Afro hair can be fragile. Those who know, know. And, when it comes to the causes of dreaded breakage, there are the usual suspects: over-manipulation when styling, a dry scalp, being reckless when applying heat and, for me personally, the times I decide to go completely off the haircare script (because my hair doesn’t run me, I run it!). Yet, where you live and specifically shower should also be taken into consideration when it comes to protecting your hair — natural, relaxed, or otherwise. Adding on to the long list of things that can cause breakage is hard water, and some experts say it’s worth questioning if the water you’re showering in could be causing your hair damage. Sigh.