleansers hostage, making it impossible to rinse them out properly.
I break down the difference between ultra-clean brands like Rahua, which work best in soft water, and slightly more synthetic options like EVOLVh and JS Health, which contain specific surfactants designed to work in any water condition.
This episode will save you from wasting money on products that aren’t right for your specific situation and give you actionable solutions. From $13 water tests to shower head filters to understanding which ingredients actually make clean products work better in hard water.
In today’s episode, we’re chatting about:
- How to test your water and understand the 60-180+ ppm scale
- The chemistry behind haircare fails
- Two shampoo case studies
- Water softening solutions for any budget
Myth: Clean Haircare Products Don’t Work
Maybe you’re someone who is trying to live more toxin-free, so you went out and bought some clean haircare products, dishwasher detergent, or laundry detergent. You try it out and have a less-than-stellar experience.
You just spent all this money and time to swap your products, only for them not to work!
Before you toss them out and go back to your chemical-filled haircare, you might want to take a look at your water.
More often than not, your water is why your clean haircare products aren’t working well.
This is why brands began adding chemicals to their products. They ensure their products work regardless of where you live or the quality of your water.
How Hard is The Water in Your Home?
Hardness means the calcium and magnesium content in your water. It has to be above a certain amount. We measure it in parts per million (ppm).
If the combination of calcium and magnesium in your water exceeds 180 ppm, it is considered very hard water.
You’ll know if you have hard water by these symptoms:
- Very dry skin
- Hair isn’t healthy
- Limescale build-up
- Rings around your pots and pans
If you have soft water (under 60 ppm), you’ll have the opposite effects. Soft water has a lotion-like feeling.
What if you’re in between?
If you have between 61 and 120 ppm, we consider that moderately hard water. It’s probably affecting the way your products work.
Not sure where you land?
You can look up your water utility, and in their reports, they will often tell you what the mineral content of your water is.
You can also get a simple $13 test that you can get from Amazon.
My Favorite Clean Shampoo Brands
Ready to switch to clean shampoo and conditioner? This is a pretty easy swap that will be one step closer to a toxin-free lifestyle. Here are my favorite brands.
Ruhua
Ruhua is THE most amazing clean shampoo and conditioner I have ever tried.
Not only does Ruhua use only the best ingredients, but their commitment to sustainability and protecting Amazonian rainforest communities is inspiring.
They also have options for all hair types!
EVOLVh Haircare
EVOLVh uses science-backed data to create natural and organic products that deliver transformative results in all hair types.
I love that you can shop by solution, from growth support and scalp wellness to more volume and less frizz.
Use code WENDYKATHRYN for 15% off your order.
Plain Products
Plaine Products is the most eco-friendly clean haircare brand on the market. All products come in reusable glass or aluminum containers.
Once your products are close to empty, reorder and return your empty bottle in the new box that comes with it. Plaine Products will sanitize and reuse the packaging.
Listen to my interview with the owner here and use code WENDY for 20% off your order.
Shop all my favorite clean haircare products in my Toxin Free Shopping Guide.
Don’t Give Up On Clean Shampoo and Conditioner!
They work, I promise! You just need to understand which brands are best suited to your water’s hardness level at home.
If you want to make your water softer at home, invest in a water filter. Here are some of my favorites. I have one at home and love it!
Stay tuned for the next segment of this Toxin Free Fails series!
FAQs About Clean Shampoo
How do I choose a shampoo without chemicals?
Shop my Toxin Free Shopping Guide! I have personally vetted all of these brands to ensure you’re selecting the highest-quality haircare products.
What should you avoid while buying shampoo?
Anything on my Top 25 Toxins to Avoid list should not be in your shampoo. Undisclosed fragrance is a significant issue in many haircare products. If it just says ‘fragrance’, pick a different option. Preferably one with no fragrance at all or fragrance derived from essential oils.
Related Episodes:
Episode 50: How Toxic Is Your Hair Dye and What Non-Toxic Hair Dye Options Actually Work?
Episode 96: 4 Effective Hard Water Solutions for a Cleaner, Healthier Routine
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