Amy is the epitome of a girl obsessed with hair. She likes to whip her hair back and forth. Apart from that she is a qualified hair dresser with 8+ years of experience in hair dressing. She knows the right product for your hair and will not stop until you find what you are looking for to solve your hair problems!
Before you start searching for “how to fix soft water”, you might want to take a look at my list of the best shampoo for soft water areas to keep your hair cleansed and voluminous.
A lot of us have heard about the effects of hard water on our hair. But did you know that soft water can be equally problematic for your tresses?
Unless you’re using the best shampoo for soft water, it can leave your hair feeling greasy and dull.
How to know if your tresses hate soft water?
Do you feel your hair going limp as the day goes on? Does it feel too soft to hold any hairstyle for a longer time?
Top Shampoo For Soft Water In 2023
Best Shampoo For Soft Water | Best For | Chief Ingredients |
Fekkai Apple Cider Shampoo | Color-Treated Hair | French Cold Pressed Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar |
Maple Organics Degrease Shampoo | Dull, Limp Hair | Jojoba Oil, Peach Kernel Oil, Lemon Essential Oil |
Redken Hair Cleansing Cream | Soft Water And Hard Water | Sugarcane Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Green Tea Extract, Lemon Peel Extract |
Voluminous Sea Salt Shampoo | Volumizing Limp Hair | Camellia Seed Oil, Dead Sea Salt, Sage, Nettle, and Rosemary Extract |
Honeydew Lemon Sage Oily Hair Shampoo | Dandruff Prone Scalp | Jojoba Oil, Sage Extract, Tea Tree Oil |
Ethique Shampoo Bar Oily Hair | Oily Scalp | Cocoa Butter, Olive Oil, Lime Essential Oil, Orange Essential Oil |
Tree To Tub Soapberry For Hair Shampoo | Sensitive Scalp | Biotin, Caffeine, Soapberry, Tea Tree Oil |
WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo | Hair Loss | Apple Cider Vinegar, Saw Palmetto Extract, Argan Oil, Biotin |
TRU Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo | Curly Hair | Argan Oil, Aloe Vera, Avocado Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Linseed Seed Oil |
How to choose the best shampoo for soft water?
Shampooing your hair is an important part of a healthy hair routine but choosing the right shampoo for areas with soft water can be challenging. There are a few key factors to consider when selecting a shampoo for soft water to help you make the best choice for your hair.
The first factor you should consider is what type of hair you have. Different hair types require different types of shampoos, and selecting the wrong shampoo can cause your hair to become dry and brittle. If you have oily hair, you should look for a shampoo that is designed to combat grease.
On the other hand, if you have dry hair, select a shampoo with a nourishing formula that won’t strip your hair of its natural oils.
The next factor you should think about is the type of water you are using. Soft water is usually low in minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can leave your hair feeling limp and lifeless.
To make sure that your hair gets all of the cleansing power it needs, select a shampoo specifically formulated for soft water. You should also be aware that some hard water shampoos — although suitable for soft water areas — can still cause build-up on your hair. In this case, it is best to choose a shampoo with a chelating agent to help get rid of mineral buildup.
In addition to the type of water, you should also be aware of the types of products you are putting on or near your hair. Select a shampoo that does not contain a lot of heavy ingredients like salts and sulfates.
You should also be on the lookout for harsh ammonias, parabens, sulfates, and other drying agents. Many shampoos on the market contain these types of ingredients, so read the labels of any products you purchase carefully.
Natural ingredients are also a factor to consider when choosing a shampoo for soft water areas. Look for organic and natural ingredients like aloe vera, lavender, and Argan oil, which are all great sources of moisture.
Also look out for ingredients that can add volume and shine — things like honey and apple cider vinegar will give your hair a healthy boost without causing any damage.
Finally, you should also consider the cost of the shampoo you choose. Some of the best shampoos for soft water areas are pricier than their hard water counterparts, but if it will get the job done, it may be worth the investment.
By keeping these factors in mind when selecting shampoos for soft water areas, you should be able to find a product that is perfect for your hair type, your water type, and your budget. You will know you are making the best choice for your hair when your hair looks healthier, shinier, and more vibrant than ever before.
How do you wash your hair with soft water?
If you’re using soft water, we suggest using a clarifying shampoo that adds volume and removes excess greasiness.
Soft water, when compared to harsh, mineral-rich hard water, is actually better for your hair. It penetrates the shaft better and leaves hair softer and shinier.
But if you’ve got oily hair issues, it can make things worse. It also provides a rich lather, even when you take a small amount of product.
Some people might not wash their hair properly because of this, causing more greasiness.
When washing your hair with soft water, you can try rinsing your hair twice.
First using a conditioner with lighter ingredients that do not weigh your hair down, and of course, using the best shampoo for soft water.
What is a disadvantage of soft water?
Soft water is thought to benefit your hair (at least compared to hard water).
Since it doesn’t contain any calcium or magnesium ions, it doesn’t dry out your hair much.
People with dry hair and skin actually love soft water as it helps retain moisture.
But too much of something can be a bad thing too.
And after using soft water, hair can get too greasy and limp, especially if you’ve already got an oily scalp. These can lead to several other issues like:
- Limp, lifeless strands
- Lack of volume
- Dandruff due to excess oiliness
- Difficulty in styling and shaping hair
- Excess product build-up
But all these issues can be easily solved by using the best shampoo for soft water
Does soft water ruin hair color?
Soft water doesn’t strip your hair of natural oils, and this can cause oily hair to worsen. But that’s about it.
Here are things that are not a result of soft water – hair loss, color stripping, dryness.
In fact, soft water can save your hair color by making your shampoo lather well.
So you don’t have to wash it multiple times.
Why does hair feel so slipper after washing with soft water?
Soft water contains a lot of sodium and potassium ions.
These ions help the soap to mix better with the water, causing it to lather more.
Sometimes, if a person is used to hard water, they might take a lot more shampoo than required.
This can lead to your hair feeling a bit soapy after rinsing. Also, soft water, unlike hard water, doesn’t dry out the skin.
So the soapy feeling might also just be your hair or skin’s natural hydration.
Fekkai Apple Cider Shampoo
Best Clarifying Shampoo For Soft Water

I recently tried out Fekkai Apple Cider Shampoo and I have to say, I was impressed! It has become one of my absolute favorites, especially since I live in a soft water area. The first time I used this shampoo, I noticed a difference right away. My hair felt cleaner and softer than ever before.
Not only did I love the way it made my hair feel, I also fell in love with the smell. Fekkai Apple Cider Shampoo has a delightful scent that is both fresh and fruity; there is a hint of apple with a light sweetness to it. I love how the scent lingers in my hair for days after I wash it. It’s a nice pick-me-up in the morning!
When it comes to the ingredients, Fekkai Apple Cider Shampoo is full of natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar and green tea extract. Not only does this help nourish and moisturize my hair, but it also helps balance my scalp’s pH level. This is really important for anyone with soft water because it helps keep my scalp healthy and prevents any buildup of chlorine or minerals.
The formula of Fekkai Apple Cider Shampoo is also quite gentle, which I especially appreciate since I have highlights and color-treated hair. It removes dirt and buildup without stripping my hair’s natural oils. My hair remains soft and hydrated.
Overall, I’d highly recommend Fekkai Apple Cider Shampoo for anyone living in a soft water area. It has the perfect balance of nourishing ingredients, a delicious smell, and an ultra-gentle formula. After using this product for a few weeks now, I am very pleased with the results.
Pros:
- Sulfate-free, so suitable for colored hair
- Apple cider in the shampoo helps clarify gently
- Lovely green apple scent
Cons:
- None
Maple Organics Degrease Shampoo
Best Natural Shampoo For Soft Water

After testing out a number of shampoos for areas with soft water, I’m excited to report that I have found the perfect one for me: the Maple Organics Degrease Shampoo. This shampoo has changed my hair for the better and I’m so thrilled I made the switch.
When it comes to the formula of this shampoo, it’s something I’d consider the perfect balance. It glides on my hair without being greasy and it never leaves my locks feeling stripped or brittle. It manages to degrease without being overly drying, while also nourishing my hair with its castor oil, which helps tame frizz and add shine.
Along with being a great degreaser, this shampoo has an irresistible scent. It has a subtle, citrusy aroma that fills my bathroom every time I lather it in, and it’s so delightful that I look forward to shower sessions.
Thanks to this shampoo, my hair looks and feels much healthier than when I used conventional shampoo. It now feels incredibly soft, has more volume and a shinier appearance after a few months of using it. Most impressively though, it lasts me almost twice as long as any other shampoo I’ve tried before.
In conclusion, I’m in love with the Maple Organics Degrease Shampoo. Its pH-balanced formula is ideal for the soft water areas, and it’s made a huge difference to the health and look of my hair. Plus, it has a great scent and a great price point too. If you live in an area with soft water, I’d highly recommend giving this shampoo a try!
Pros:
- pH balanced formula good for sensitive scalp
- Shampoo is sulfate-free and gentle on colored hiar
- The argan oil helps nourish while cleaning it
Cons:
- None
Redken Hair Cleansing Cream
Best Shampoo For Soft Water And Hard Water

When it comes to finding the best shampoo for soft water areas, Redken Hair Cleansing Cream is certainly a leading contender.
As someone who lives in an area with soft water and high levels of humidity, I have struggled to find a shampoo that works. Until I discovered this one.
From the first use, I could feel the difference. My hair felt softer and more nourished after just one wash. What stood out to me the most was how quickly the shampoo lathers, lathering up quickly and evenly every time. This allows me to be able to rinse my hair quickly.
This is great for my constantly busy days as I don’t need to spend a long time washing and rinsing.
In terms of scent, the Redken Hair Cleansing Cream has a pleasant citrus scent that is not too overpowering. I find the scent lasts for a couple of days and does not irritate my skin. Whilst I do not need the extra conditioning provided in the shampoo, It provides a nice boost of moisture if needed.
In terms of long-term results, I have been using Redken Hair Cleansing Cream for a few months now and can feel that my hair is much softer and healthier than before.
Unlike some shampoos, it doesn’t strip my hair of its natural oils or leave a heavy residue. My hair also feels more hydrated, which is perfect because soft water can often make hair feel dry and brittle.
I’ve added it to our best shampoo for soft water list because it’s so trusted by salons worldwide.
In fact, it’s used by professionals to prepare your hair before a keratin or color treatment.
It’s great to use with hard water as it removes both mineral residues. And it works with soft water as it clears excess oil.
The Redken cleansing cream helps strengthen your hair cuticle too.
Pros:
- Removes excess oil, residue and mineral deposit from hair
- Good for colored hair as it doesn’t contain SLS
Cons:
- Can be too clarifying for dry hair
Related: Best Shampoos For Hard Water
Voluminous Sea Salt Shampoo
Best Soft Water Volumizing Shampoo

Looking to add some volume to your hair? The Voluminous Sea Salt Shampoo is the best man for the job.
Soft water is lacking in minerals like calcium and potassium. And while this is a good thing for dry, frizzy hair, it can spell trouble for greasy locks.
This shampoo, enriched with sea minerals, fixes that problem right up! But that’s not enough for us.
The reason why we adore this product is that it contains only plant-based surfactants – no sulfates here!
So despite cleansing your hair and making it voluminous, it never dries it out.
We also like how this shampoo is cruelty-free. Oh, and the rosemary and lavender scent? So amazing!
Honeydew Lemon Sage Oily Hair Shampoo
Best Shampoo For Soft Water And Dandruff

Another among our list of the best shampoo for soft water areas is this one by Honeydew.
The greasiness resulting from soft water use on hair can lead to other problems like dandruff and inflammation.
The Lemon Sage Oily Hair Shampoo fixes that with its lemon and tea tree oil formula.
It removes excess oil, soothes redness and inflammation, and clears dandruff flakes from the scalp.
And as it is free of sulfates, it can be used by people with sensitive scalps and colored hair as well. It’s a great soft water volumizing shampoo too.
If you’re more environmentally conscious, this shampoo is just the thing for you as it’s ethically made with sustainable ingredients and comes in recyclable packaging.
The formulation is cruelty-free too!
Related: With these amazing dandruff shampoos for curly hair you can get rid of flakes and irritation in no time!
Ethique Shampoo Bar Oily Hair
Best pH Balanced Shampoo For Soft Water

A shampoo bar, soft water, and oily hair – it’s not the punchline of a joke, but just the description of this Ethique Solid Shampoo.
If you want to switch to hair products that are more environmentally friendly, try starting with this bar.
It’s made of lemon and orange essential oils that remove excess oiliness from the scalp.
But there are also humectants like glycerin in the ingredients list that keeps your hair from getting too dry.
There are no harsh surfactants in this shampoo bar either.
All ingredients used in the Ethique shampoo bar are vegan, and the bar is completely cruelty-free.
Its pH-balanced formula is great for color-treated hair too.
Tree To Tub Soapberry For Hair Shampoo
Best Sulfate Free Shampoo For Soft Water

Another shampoo that’s great for treating both oiliness and hair loss is the Tree To Tub Soapberry Shampoo.
As the name says, all the ingredients in this shampoo go straight from the tree to your hair.
So no harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, silicones, or artificial fragrances here!
This organic shampoo contains ingredients like caffeine, saw palmetto, biotin, and rosemary that control greasiness, prevent hair fall, and boost new hair growth.
The formulation helps maintain a pH level of 5.5 on the scalp, making Tree to Tub the best shampoo for soft water areas.
We also liked the refreshing scent it leaves behind on your hair.
The fragrance is 100 percent natural and comes from the eucalyptus and tea tree essential oils in the formulation.
WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo
Best Soft Water Hair Loss Shampoo

Did you know that using an apple cider vinegar rinse for soft water can leave your hair silky and bouncy?
But you don’t need to hit your kitchen shelves for that. Just try the WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo.
It’s mild but effective and free of harmful chemicals like sulfates and parabens too.
What’s more, it contains DHT blockers. So if your issue is not only soft water but hair loss too, this is the best shampoo for soft water for you.
The clarifying apple cider vinegar formula removes excess oil, build-up, and dandruff and leaves hair shiny and soft.
Its pH-balanced formula is suited to sensitive scalps and color-treated hair as well.
Lush Seanik Big Shampoo Bar
Best Shampoo Bar For Soft Water

The Lush Seanik Big Shampoo Bar is just the thing to nourish your tresses if you live in a soft water area.
It removes all greasiness and dirt from your hair without making it feel dry.
We like how the ingredient list is all-natural. It contains unique ingredients like Japanese Nori seaweed and others.
TRU Moroccan Oil Clarifying Shampoo
Best Soft Water Curly Hair Shampoo

A lot of clarifying shampoos can leave your tresses dry.
But not this one! The Tru Moroccan oil shampoo is just the partner for soft water if your hair is prone to frizz, flaking, or dullness.
Argan oil is the chief ingredient here. So this shampoo nourishes your strands from within, even while it controls excess oiliness.
The shampoo removes product build-up, repairs damage, and adds hydration to your tresses.
Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?
The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair texutres including African American hair, Leah Marie knows what kind of shampoos suit each hair texture and if the Matrix Biolage Shampoos are any good. We have also tested these shampoos and conditioners ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks! Our pick of the best shampoo for soft water areas.
Try using one of the products on this list to give your hair a shiny, bouncy, voluminous makeover.
Your hair will hate soft water a little less after you’ve rinsed them using these clarifying shampoos.
Also Read:
Maple Holistics Degrease Shampoo

The best shampoo for soft water is one that helps remove excess grease and oil from hair as soft water can make your hair slippery and feel unclean. The Maple Holistics Degrease shampoo is good for all hair types.
Product SKU: VJBJ2BJ4B2
Product Brand: Maple Holistics
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: $11.95
Price Valid Until: 2024-03-22
Product In-Stock: InStock
5