Cape Town
South Africa · Africa
The water
32 mg/LSoft
Source: City of Cape Town · Official figure. Hardness counts dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water; it is the number your hair meets in the shower.
What soft water does to hair
Lathers easily, rinses clean. Can leave fine hair limp and flyaway; conditioners feel heavier.
The washing routine for Cape Town
Wash as you would at home in soft water: there is no mineral load to manage. Go easy on rich conditioners, which can weigh hair down here, and reach for volume at the roots if fine hair sits flat.
Climate, from recent records (Open-Meteo, ERA5 2015-2024): January is the warmest month, averaging 26°C by day, and humidity peaks in May at about 80% on average. In the humid months, frizz is the main event; anti-humidity styling matters more than wash frequency.
Local note: Hardness varies by supply plant as dam sources are blended.
Plugs and power for your tools
Sockets: Type C, M and N. Supply: 230 V, 50 Hz.
A 120 V only dryer or styler (North American) will burn out on this supply, and a plug adapter does not change voltage. Check the label for dual voltage (100-240 V) before you plug in.
Plug, voltage and frequency: IEC World Plugs and national standards.
Plan Cape Town properly
The trip planner turns this water profile into a wash plan for your hair type, a chosen kit and a packing list, month by month.