Hard Water & Curls: Chelating vs Clarifying — Field Notes #2
Hard Water & Curls: Chelating vs Clarifying — Field Notes #2. Here’s a field-tested path you can run for two or three wash days, then decide.
The core idea: fewer, better steps. Cleanse the scalp well, condition until slip, style on soaking-wet hair, then hands-off until dry.
Steps
- Detangle with water + conditioner in sections
- Layer gel/foam; rake then scrunch
- Dry hands-off; break the cast only when fully dry
- Soak thoroughly before applying anything
Toolkit
- Microfiber towel or T-shirt
- Chelating/clarifying shampoo (as needed)
- Deep conditioner/mask (monthly)
- Hard-hold gel or mousse for humidity
- Wide-tooth comb or flexible brush
“Balance humectants with film-formers when dew points rise.”
Example
For high humidity: leave-in + hard-hold gel, then hover-diffuse to 60% and finish with cup-and-hold. Don’t break the cast early.
Execution angle: one tweak at a time for 2–3 wash days; track results briefly so patterns become obvious.
Common Mistakes
- Applying stylers on nearly-dry hair
- Touching hair before fully dry
- Over-cleansing or never clarifying
FAQ
Do I need protein weekly? Only if hair feels overly soft/stretchy; otherwise rotate monthly.
How often to clarify? When hair looks dull/limp or after heavy products/hard water exposure.
Technique + timing beat brand lists. Focus there, then pick products that support the method.
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