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Type: TREATMENTS - HAIRCARE
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Type: TREATMENTS - HAIRCARE
Type: TREATMENTS - HAIRCARE
Type: TREATMENTS - HAIRCARE
Type: TREATMENTS - HAIRCARE
Type: TREATMENTS - HAIRCARE
Good hair starts here
From colour care to frizz fixes, our blogs are packed with expert tips and honest advice to help you get your best hair yet.
How Does Hard Water Affect Your Hair?
Ever washed your hands and get that icky feeling that they’re just not getting clean? That’s most likely the film left behind by hard water. Now imagine it coating your hair every time you shower. Not great. If your hair feels dry, dull, harder to manage or just not behaving like it used to, hard water might be quietly to blame. It’s one of those things most people don’t think about, but once it starts affecting your hair, it can undo a lot of your good haircare habits. The good news is that hard water damage is common, manageable and very fixable once you know what you’re dealing with. Let’s break it down. What Even Is Hard Water? (and Why Is It in Your Shower?) Hard water is simply water that contains a high level of minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. These minerals are picked up as water travels through rocks and soil before reaching your tap. Think of it like a thin layer of 'hair-armour', but the bad kind. It seals the hair shut so the good stuff (like your expensive masks) just slides right off instead of actually soaking in. Less moisture leads to dry hair that’s prone to breakage. If you let this go on for too long, it could even lead to hair loss. Living in Christchurch or the Far North? You’re likely in the hard water 'Red Zone.' If you’ve noticed your kettle furring up or your showerhead getting crusty, your hair is fighting the same battle. While it’s completely safe to drink, it can be less kind to your hair and skin. Those minerals don’t rinse away easily, which is where the trouble starts. Signs Hard Water Is Messing With Your Hair Not sure if this is what you're dealing with? These are some of the most common signs: Hair feels dry, rough or brittle no matter how much conditioner you use Dull colour that fades faster than expected Product build-up that makes hair feel coated or heavy Frizz that refuses to settle Hair that feels harder to detangle and style A scalp that feels itchy, flaky or irritated If you’re ticking off more than one of these, hard water could be part of the problem. What Hard Water Actually Does to Your Hair (and Why It’s So Annoying) The minerals in hard water cling to the hair shaft and scalp. Over time, this creates a build-up that blocks moisture from getting in and stops your regular products from working properly. That build-up can make hair feel dry and stiff, reduce shine and weaken the hair over time. For coloured hair, it can be even more noticeable. Mineral residue can interfere with colour pigments, leading to faster fading and uneven tone. If this sounds familiar, you might want to check out why coloured hair fades. It’s Not Just Your Hair: Check Out Your Skin It’s not just your hair that feels it. Hard water can dry out the skin on your scalp, which can lead to itchiness, flakes and general discomfort. A stressed scalp makes it harder for hair to grow and thrive, which is why scalp care matters more than people realise. How to Undo Hard Water Damage (Without Ripping Out Your Plumbing) You don’t need to move house or install a full water filtration system to improve your hair. A few smart changes to your routine can make a big difference. Step One: Clear the Build-Up Enter: Clarifying and Chelating shampoos. If your normal shampoo is a daily wipe-down, these are the 'deep-clean', the heavy hitters that actually get rid of the mineral gunk. Clarifying shampoos help remove surface build-up from products and environmental residue, while chelating shampoos go a step further, targeting stubborn mineral build-up from hard water like calcium, chlorine and heavy metals. Using one every week or two helps properly reset your hair, so your everyday shampoo and conditioner can actually sink in and do what they’re meant to do. If you colour your hair or want extra protection, the L’Oréal Serie Expert Metal Detox Range is a great option. It helps neutralise metal build-up inside the hair fibre, which can improve shine, reduce breakage and keep colour looking fresher for longer. Step Two: Give Your Hair the Moisture It’s Been Missing Once mineral build-up is removed, hair can finally absorb moisture again. Hydrating conditioners, masks and treatments will feel far more effective after clarifying. Step Three: Show Your Scalp Some Love Healthy hair starts at the scalp. Gentle exfoliation, soothing treatments and avoiding heavy build-up on the scalp can help counteract the drying effects of hard water. How to Stop the Damage Before It Starts While we love a good clarifying reset, the best way to deal with hard water is to stop it from gatekeeping your hair health in the first place. You don’t necessarily need to call a plumber or sell a kidney, but a few lifestyle tweaks can save your strands a lot of stress. The Shower Head Filter (The Quick Fix) If you’re renting or not quite ready to overhaul your entire home’s plumbing, a filtered shower head is your new best friend. These are super easy to screw on yourself and contain cartridges (usually charcoal or KDF) that catch a huge chunk of those minerals and chlorine before they hit your head. It’s the closest thing to washing your hair with bottled water. Whole-House Filtration (The Gold Standard) Living in a hard water hotspot like Christchurch or Northland long-term? It might be worth looking into a water softener or a whole-house filtration system. Yes, it’s an investment, but it’s a game-changer, not just for your hair and skin, but for the life of your kettle, dishwasher, and washing machine, too. The “Cool Down” Rinse Hot water opens up the hair cuticle, making it way easier for those pesky minerals to get inside and get comfortable. Try finishing your wash with a quick blast of cool water. It helps seal the cuticle shut, locking moisture in and keeping the mineral gunk out. Plus, it’s a great way to wake up on a Monday morning. Leave-In Barriers Think of leave-in conditioners or hair oils as a lightweight coat of armour. By applying a protective product to damp hair, you’re filling in the gaps in the hair shaft so that when you’re out and about (or even at your next wash), minerals and environmental pollutants find it much harder to hitch a ride. The Verdict: Is Hard Water Gatekeeping Your Glow? If your hair has been feeling blah for no obvious reason, you’re likely not dealing with bad hair, just bad water. The fix isn't about hoarding ten new products; it’s about making sure the ones you already love can actually do their job. By clearing out the mineral gunk and resetting your scalp, you’re finally giving your hair a clean slate. Stop fighting the chemistry of your shower and start working with it. Trust us, once you shift that build-up, your hair routine will feel like a miracle all over again! FAQs (Because You’re Not the Only One Wondering) What are the signs of hard water on hair? Common signs include rough texture, lack of shine, stubborn build-up, scalp irritation and hair that does not respond well to your usual products. How do you reverse the effects of hard water on hair? Using a clarifying shampoo, incorporating metal detox products, boosting moisture and paying attention to scalp care can all help reverse hard water damage. Does hard water affect skin and hair differently? Yes. On skin, hard water can cause dryness and irritation. On hair, it leads to mineral build-up that affects moisture, strength and colour performance. How can I tell if I have hard water at my house? There are a few telltale signs. If soap does not lather well, you notice white residue on taps or shower glass, or your hair feels coated and dull even after washing, hard water could be the culprit. You might also notice your skin feeling tight or dry after showering. For a definite answer, you can check your local water supply report or use an at-home water hardness test kit. Can hard water cause dandruff? Hard water does not directly cause dandruff, but it can definitely make scalp issues worse. Mineral build-up can dry out the scalp and cause irritation, which often shows up as flakes or itchiness. Can hard water cause greasy hair? Yes, surprisingly. When minerals build up on the scalp, they can block moisture and confuse your scalp into producing more oil to compensate. The result is hair that feels greasy at the roots but dry through the lengths. It is a frustrating combo, but one that usually improves once the build-up is removed and the scalp is properly cared for.
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5 Bad Habits That Quietly Kill Your Hair
Not hitting those good hair days as often as you'd like? Check out these habits that are quietly killing your hair (and how to fix it).
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Curl Care 101: Top Brands & Products You Can Buy in NZ
Caring for curly hair can feel like a lot. There’s no shortage of advice, product recommendations or “must-have” routines out there - and half the time, they either don’t work for your curls or feel way more complicated than they need to be. The reality is, curly hair doesn’t need everything. It just needs the right support. We're going to help you find curl-friendly products that genuinely do the job. No gimmicks, no 15-part routines, just proven options we stock and trust - and that you can grab right here (from us!) in NZ. Curl-Friendly Shampoos & Conditioners (The Foundation) If there’s one place curly routines tend to go wrong, it’s wash day. Curls need cleansing that removes build-up without stripping moisture, and conditioning that actually softens and supports the curl pattern. Too harsh, and curls dry out fast. Too heavy, and they lose bounce and definition. These shampoo and conditioner combos strike that balance. Matrix: Curl Moisture That Doesn’t Weigh Hair Down Matrix is a go-to for curls because their formulas focus on hydration and manageability, without leaving hair flat or coated. Matrix A Curl Can Dream Shampoo & Conditioner Designed specifically for curls and coils, this duo gently cleanses while keeping moisture levels where curls need them. Great for enhancing curl shape, reducing dryness and keeping hair soft between washes. Davroe: Gentle, Curl-Friendly Care Davroe is known for being kind to hair and scalp, which makes it a solid choice for curls that lean dry, sensitive or easily weighed down. Davroe CURLiCUE Cleansing Cream A low-lather cleanser that removes build-up without stripping natural oils. Ideal if your curls feel dry or frizzy after traditional shampoos. Davroe CURLiCUE Deep Conditioning Rinse Lightweight but effective, this Curly Girl Method-approved conditioner helps soften curls, detangle, improve manageability and support definition without heaviness. These are the kinds of shampoos and conditioners that set curls up for success - cleaner, softer hair that’s ready to absorb treatments and style properly. Treatments That Keep Curls Healthy Curly hair doesn’t just need styling products to look good - it needs regular moisture and strength support to stay healthy. Because curls are naturally drier and more prone to breakage, treatments play a big role in keeping them soft, elastic and resilient. Think of these as maintenance, not emergency fixes. Matrix: Moisture and Curl Elasticity Matrix treatments work well for curls because they focus on hydration and flexibility - both essential for bounce and definition. Matrix A Curl Can Dream Rich Mask A moisture-boosting mask that helps soften curls, reduce dryness and improve elasticity. Ideal as a weekly treatment when curls start feeling rough or lose their spring. RPR: Simple, Effective Curl Care RPR treatments are straightforward, affordable and surprisingly effective - especially for curls that need regular moisture without heavy formulas. RPR Rejuvenate My Hair Treatment A great all-rounder for curly hair. Helps restore softness, improve manageability and reduce frizz without weighing curls down. RPR Smooth My Ends Leave-In Treatment A lightweight leave-in that helps smooth dry ends, reduce frizz and add softness. Great for curly hair that needs extra moisture between washes or a little help keeping ends under control. These kinds of products are what help curls stay consistent. Not perfect every day - but softer, calmer and much easier to work with. Styling Products That Define Curls (Without Crunch or Drama) When it comes to styling curly hair, when you apply product matters just as much as what you use. Curls behave best when styling products go in while the hair is still damp. That’s when curls are most receptive to moisture and definition, and when you’ll get the most out of your products. Define While Damp Applying curl products to damp hair helps lock in shape and reduce frizz before curls dry. RPR Make Me Curly A great everyday curl cream for enhancing natural curl shape without stiffness. Helps curls clump nicely, stay soft and hold their form as hair dries. Matrix A Curl Can Dream Gel Ideal if you want more definition and longer-lasting hold. This gel supports curl shape while keeping movement and flexibility - no crunchy finish once curls are dry. For best results, apply product evenly through damp hair, then either: diffuse to boost volume and definition, or let hair air-dry to keep curls relaxed and natural Refresh, Don’t Restart Curls don’t need a full wash every day - most just need a little help bouncing back. Redken Curl Refresh Mist Designed for next-day (or third-day) curls. Lightly rehydrates hair, revives curl shape and reduces frizz without weighing curls down or making them feel sticky. A quick spritz and gentle scrunch is often all it takes to bring curls back to life. Good curl styling isn’t about forcing hair into place. It’s about supporting the curl pattern you already have - then letting it do its thing. Keeping Curls Happy Between Washes Curly hair doesn’t just need attention on wash day. Keeping curls soft, hydrated and manageable in between is what makes a routine feel easy instead of high-maintenance. Jeval: Curl-Friendly Moisture Without Fuss Jeval is great for curls that want moisture and definition without complicated layering. Jeval Curl Me Crazy Enhancing Cream A lightweight curl cream that helps define curls, soften texture and reduce frizz. Ideal for everyday use when curls need shaping but still want movement. Jeval Dream Leave-In Detangler Cream A solid option for curls that tangle easily or feel dry after washing. Helps with slip, softness and manageability, making styling and refresh days much easier. Jeval A Tall Drink of Water Designed to boost hydration and improve softness. Great for curls that feel thirsty, especially after sun, swimming or dry weather. Build Your Curl Care Routine with Us 💜 Getting curl care right is easier when you start with products made for curls. At Holy Grail Haircare, we stock salon-grade curl care that focuses on moisture, definition and healthy hair - without overcomplicating things. Just solid products that work with your natural curl pattern and make everyday styling easier. If you’re building a routine or refining what you already use, you’ll find curl-friendly options that fit how you actually live with your hair.
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Haircare made just for you
Holy Grail Haircare
At Holy Grail Haircare, we don’t do mark-ups or middlemen - just the best salon brands at prices that actually make sense. Born and based in NZ, we’re here to make professional haircare affordable, authentic, and available to every Kiwi household.
We believe great hair shouldn’t cost a fortune, so we keep our prices low, our shipping fast, and our products 100% genuine.
