Water Filter vs Water softner

[Lucia]

Are these basically the same thing? Any pros and cons. I'm trying to address this hard water issue I have. Any suggestions would be appreciated. TIA
I found some 2 Sears
www.sears.com

 

[Jaelin]

This thread has great info http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=52512

Somehow I get the impression that a water softener might be better than a filter but I am getting a filter.

 

[Queenie]

A water softner is for areas where the water supply has hard water. You should check exactly which chemicals and minerals each one is eliminating.