11 Best Shampoos for Hard Water to Remove Buildup

Many products created to strip mineral buildup are too strong to use on color-treated hair, and they'll dry out your locks if you use them every day. This hard water shampoo is color-safe and mild enough for daily use. If you're looking for more color-safe shampoo options, check out this one that Ree uses.

This vegan shampoo is specifically designed to counteract hair problems like dryness and discoloration caused by "hidden horrors" (aka hard water). The paraben- and sulfate-free blend works by removing mineral buildup while retaining your hair's natural oils and moisture. If you want to take your haircare to the next level, consider investing in the brand's Hard Water Wellness Kit, which also includes conditioner and hair masks.

The acidity of vinegar helps dissolve minerals, which is what makes it such a great household cleaner. It can work the same way in your hair: This affordable, apple cider vinegar-infused clarifying shampoo is designed restore smoothness and shine to dull hair (without leaving behind the vinegary scent). It's oat-based and free of harsh chemicals, which means it's soothing, too!

Take a quiz and Prose will formulate their shampoo just for you. With all natural ingredients like shikakai extract for scalp cleansing and acacia collagen for fiber repair, your formula will not only clean your hair but bring it back to life.

Sulphates do a phenomenal job of stripping buildup, and The Ordinary uses SLES-2 which is gentler on the scalp than other brands. If you have super sensitive skin or a sulphate allergy, you might want to pass on this product. But if you don't, this lightweight and smoothing formula will make your hair super clean―and the rest of you, too! It doubles as a body wash.

Amazon customers wax poetic about this clarifying, color-safe shampoo, which is designed to remove up to 99% of dulling deposits from hard water, chlorinated pools, and styling products. It uses mica to improve shine and promote restoration. Washing your hair with it creates a clean slate, which is why professional stylists use it as a deep cleanse before color treatments.

Swap your usual shampoo for this detoxifying formula once a week to remove buildup from hard water as well as products and pollutants. It contains ginseng, rosemary and sage to invigorate and restore fullness and sheen to your tresses. One important note: This one isn't safe for color-treated hair.

With a name like "Perfect Hair Day," you're going to want to sit up and take note of this detox shampoo. Along with removing hard water buildup, it also removes buildup from product and pollution. It's packed with good-for-your-hair ingredients like activated charcoal which absorbs oil and witch hazel to moisturize your scalp. If you have fine strands that need a clean yet voluminous boost, this is your pick.

Ingredients like apple cider vinegar and hydrolyzed keratin help exfoliate, soften, and smooth hair while stripping it of dirt and oil. Reviewers especially rave about how little they need to use in each wash: A dime-size amount is all that's needed for a thorough clean.

Created by the actress Tracee Ellis Ross, PATTERN Beauty is all about curly hair. The curl care line's paraben-free clarifying shampoo removes buildup and residue while strengthening your hair with ingredients like matcha green tea and aloe vera.

If you've ever taken a dip in the pool and come out with green hair, you know that chlorine isn't very nice to your locks. This shampoo removes chlorine, iron, and minerals from your hair, and it helps reduce future buildup. Plus, those of you with oily hair will like that it minimizes oil production with its moisturizing and shine blend while adding body to your locks.