Amsterdam has relatively hard water. That means the water has a high content of lime (calcium and magnesium). For most purposes you barely notice, but for your hair it can make a difference, especially when using a shampoo bar.
What hard water does to your hair
Lime particles in hard water settle on the hair shaft. On dark hair this is visible as a light haze or dullness. On all hair types it can make the hair feel rougher and reduce shine. With soap-based shampoo bars (pH 9-10) this problem is greater: the high pH combines with lime in the water and forms a waxy layer on the hair. That is the notorious rough phase that puts people off shampoo bars.
Why Nature Bar shampoo bars do not have this problem
Nature Bar shampoo bars are not soap-based but pH 5.5. They contain Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, a plant-based conditioning agent that actively prevents lime build-up. The combination of low pH and this conditioning agent makes them suitable even in hard water.
No transition period, no waxy layer, no rough hair. Even in Amsterdam.
Tips if your hair still feels rough
Apple cider vinegar rinse — one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar per litre of water. Pour through the hair after washing and do not rinse out. Apple cider vinegar has a low pH that dissolves lime particles and closes the hair cuticles.
Cold water rinse — finish your shower with cold water over your hair. Cold water closes the hair cuticles and helps lime particles adhere less easily.
Shower filter — a shower filter that removes lime from the water is an investment that makes a noticeable difference, not only for your hair but also for your skin.
Which shampoo bar for hard water?
All three Nature Bar shampoo bars are suitable for hard water thanks to pH 5.5 and the plant-based conditioning agent. For extra protection in very hard water the Shampoo Bar Nourish & Restore is the best choice.
Frequently asked questions
Does a shampoo bar work in hard water?
The pH 5.5 shampoo bars from Nature Bar also work well in hard water. They contain a plant-based conditioning agent that prevents lime build-up. Soap-based shampoo bars (pH 9-10) struggle much more with hard water.
How do you remove lime build-up from your hair?
A diluted apple cider vinegar rinse: one tablespoon per litre of water, through the hair and not rinsed out. Dissolves lime build-up and closes the hair cuticles for more shine.
Is the water in Amsterdam hard?
Yes, relatively hard. Amsterdam uses water from the Rhine filtered through the dunes. It contains more lime than soft water from other regions. A shower filter or regular apple cider vinegar rinse helps if you notice your hair feels rough.
