Condition: Hard Water
Over 85% of the population in the U.S., according to the Water Quality Association, are bathing with hard water. While hard water is fine for drinking, it can cause many problems for your hair, scalp and skin.
These problems include:
- Hair feels dry
- Hair is resistant to color or perming
- Dandruff or eczema of the scalp
- Dry, flaky skin
- Thinning hair
- Colors fading too quickly
- Perms appearing to fall out
- Discoloration or darkening of hair
- Hair lacks body and shine
HOW YOUR WATER AFFECTS YOUR HAIR
The water you use to wash your hair, scalp, and skin comes from one of two sources:
- Ground Water
- Surface Water
Ground Water
If your water comes from the ground, it is either from your own well or from the local treatment plant that derives the water from wells pumping water from the ground. The source of ground water is from rain passing through aquifers, which are layers of minerals. The acidity (pH below 7) of the rain increases the dissolving effect of minerals. These dissolved solids are found in the water when pumped above the ground and used to bathe.
Surface Water
If your water comes from the treatment plant which derives the water from a surface source, the water is coming from either a river or a lake. Surface water usually contains less minerals because the water has not filtered down through the mineral layers. However, increasing populations are polluting the water causing additional bacteria growth. As a result, the treatment plants must add more chlorine to kill bacteria and then add lime (a calcium compound) to help control the chlorine levels.
Water hardness is determined by the level of calcium that is in the water either found naturally from the ground or put into the water by the treatment plant.
While calcium is the element that determines hardness of water, there are many other elements in the water that effect the texture, volume, shine, control and health of hair.
What are the minerals that effect hair?
- Calcium
- Iron
- Copper
- Magnesium
- Silica
- Lead
What other elements effect hair?
- Chlorine -a harsh oxidizer added to the water to kill bacteria also adversely effects hair.
How do minerals and chlorine attach to the hair?
Our hair, scalp and skin have an electrical charge and that charge is negative. Minerals and oxidizers are charged positive. When a positively charged mineral comes in contact with our hair, scalp, or skin, it attaches on like a magnet.

How do hard water minerals and chlorine effect hair?
Calcium - If your source for water is a well, then more than likely you have calcium in your water. If your source for water is coming from a treatment plant, calcium may have been added to your water. Calcium is the mineral that determines hardness of water.
How calcium effects hair:
- Calcium leaves the hair feeling dry and weighted down. It can even cause a perm to appear relaxed.
- Calcium builds up on the scalp causing flaking of the scalp, giving the appearance of dandruff.
- Calcium can choke the hair at the mouth of the follicle causing the hair to break off, then coating the scalp, blocking further new hair growth.
Iron - Iron is found in ground water from domestic wells and wells used by treatment plants as the source for local water.
How iron effects hair:
- Iron leaves the hair feeling dry, brittle and weighted down.
- Iron can cause dark hair to tint darker and blonde hair to turn orange.
- Iron can block perms and color from properly processing.
Copper - Copper originates in water in three ways:
- It comes from the ground and is pumped into the water from a well.
- Particles of copper can come from copper piping. The corrosion caused by hard water lifts the copper particles off the pipes and deposits them into the water.
- Copper sulfates are added to swimming pools to control the growth of algae. Copper is often added to lakes (that are a source of drinking water) in the summer to kill algae.
How copper effects hair:
- Copper discolors hair causing blonde hair to turn green and dark hair to tint darker.
- Copper can weigh hair down and cause dryness.
- Copper can inhibit the proper processing of perms, color and relaxers.
Magnesium - Usually found wherever calcium comes naturally from the ground, magnesium is abundant in the soil and is very much a part of the mineral complex associated with hard water.
How magnesium effects hair:
- Magnesium causes hair to feel dry.
- Magnesium causes hair to appear weighted down.
- Magnesium can inhibit the proper processing of perms, color and relaxers.
- Magnesium causes hair to lack shine.
Silica - Silica is a sand-like substance found in desert or volcanic areas. It is usually bound to calcium or magnesium and forms very hard, virtually insoluble deposits.
How silica effects hair:
Silica causes many of the same effects on the hair as calcium.
- Silica causes hair to feel dry.
- Silica weighes hair down.
- Silica can cause dandruff-like symptoms of flaking.
- Build up of silica can choke the hair follicle causing hair to fall out.
Lead - Lead acetate is used in certain home remedy gray hair cover-ups.
How lead effects hair:
- Lead can cause the hair to feel dry.
- Lead can prevent the proper processing of perms, color, and relaxers.
Chlorine - unlike the other elements listed above, chlorine is not a mineral but an oxidizer. Chlorine is put into drinking water and swimming pools to kill bacteria. In addition to the following effects chlorine has on hair, due to it's oxidizing effects, chlorine also oxidizes minerals onto the hair causing worse effects of those minerals.
How chlorine effects hair:
- Active chlorine in the hair can cause hair to feel gummy when wet and straw-like when dry.
- Chlorine can damage the cuticle and proteins of the hair.
- As an oxidizer, chlorine can cause the air and sun to oxidize hair and worsen the conditions listed above.
- Chlorine can cause hair to feel dry.
- Chlorine can cause hair to become brittle.
- Chlorine can cause hair to lack shine.
Wellness Solution
Our wellness approach uses nature's own Vitamin C and Vitamin E for hair exposed to hard water to:
- Remove build up of minerals and oxidizers that can cause adverse affects on hair.
- Prevent dryness caused by minerals and chlorine.
- Restore shine, moisture and manageability to hair.
- Remove discoloration caused by iron or copper.
- Unclog calcium from hair follicle that can cause dry, flaky scalp tissue.
- Help prevent further build up of minerals and oxidizers.
- Ensure the proper processing of color, perms, & relaxers.
The Malibu Wellness Solution
Hard Water Natural Wellness Treatment
Price: $42.00




Apply Malibu Miracle Repair following Hard Water Wellness Active for hair that is damaged (over-oxidized) tangled or breaking.
I used the Malibu C Hard Water Weekly Demineralizer and it helped remove the dull appearance from my blonde highlights, due to city water.
Amy O.
Chaska, MN
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I did the Malibu MakeOver. Made my hair feel so much better! Love it! I'll be using the Malibu weekly treatments, too!
Barbara M.
Fantastic Sams
Louisville, KY
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I recently started using the Malibu C Well Water Action Shampoo and I can definitely tell a difference in my hair from other shampoos I've tried. I love it
Crystal L.
Somerset, PA
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After using the Making Water Well Kit for the first time my hair color was vibrant and my hair was incredibly shiny! I couldn't believe how good it looked! Before my hair was dull and losing color fast, but not anymore!
Jamie F.
Manchester, PA
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After moving into a house with well water, my blonde hair almost immediately seemed different. It was dry and brassy. After one treatment of Malibu C Hard Water Weekly Demineralizer it immediately felt softer and the color is no longer brassy. I'm definitely glad I discovered Malibu C! I can't wait to try other Malibu C products!
Anna F.
Evansville, IN
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I have been using your Well Water Action Shampoo and Conditioner and Volumizing Thick-In for about two years now. Our water here is some of the hardest in the country! And I have fine, limp hair. Or at least I used to. I can't tell you how many people ask me what products I use because of the shine and health of my hair. That is a new experience for me. Thanks for such fabulous products that are affordable and not just hype.
Marilyn S.
Lubbock, TX
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We have such hard water where we live. The Hard Water Weekly Demineralizer packets work so awesome! You only have to use it once a week, which is great. I also use the Well Water Action Shampoo and Conditioner.
Emily C.
Kingsland, GA
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My hair stylist recommended the Malibu treatment and I am so thankful. I have thick, natural blonde hair that after a few months is heavy with shampoo and water deposit residue. The Malibu treatment brightens up my hair and it feels truly clean and not so heavy. It is a very affordable treatment and only takes about 40 minutes in the salon.
Kim W.
Geneva, IL
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I used the Hard Water remedy, and it left my hair feeling soft as ever. It also took out discoloration that mineral buildup had put in it, leaving it the truest it's been in a while. Thank you!
Hailey B.
Saint Petersburg, FL
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I started using the Well Water Action Shampoo and Conditioner on my very dry hair. It is now soft, manageable and not dry. I am very pleased with the results. I will be purchasing more.
Allie H.
Waynesville, MO
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Thank you for the great "hair helpers!!" My hair is blonde and our very hard water was turning it an awful dark orange color. I have been using your Well Water Action products and am happy with the results! Finally, help for my hair! Thanks again!!!
Kristie P.
Onamia, MN
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I have curly hair that has never felt so light and now curls so effortlessly. I have never had such easy to care for hair before. I am absolutely amazed at the results. Every day is a good hair day now. I will never use anything else on my hair ever again. Thank you for WONDERFUL products!
Heather W.
Austin, TX
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I love the Hard Water Weekly Demineralizer. For ten years I have fought the iron in my well water and this is the first product to remove it from my blonde hair. Thank you so much!
Sandy G.
Oil City, LA
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I just purchased the Malibu C Well Water Action products and my scalp is noticeably more comfortable after just one use!!! I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that you put gluten-free on the label. Thank you!
Patty P.
Sterling, MA
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My hair was in horrible shape! My stylist recommended I have a Malibu treatment before my next color. I did and am extremely happy with the results! My hair is now shiny and healthy! I will definitely recommend this treatment for anyone who has hard water at home.
Deborah M.
Saunderstown, RI
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The stylist at the salon did a Malibu C treatment and told me about the Malibu C Well Water Action Shampoo and Conditioner. I love the product. I feel like I have my hair back! I feel so much better about myself. It really helped me lift up my spirit when I needed it most. Thank you for this product. I will never use anything else.
Melanie L.
Dover, NH
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I use Hard Water and Blondes treatments on alternate weeks and they are awesome! Before my hair would turn green from the water but not anymore since using these treatments!
Janice L.
Sedro Woolley, WA
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A few months ago I submitted a positive comment about Malibu C Well Water Shampoo and Conditioner. As a thank you, you sent me Gelotion. I have been using it as my only styling product since you sent it. I am completely amazed that just one styling product can make my curly hair so defined without any crunch or heavy feel. I am sold on the Gelotion and have thrown out all my other styling products. I love needing to use only one product on my hair! It's incredible! Thank you!
Heather W.
Austin, TX
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I love your Well Water Action Shampoo! I love the smell and the lasting results I get from styling my hair. Thanks for such a great product!
Norda B.
Mesa, AZ
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We just started using the Crystal Gel treatment and it's outstanding! I've used it on my own hair and couldn't be happier with the shine and overall improved condition of my hair. My clients are lining up...I love it! Thanks!
Renata Welch
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
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I recently moved into a new house with well water. My gorgeous and bright blonde hair turned dark and dingy with a brassy tint. I tried Malibu C Hard Water treatment along with the Malibu C shampoo and conditioner for hard water and my hair was noticeably more blonde the next day! Awesome results!
Stephanie S.
Chester, VA
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I don't think I can live without using the Hard Water treatments and Miracle Repair on my hair. These products make miracles on my hair! Thank you Malibu C for offering such great hair miracles!
Leonice B.
Bentonville, AR
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I tried your Malibu Making Water Well products today and already my hair feels stronger, looks cleaner, the static is gone, and my color became lighter and brighter...Thanks Malibu Wellness; you made my hair feel and look great!
Annamarie C.
Logansport, IN
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My clients all LOVE their Malibu MakeOvers! We can certainly tell when it is time for another one, THAT is for sure!
Wendi Whitney-Smith
Avalon Salon
Paso Robles, CA
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I moved to California from New York City and my hair had all this buildup in it. It felt like I had washed it with conditioner. I am using the Hard Water Weekly Demineralizer which is great!
Christina A.
Pacific Palisades, CA
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I couldn't find anything over the counter for hard water. I ordered Malibu C Well Water Action Shampoo and I LOVE IT! I squeezed out every drop - it works great! THANK YOU!
Becky J.
Tigard, OR
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My Malibu MakeOver experience was amazing!
Anna B.
El Segundo, CA
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...she treats my hair with the Malibu treatment to remove the minerals that build up on my hair due to extremely hard water we have here in Illinois. It never ceases to amaze me! No matter what, I always leave with soft, healthy hair that is always at least two shades lighter once the dull minerals are removed! Thank you Malibu C!
H.S.
Mount Carroll, IL
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The Hard Water Weekly Demineralizer was used on my hair, and the color is now so beautiful and it is so shiny. Also, after the treatment the comb just slid through my hair and it usually takes leave-in conditioner to comb it. We blew it dry and did not put ANY product on it and it is just wonderful! I can't keep my hands out of it!
Nancy Canterbury
Fantastic Sams
Sanford, NC
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My hairdresser ordered me the Hard Water Weekly Demineralizer and the results have been beyond my expectations! I just love it! It makes my hair 3-4 shades lighter and it feels normal again. Thank you so much for the products you offer.
Carol W.
Gloucester, MA
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I use the Malibu C Hard Water Weekly Demineralizer and Blondes Weekly Brightener. I love them both! The Demineralizer makes my hair so soft and shiny. The Blondes Weekly Brightener really brought my highlights back!
Karen M.
Tucson, AZ
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I am using the Malibu C Making Water Well Kit and the Sensitive & Problematic Skin Kit and they have transformed my hair and skin.
Lindsey S.
Mobile, AL
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What a wonderful product! I could tell a difference the first time I tried your Malibu C Well Water Action Shampoo and Conditioner. My hair holds its color better and is so much easier to style. Thank you!
Teresa M.
Cedar, MN
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I have hard water and my blonde highlights turn red/orange after a month or so of washing my hair. I have the monthly Malibu treatment for hard water done with great results. It washes out the orange and leaves the blonde looking like I just had my highlights done. Great product!
Liz C.
Meadville, PA
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I love the results of the Crystal Gel treatment on hard water clients. I am also incorporating the other wellness treatments into every service now so all my clients will benefit from Malibu C.
Vicki B.
Bailie and Company The Salon
Glyndon, MN
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Malibu Wellness products are amazing! ...after only two weeks my hair is back to normal and actually..better than normal!
Lynn M.
Austin, TX
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We were recently introduced to Malibu and we have seen some things that even we as stylists couldn't believe. We love that Malibu has been added to our arsenal to combat minerals and chlorine. I knew these affected the hair but I was unaware of how much of an impact it had on our clients' chemical services!
Sonya L.
Fantastic Sam's
Cary, NC
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I use the Malibu C Hard Water Wellness System kit. The very first time I used it I was shocked at how good my hair looked and felt...My hair was lighter, smoother and no more frizz!
Shirley P.
Richlands, NC
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My husband and I recently bought a house in the country - full of peace, nature, quiet and... hard well water. Even after installing a water softener the effects of hard water on my hair left it limp, dry and horrible looking. But after just one use of the Hard Water Wellness Shampoo and Hard Water demineralizing treatment, my hair was restored to its original bounce! I am hooked on Malibu C Hard Water products and will continue to use them for great hair!
Ruthie S.
Lowell, MI
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...after using the Hard Water treatment, my hair was actually the color I was expecting and my hair has movement like it hasn't had in years!
Jocasta S.
Details Salon & Spa
Boone, IA
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After years of switching products and puzzled by my lackluster results, I was amazed to learn that all this time my hair was suffering mineral buildup obscuring my naturally lighter, bouncier locks!
Danyelle H.
Mercersburg, PA
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I use the Malibu MakeOver on everyone! Here in West Texas, we have very hard water. The Making Water Well Kit is so wonderful. I can tell the difference in my hair immediately after use and it smells great! I recently colored my hair blonde and the Blondes Weekly Brightener keeps my hair shiny and bright! I can't wait to use the Swimmers Wellness Kit this summer!
Stevie H.
Midland College
Midland, TX
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We have an underground spring that contains iron. I have used and enjoy your Well Water shampoo for years. It takes my dull reddish blonde hair back to a vibrant color, as if I just had my hair done! Love it so much! Thank you!
Sheila K.
Bessemer, AL
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I love the well water (hard water) shampoo and conditioner. They seem to keep my hair from turning so brassy. I also use the Hard Water treatments to give it more of a color boost and make my hair smoother by taking the minerals out.
Holly F.
Fond du Lac, WI
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