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Shanghai

China · Asia

The water

122 mg/LHard

Source: Water Hardness and Skin Issues tap-water testing study · 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 Shanghai

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 32°C by day, and humidity peaks in June at about 83% 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, C and I. Supply: 220 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 Shanghai 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 Shanghai in the trip planner →