San Francisco
United States · North America
The water
47 mg/LSoft
Source: San Francisco Public Utilities Commission · 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 San Francisco
Keep your normal rhythm; soft water asks for no detox routine. Go lighter on conditioner, which feels heavier in soft water, and if fine hair goes limp, reach for volume at the roots rather than more product through the lengths. A clarifying wash now and then is plenty.
Climate, from recent records (Open-Meteo, ERA5 2015-2024): September is the warmest month, averaging 22°C by day, and humidity peaks in January at about 83% on average. 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 and B. Supply: 120 V, 60 Hz.
Full sockets by the sink are standard (the National Electrical Code requires one within 3 feet of each basin, GFCI protected).
A dryer or styler wound for 230 V only will run weak on this supply, and a plug adapter does not change voltage. Check the label for dual voltage (100-240 V) before you travel.
Plug, voltage and frequency: IEC World Plugs and national standards.
Plan San Francisco 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.