Is the Water in Bali Bad for Your Hair? My Experience

One of the most common questions I get from people planning a trip to Bali is, "Will the water in Bali damage my hair?" or even, "Will my hair fall out in Bali because of the water?"

It’s an understandable concern, especially with all the stories circulating online. While there is some truth to the effects of Bali's hard water on hair, the problem is often blown way out of proportion.

In this article, I’ll break down what you need to know about Bali's water, how it can affect your hair, and the simple steps you can take to keep your locks healthy during your stay.

Does Water in Bali Damage Your Hair?

The water in Bali can affect your hair—but it’s not as bad as some may suggest.

Bali is known for its hard water, which is rich in heavy metals, minerals, and chlorine. This type of water can strip your hair of natural oils, causing it to become dry, brittle, frizzy, and prone to breakage.

That said, most warnings you see online and on social media are greatly exaggerated. While the water is harder than some other destinations, it's highly unlikely to cause severe or permanent damage. And you won't go bald from it.

Having spent several extended periods in Bali (up to 6 months at a time) over the last few years, I have noticed some dryness and my curls losing a bit of their bounce, but nothing too drastic. There's a little breakage but no significant hair loss. Most long-term friends of mine have had similar experiences.

The good news is, there are plenty of ways to care for your hair while in Bali to minimize any potential damage. I'll go into this in more detail below.

Water damage over time

Another important thing to note is that it took a long time of being in Bali to notice any change in my hair at all. It didn't happen right away. This is because minerals take a while to build up.

Other factors such as chlorine in swimming pools, humidity, and sun exposure can also contribute to hair damage over longer periods of time.

If you're just visiting Bali for a short 2 week holiday, you likely won’t notice any difference, especially if you’re staying in upscale resorts with filtered water.

But if you are staying in Bali long-term as a backpacker, digital nomad, or expat, and living in more local or traditional accommodation, you may start to notice your hair feeling a little dull and dry after a couple of months.

Water damage based on hair type

While hard water can affect any hair type, some people are more prone to its effects than others.

Those with curly or wavy hair (like me) are more likely to experience dryness, frizz, and limp curls. People with chemically treated or coloured hair are also especially vulnerable, as the buildup from hard water can fade colour.

How to Look After Your Hair in Bali

Get a shower filter

A shower filter is one of the best things you can do for your hair. A filter helps remove mineral deposits and impurities from the water, making it softer.

But a filter only really works if you're not moving around too much. Many international visitors staying long-term in Bali get shower filters installed into their villa or accommodation.

You can buy a shower filter in your home country (like this AquaBliss filter) and bring it to Bali. Or you can use a company like Mint Filters Bali who will come to your villa/accommodation to install their shower filters. Most filters last around 3-6 months.

Use chelating or clarifying shampoo and conditioner

One of the simplest ways to look after your hair on a shorter trip to Bali is to use dedicated hard water shampoos and conditioners. Look for products labeled as "clarifying," "chelating," or "detoxifying" and an ingredient called EDTA complex.

Hello Klean is a fantastic hard water haircare brand in the UK, while Malibu C and Infina Essentials are great options available in the US and internationally.

These brands are specifically designed to remove mineral buildup caused by hard water, helping to keep your hair soft and manageable during your trip.

Finding these specialised hair products is difficult in Bali, so you'll want to bring them with you in your check-in luggage.

Go for cream baths in a hair salon

If you're already in Bali and looking for a way to give your hair a much-needed refresh, book yourself in for a relaxing Balinese cream bath.

Cream baths are a traditional Indonesian hair treatment using natural ingredients like avocado, aloe vera, and coconut milk to deeply moisturize and hydrate dry hair. It's said to be the secret behind the Indonesian women's thick, shiny hair.

Many of Bali's top day spas and hair salons offer cream baths. After washing your hair, the treatment is massaged into the scalp, steamed, and left to absorb, then rinsed off. The result is stronger, softer, and silkier hair.

Use regular hair masks

A cheaper option to a cream bath is a DIY hair mask you can do yourself. You can buy hard water hair masks in your home country and bring them with you, or buy them in Bali. Most big pharmacy brands in Bali, such as Guardian and Kimia Farma, have a range of hair masks available.

One of my favourite deep conditioning hair masks available in Bali is the Makarizo Hair Energy Creambath range. The single-sachet hair masks cost as little as 10,000 IDR ⓘ in Guardian and work amazingly. I use a mask at least once a week.

Tie your hair up when on a scooter

While cruising around Bali on a scooter with your hair blowing freely in the wind is a fantastic experience, it can also contribute to dryness and hair damage.

When out on a scooter, make sure to always wear a helmet and tie up/braid long hair so it's not being tangled and dried out by the wind.

Protect your hair from heat and humidity

Bali's intense heat and humidity can also affect your hair. There are plenty of products you can use to help minimize the impact of heat damage.

COLOR WOW's Dream Coat Supernatural Spray and Dream Coat for Curly Hair are both fantastic at reducing the impact of Bali's high humidity. You can also buy special sunscreen for your hair and scalp which can help combat heat-related dryness.