Istanbul
Turkey · Europe
The water
150 mg/LHard
Source: Rainwater Turkey Water Hardness Map · Published figure. Hardness counts dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water; it is the number your hair meets in the shower.
What hard water does to hair
Minerals start to coat the strand: dullness, tangling, colour fade. Chelating (detox) washes enter the routine.
The washing routine for Istanbul
Build a chelating (detox) wash into the rhythm, about every fourth wash, with a gentle everyday shampoo between detox days. Condition well after each wash; minerals roughen the cuticle, and colour-treated hair fades faster here.
Climate, from recent records (Open-Meteo, ERA5 2015-2024): July is the warmest month, averaging 29°C by day, and humidity peaks in December at about 80% on average. In the hot months, sun and sweat do as much damage as the water: shade, a hat and a rinse after swimming carry the routine. In the humid months, frizz is the main event; anti-humidity styling matters more than wash frequency.
Plugs and power for your tools
Sockets: Type C and F. 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 Istanbul 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.