10 Best Shampoo For Soft Water In 2024

November 7, 2024

Want to fix soft water problem with hair? Here is my review 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?

Soft water is extremely low in minerals and won't make shampoo (or other surfactants) lather easily. This study by the BMC Public Health Journal published in June 2003, shows that soft water is distinctly lacking in calcium and magnesium.

The low mineral levels make it difficult for shampoos to clean hair properly and prolonged use of soft water can make hair too greasy as the cleansing products won't lather.

Here are some of the best shampoos that are suited to wash hair in soft water:

Best Shampoo For Soft Water	Best For
Fekkai Apple Cider Shampoo	Color-Treated Hair
Maple Organics Degrease Shampoo	Dull, Limp Hair
Redken Hair Cleansing Cream	Soft Water And Hard Water
Voluminous Sea Salt Shampoo	Volumizing Limp Hair
Honeydew Lemon Sage Oily Hair Shampoo	Dandruff Prone Scalp
Ethique Shampoo Bar Oily Hair	Oily Scalp
Tree To Tub Soapberry For Hair Shampoo	Sensitive Scalp
WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo	Hair Loss
TRU Moroccanoil Clarifying Shampoo	Curly Hair

Top Shampoo For Soft Water In 2024

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.

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. 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.

Key Features of Shampoo:

Infused with apple cider vinegar to rebalance the scalp.
Enriched with antioxidants for a healthy hair environment.
Delicate formula suitable for daily use.
Leaves hair with a refreshing and invigorating scent.
Strengthens and adds shine to the hair.

Benefits and Pros:

Sulfate-free, so suitable for colored hair
Apple cider in the shampoo helps clarify gently
Lovely green apple scent

Disadvantages and Cons:

None

Maple Organics Degrease Shampoo

Best Natural Shampoo For Soft Water

How to choose the best shampoo for soft water

I love the formula of this shampoo as 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.

My hair 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, 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!

Key Features of Shampoo:

Organic and natural ingredients for a gentle yet effective cleanse.
Formulated with tea tree oil for its antibacterial properties.
Balances sebum production to prevent excessive oiliness.
Free from sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances.
Adds a touch of volume to the hair.

Benefits and 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

Disadvantages and Cons:

None

Redken Hair Cleansing Cream

Best Shampoo For Soft Water And Hard Water

From the first use of this Redken cleanser, 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 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.

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.

It’s great to use with hard water as well as it removes both mineral residues. And it works with soft water as it clears excess oil.

Key Features of Shampoo:

Professional-grade formula recommended for use before chemical treatments.
Clarifies and removes mineral deposits from hard water.
Restores hair's natural shine and vitality.
Ideal for swimmers, frequent stylists, and individuals with hard water exposure.
Prepares hair for optimal absorption of treatments.

Benefits and Pros:

Removes excess oil, residue and mineral deposit from hair
Good for colored hair as it doesn't contain SLS

Disadvantages and Cons:

Can be too clarifying for dry hair

Related: Clarifying 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!

Key Features of Shampoo:

Sea salt infusion for a natural boost in volume and texture.
Nourishing formula with essential minerals for healthy hair.
Provides a beachy, tousled look without drying out the hair.
Suitable for all hair types, especially those seeking added body.
Enhances natural waves and curls.

Benefits and Pros:

Sea salt infusion for added volume and texture.
Nourishing formula with essential minerals.
Provides a beachy, tousled look.
Suitable for all hair types.
Enhances natural waves and curls.

Disadvantages and Cons:

May be too drying for individuals with already dry or damaged hair.
Not suitable for daily use for some hair types.

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!

Key Features of Shampoo:

Contains natural extracts of honeydew, lemon, and sage.
Gentle enough for daily use without stripping essential oils.
Controls excess oil production without over-drying.
Leaves hair with a fresh and invigorating scent.
Promotes a balanced and healthy scalp.

Benefits and Pros:

Natural extracts of honeydew, lemon, and sage.
Gentle for daily use without stripping essential oils.
Controls excess oil without over-drying.
Fresh and invigorating scent.

Disadvantages and Cons:

Scent may be too strong for some individuals.
May take time for the scalp to adjust to oil control.

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.

Key Features of Shampoo:

Sustainable and eco-friendly shampoo bar.
Concentrated formula reduces packaging waste.
Vegan, cruelty-free, and ethically sourced ingredients.
Balances oil production without harsh chemicals.
Long-lasting and travel-friendly.

Benefits and Pros:

Sustainable and eco-friendly shampoo bar.
Concentrated formula reduces packaging waste.
Vegan, cruelty-free, and ethically sourced.
Balances oil production without harsh chemicals.
Long-lasting and travel-friendly.

Disadvantages and Cons:

Some individuals may find it less convenient than liquid shampoos.
Initial adjustment period for those new to shampoo bars.

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.

Key Features of Shampoo:

Features organic soapberry as a natural cleanser.
pH-balanced formula suitable for sensitive skin and scalps.
Moisturizes and hydrates the hair and scalp.
Free from sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances.
Gentle enough for color-treated hair.

Benefits and Pros:

Features organic soapberry as a natural cleanser.
pH-balanced formula suitable for sensitive skin and scalps.
Moisturizes and hydrates the hair and scalp.
Free from sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances.
Gentle enough for color-treated hair.

Disadvantages and Cons:

Texture may be thinner than traditional shampoos.
Some may find the scent too subtle.

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.

Key Features of Shampoo:

Apple cider vinegar helps in detoxifying and clarifying the scalp.
DHT blockers in the formula help reduce hair fall.
Enhanced with vitamins and antioxidants for overall hair health.
Sulfate-free and suitable for all hair types.
Restores shine and smoothness to dull and damaged hair.

Benefits and Pros:

Apple cider vinegar for detoxifying and clarifying the scalp.
DHT blockers help reduce hair fall.
Enhanced with vitamins and antioxidants.
Sulfate-free and suitable for all hair types.
Restores shine and smoothness to dull and damaged hair.

Disadvantages and Cons:

Scent may not be appealing to everyone.
Some individuals may be sensitive to apple cider vinegar.

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.

Key Features of Shampoo:

Contains nourishing argan oil for added hydration.
Gentle formula effectively removes product buildup and residue.
Restores hair's natural moisture balance.
Prepares hair for better absorption of conditioning treatments.
Leaves hair soft, manageable, and visibly healthier.

Benefits and Pros:

Contains nourishing argan oil for added hydration.
Gentle formula effectively removes product buildup.
Restores natural moisture balance.
Prepares hair for better absorption of treatments.
Leaves hair soft, manageable, and visibly healthier.

Disadvantages and Cons:

Higher price point compared to some other clarifying shampoos.
Not recommended for daily use for some hair types.

How to choose the best shampoo for soft water?

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.

Hair Type

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.

Ingredients of Your Shampoo

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.

Cost

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.