The Science of Blackheath Water: Is Your Shower Ruining Your Hair?

Living in our beautiful corner of South East London has many perks, but if you’ve noticed your hair feels dry, looks dull, or your salon-fresh colour is fading too fast, the culprit is likely hiding in your bathroom.

London’s water is famously “hard,” and at Blackheath Hair, we see the effects of it every single day. Here’s the science behind what’s happening to your hair and how we use Redken’s advanced technology to fix it.

What is Hard Water Doing to Your Hair?

London’s water is packed with high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, along with trace metals like copper from old pipes. Every time you wash, these minerals act like a “scaly” film on your hair:

• The Mineral Blockade: This film prevents moisture and conditioners from actually entering the hair, leaving it feeling stiff and straw-like.
• Colour Sabotage: Metals react with your hair dye, causing blondes to turn brassy or “greenish” and brunettes to look muddy and dull.
• The pH Problem: Hard water has a high (alkaline) pH. This forces the hair cuticle to stay open, leading to tangles, frizz, and breakage.

The Redken Reset: Your Secret Weapon

Because we stock Redken, we have access to specific professional formulas designed to combat these exact issues. Here is how we “reset” your hair in the salon:

1. The Acidic Bonding Concentrate (ABC) Treatment

This is our #1 recommendation for Londoners. Redken’s ABC range is specifically formulated with an acidic pH to balance the hair after it’s been stressed by hard water. It seals the cuticle shut, locking in moisture and keeping mineral deposits out.

2. Deep Cleansing & Toning

We use Redken’s specialised cleansing formulas to “chelate” the hair, which is a fancy way of saying we magnetically lift those heavy metals off the hair fibre without stripping away your natural oils.

Your At-Home Defence Strategy

To keep your hair soft between salon visits, we recommend these Redken essentials available right here at the salon:

• Redken Hair Cleansing Cream: A powerhouse clarifying shampoo. Use it once a week to wash away the mineral “build-up” that your daily shampoo might miss. It leaves the hair incredibly clean and ready to soak up your conditioner.
• Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment: Use this pre-shampoo treatment at home to reinforce weakened bonds and provide a protective barrier against the next time you jump in the shower.
• One United Multi-Benefit Spray: A cult favourite! Spray this on damp hair to help detangle and provide a lightweight protective layer that smooths the cuticle.

Don’t Let the Water Win

You shouldn’t have to choose between living in Blackheath and having great hair. Next time you’re in the chair, ask your stylist for a “Hard Water Detox” using our Redken professional range.

Ready to see the difference?

Book at www.blackheathhair.co.uk or call us 0208 318 4043 to chat about a Redken prescription for your hair type!

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Choose Blackheath Hair & Co!

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