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Kolkata

India · Asia

The water

143 mg/LHard

Source: Government of West Bengal Directorate of Public Health Engineering · 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 Kolkata

Build the routine around a detox (chelating) wash about every fourth wash, with gentle washing between detox days. Follow every wash with conditioner; at this level the cuticle roughens quickly and colour-treated hair fades sooner.

Climate, from recent records (Open-Meteo, ERA5 2015-2024): April is the warmest month, averaging 36°C by day, and humidity peaks in August at about 87% on average. Day to night swings reach 12°C, which dries hair out between washes; the plan adds moisture and a sealing leave-in when a stop spans those months. 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, D and M. Supply: 230 V, 50 Hz.

Type C plug
Type C
Type D plug
Type D
Type M plug
Type M

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 Kolkata 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.

Open Kolkata in the trip planner →