The 13 Best Shampoos for Hard Water of 2023

Best Overall

Malibu C Hard Water Wellness Shampoo

4.7

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Mark DeBolt, celebrity colorist and co-founder of Mark Ryan Salon, counts this shampoo as the best product in the world for hair affected by hard water—and we’d have to agree. By simultaneously removing the waterborne minerals that damage and discolor your hair and depositing strengthening proteins and essential moisture, this formula takes a two-pronged approach to getting your hair into tip-top shape, making it the true standout of this list.

What’s more, the gentle, sulfate-free formula also contains antioxidants to protect hair from environmental damage such as UV rays, and pollutants. And while you can buy the sudser solo, there’s also a set that comes with an accompanying conditioner and more intense treatments. It’s also a favorite of Shelly Aguirre, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. She points out that she finds it works especially well for those who have chlorine build-up on their hair and says she loves the brand’s in-salon clarifying treatment as well.

We didn't experience any issues, but some reviewers online mention their white hair turning yellow after use. While the jury's still out on whether or not the shampoo or the hard water itself is to blame, it's something to keep in mind.

Price at time of publish: $38

Hair Type: Dry | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Orange sorbet blended with malibu fusion | Size: 33.8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Budget

GIRL+HAIR CLEAR+ Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Rinse

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When it comes to natural ingredients that can make a big impact on your hair, apple cider vinegar (aka ACV) reigns supreme. It’s a top pick for removing all kinds of build-up from your hair. Sure, you could go the DIY route and create your own vinegar rinse, but this wallet-friendly option is a much easier alternative. Use it in place of your regular shampoo a few times per week; organic apple cider vinegar gets rid of build-up from your hair and scalp without leaving either feeling dry or stripped.

Price at time of publish: $14

Hair Type: Chemically treated hair, wavy, curly, coiled, textured hair, relaxed hair | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Apple | Size: 10.1 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Splurge

Oribe The Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo

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Some clarifying shampoos can have a bit of a clinical or medicinal feel to them, but that’s certainly not the case here. With a whipped, mousse-like texture and a sophisticated scent, this feels more like a fancy spa shampoo than a heavy-hitting hair purifier. Still, it does just that, using volcanic ash which, “polishes away dirt, oil, and product build-up,” says Aguirre of another one of her favorites. “Follow-up with a good conditioner and your hair will feel like new again,” she adds.

We don't mind it too much, but some may not like the scent. It's not loaded with added fragrances (which is a good thing), so it can smell somewhat scientific and kind of bland.

Price at time of publish: $49

Hair Type: Oily | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Cote d'Azur | Size: 7.1 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Purifying

Ion Purifying Solutions Hard Water Shampoo

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The name does say it all. Not only does this shampoo help to remove minerals (both from hard water and well water), it also helps prevent them from building up in the future. It adds shine and moisture, too, not to mention is safe for color-treated hair and is even gentle enough to use daily, not always the case for clarifying formulas. Happy reviewers also point out that they notice how much lighter and better their hair feels even after just one use. It doesn't have much of a scent, though, so those that prefer a potent smell might not be huge fans, but those with allergies to fragrance will especially like this one.

Price at time of publish: $19

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: None | Size: 10.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Color-Treated Hair

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo

4.8

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Generally speaking, any chelating or clarifying shampoo has the potential to strip color, but this pick is not only color-safe, but it also removes build-up from product, pollution, and hard water to keep your hue extra vibrant and shiny. Also cool: It comes with a hard water test strip, so you can see if you do have hard water. (Oh, and if you do—and have the time, of course—it’s best to leave this on for a minute or two before rinsing.)

Price at time of publish: $32

Hair Type: Chemically treated | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Citrus | Size: 5.4 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Itchy Scalps

Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo

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Along with causing hair issues, hard water can lead to a stressed-out scalp. More specifically, iron in the water can dry out the scalp and lead to flaking, explains Aguirre. Counteract it with this clarifying shampoo that deep cleans while also relieving dandruff and itchiness by balancing the pH of your scalp and using rosemary oil, ginger, and menthol to soothe irritation. This formula does contain sulfates, however we don't think it's the end of the world–if you're trying to avoid 'em, just skip this one.

Price at time of publish: $34

Hair Type: Balanced | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Rosemary | Size: 8.4 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Detoxing

Ouai Detox Shampoo

4.2

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This option feels completely spa-like and simple—but we promise it doesn't mess around. It foams nicely into a luscious lather and impresses with its hard-hitting clarifying duties. The formula contains chelating agents (that remove hard water deposits), apple cider vinegar (to gently remove build-up), plus hydrolyzed keratin (to soften your hair). FYI, for the best results, let it sit on your hair for 1 to 3 minutes before rinsing.

Price at time of publish: $30

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Ouai’s melrose place scent | Size: 10 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Curly Hair

Pattern Beauty Cleansing Shampoo

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As any curly girl will tell you, curly hair calls for a different product protocol than straight hair, and that is the case when it comes to removing build-up, too. This formula uses matcha green tea, aloe vera, and panthenol to get rid of residue, leaving your curls soft, smooth, and silky. Because it has such nourishing ingredients, some have noticed a filmy residue left behind after rinsing. Combat this by rinsing extra well and following up with another shampoo if need be.

Price at time of publish: $20

Hair Type: Low porosity | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Green tea | Size: 7.8 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Pre-Shampoo

Color Wow Dream Filter Pre-Shampoo Mineral Remover

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While this technically may not be a shampoo, it most definitely earns a spot on this list thanks to its efficacy and how easy it is to use. Just spray it on all over your hair and leave it on for a minute or two before washing as normal; four different filters go to town removing even the slightest trace of damaging minerals. Still, it’s so gentle that you can even use it daily if needed, and while it works on all hair types and colors, it’s especially choice for lighter blonde or gray shades, which are more prone to mineral discoloration.

Price at time of publish: $24

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: No | Scent: Fragrance-free | Size: 6.7 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Scent

R+Co Oblivion Clarifying Shampoo

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If you’re anything like us, a shampoo can be utterly amazing, but if it doesn’t smell good, you’re not going to use it. This smells clean, crisp, and fresh, exactly how we want our hair to smell. But it gets the cleansing job done, too, using rosemary leaf extract, tea tree oil, and witch hazel to break down gunk left behind from hard water, styling products, or both. If we could change one thing, it would be to make a bigger bottle available.

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Earthy | Size: 6 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Micellar

Kristin Ess Scalp Purifying Micellar Shampoo

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Micellar waters are all the range in skincare—micelles are small molecules that act like magnets, attaching to and whisking away dirt, oil, and other grime. Here, they do just that, gently washing away impurities and keeping your scalp hydrated (because, FYI, healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp). The pointed tip makes it easy to deposit the shampoo directly onto your scalp, and we also love how nicely it lathers. Keep in mind that it's not super hydrating, so it's best to follow up with a creamy conditioner.

Price at time of publish: $15

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Fresh | Size: 10 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Balancing

Briogeo Superfoods Mango + Cherry Balancing Shampoo

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This juice-inspired formula from Briogeo is nutrient-rich and packed with vitamins and minerals to support healthy hair and scalp. Papaya enzyme, which is known to help balance oil production, takes center stage in addition to mango extract and cherry extract to help protect against free-radicals and promote overall hair health. You can expect your hair to feel and look healthy and strong (and smell incredibly fruity, too).

Price at time of publish: $30

Hair Type: All | Sulfate-Free: Yes | Scent: Fruity | Size: 12.5 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes