With all the things we do to maintain our hair, it can be tough not getting the results you’re used to. Is it something in the water? Well, it could be.

You see, we’re no strangers to talking about buildup (check this out if you need a refresher), and how that rough, heavy feeling can come from multiple places in your routine. One of those unexpected places might be the water you wash with.

metal + mineral buildup

While buildup affects all hair types, it uniquely impacts curls + coils because our hair holds onto a lot—like metal + mineral buildup from hard water found in 85% of US homes. Think of that signature scale on faucets and dishes, or that slimy feeling when you wash your hands. Yeah, that film can seriously weigh down your curls + coils, block products + salon services from working properly...yikes.

That’s not all, metal + mineral ions end up inside the hair fibers, causing relaxers, perms, and other chemical services to go awry. And I’m talking major hair breakage, discoloration, and even smoking foils. Uh oh.

refresh curls + coils

Since fighting elements on the periodic table is hard enough, how do you spot the signs of metal + mineral buildup on hair? I’m glad you asked. Understanding what’s weighing down your crown can help bring that bounce back! Check out the signs of metal + mineral buildup I look for on my clients, and my tips to refreshing curls–coils.