What’s a decalcifying treatment and why is it important for your hair?

Calcium buildup amplifies pre-existing damage and renders our usual haircare ineffective. Here’s how to target it.

The world of haircare has evolved enormously in recent years (did any of us know about scalp scrubs and hair botox a mere few years ago?). While these advancements are exciting, it can be hard to know what’s genuinely going to make a noticeable difference to the health and appearance of our hair. 

We like nosy people. Don’t be shy, head to our Beauty section for more. 

When I recently discovered that calcium buildup should be one of our top concerns when it comes to haircare, I was taken aback. I’d never heard of it before but I soon learnt of the damage calcium wreaks on our hair, sometimes rendering our go-to haircare products ineffective. So what exactly is calcium buildup and what do the decalcifying treatments created to address it actually do?

What is calcium buildup?

If you aren’t already aware, the water we use to shower and bathe contains high levels of calcium. Calcium accumulates in our hair and amplifies any pre-existing damage by leaving deposits outside the hair shaft and in between the cuticles, making our hair dry and brittle. Calcium can penetrate right down to the keratin layer, weakening our hair and making it much more prone to breakage, particularly for those who dye their hair. 

While there are many bond repair products on the market that address hair breakage, calcium buildup has been largely ignored, despite being a key contributing factor to dry, damaged and weakened hair. Premium haircare brand Kérastase realised that if it wanted to create a collection of products that delivered exceptional results, it would have to do what other brands were failing to do and address calcium buildup. 

“Woman after woman has told us that no matter what they use, damage keeps coming back. The problem is a calcium buildup from water weakening the hair,” explains Rosa Carriço, Kérastase’s Global Brand President. After substantial testing, Kérastase landed on the right combination of ingredients, allowing the brand to create Première, a groundbreaking collection of decalcifying products.

What does a decalcifying treatment do?

“Première is born from an unprecedented scientific discovery, showing that the calcium in water amplifies the effects of damage on hair. Understanding this enabled us to create a range that first decalcifies hair and then repairs it, by helping reconnect the keratin bonds,” says Carriço.

So what makes Kérastase’s collection of decalcifying treatments so effective? It comes down to the delicate balance of two powerful acids. When used to the right ratio, they join forces to fight calcium buildup and restore hair to its original strength. 

Première uses citric acid to remove calcium buildup and glycine to repair damage. The citric acid has a molecular shape with three arms that bind to calcium, trapping and eliminating it, and glycine is small enough to penetrate even the deepest layers of our hair. Peptides are also a key component of the Première collection, sealing and filling in the hair’s surface and restoring strength and shine. 

There are six decalcifying products in the Première range and each works to eliminate calcium buildup and rejuvenate hair in its own way. Firstly, a pre-wash treatment like Kérastase’s Intensive Repairing Concentrate is a must when addressing calcium buildup. Applied to damp hair before washing, it decalcifies hair from the inside out and minimises any potential damage the hair-washing process can cause. Its potent concentration of eight per cent citric acid and glycine reconnects broken keratin links and reinforces hair strength.

Next up is a decalcifying shampoo and conditioner. Kérastase’s sulphate-free Decalcifying and Repairing Hair Shampoo cleanses the scalp and removes excess calcium, while its Repairing Conditioner for Damaged Hair repairs and restores hair to its original elasticity and neutralises the impact of calcium.

An innovative ‘filler’ mask is a must if you’re after strong, shiny hair. Kérastase’s Première Repairing Mask for Damaged Hair has a unique anti-breakage filler that maximises hair recovery, particularly for those with colour-damaged hair or those who have damage from hair lightening or bleaching. An ultra-repairing serum like Kérastase’s Première Intensive Repairing Serum provides an important line of defence when it comes to hair breakage, sealing the cuticle and forming a protective shield for the hair’s surface, minimising the effects of hard water and calcium buildup.  

Finally, a high-quality, intensive repair oil needs to be used to round out the decalcifying process and prevent future breakage. Kérastase’s Première Repairing Hair Oil is a concentrated leave-in oil that works to strengthen hair fibres, seal split ends and eradicate dullness, leaving you with shiny, strong locks. Both the oil and serum also protect against heat damage of up to 230 degrees celsius, an added bonus for those particularly attached to their heat styler. And just like that, your hair will be revitalised and repaired from the inside out.

Like what you see? Start exploring the Kérastase Première collection here.