Manila
Philippines · Asia
The water
45 mg/LSoft
Source: HERDIN Manila tap water chemical properties study · Published 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
Shampoo lathers fast and rinses away clean, with little mineral film left behind. The trade-off is at the roots: fine hair can sit flat and flyaway, and rich conditioners feel heavier than they do at home.
The washing routine for Manila
Keep your normal rhythm; soft water asks for no detox routine. If anything, use less conditioner than usual, as it feels heavier here, and give fine hair lift at the roots instead of product through the lengths.
Climate, from recent records (Open-Meteo, ERA5 2015-2024): April is the warmest month, averaging 33°C by day, and humidity peaks in August at about 86% 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 A, B and C. Supply: 220 V, 60 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 Manila 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.