San Jose
United States · North America
The water
178 mg/LHard
Source: San Jose Water · 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 San Jose
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): August is the warmest month, averaging 30°C by day, and humidity peaks in January at about 78% on average. Day to night swings reach 15°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 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 Jose 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.