What is the cause of your dry skin and frizzy, falling hair? It could be the water from your shower, according to TikTok. This is what influencers who promote shower filters for brands like Jolie It is marquee are claiming in ads that have become unavoidable on social media.
“I can’t believe a shower caused my skin to be so bad,” said one woman in a video for Jolie as she shows off her spots. She then claims that her hair is “falling out less” and her skin has improved after she replaced her shower with one of the brand’s filtered models. Meanwhile, a video for a similar product from Canopy claims its filtered shower head prevents hair breakage and promotes hair growth.
Does your shower really make a difference? Experts say there may be some truth to these claims.
Dr. Anna Chacón, a Florida dermatologist who specializes in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, told Yahoo Life that it’s a matter of dealing with hard water, which is common in many homes. She says hard water can harm scalp and skin health over time, but it can be filtered to keep hair and skin “in optimal condition.”
But what is hard water, what impact can it have, and is a shower filter a necessary solution? Here’s what you need to know.
What is hard water?
Hard water is water that contains “a high content of minerals and heavy metals,” most commonly calcium and magnesium, according to Dr.assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Minerals are natural to the water source and depend on geographic location. One reported 85% of American households have hard water to some extent, with Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Minneapolis and Phoenix topping the list of cities with the hardest water.
How to know if your home has hard water? Dry, itchy skin and dull hair are two signals indicating yes, along with a clear residue in the shower, on dishes or even on your hands after washing. There are also ways to have your tested water if you are not sure.
Unfiltered shower water can also contain chlorine, which is often added as disinfectant in public water systems.
How does it affect hair and skin?
The presence of calcium and sulfate in hard water can lead to buildup that Graf says can “interfere with the skin barrier,” preventing skin products from properly penetrating the skin and potentially blocking pores, which can “lead to new eruptions.”
Chacon adds that these minerals can also damage your hair. “The minerals found in hard water can leave unwanted residue, which has a number of negative impacts,” including preventing a deep, thorough cleansing of the hair and scalp,” she says. “This coating and exposure to minerals prevent moisture from penetrating individual strands and can leave hair looking dull and dry. After showering, it can even impact the overall appearance and texture of your hair in the long run.
The extent of hair damage has been tested through several studies. While research carried out in 2013 suggested that hard water does not interfere with hair strength and elasticity, two follow-up studies found that hair treated with hard water can be thinner It is more susceptible to breakage. Hair loss claims have not yet been proven, although Graf says mineral buildup can “prevent new hair growth.”
Chlorine is another problem that the brands behind shower filters claim to solve. “Any amount of chlorine in unfiltered water can be enough to strip the skin of its natural oils, making it susceptible to sensitivity and irritation,” says Graf. “It can cause peeling, excessive dryness and worsen the symptoms of existing skin conditions, such as eczema.”
Do you need a shower filter?
Possibly if you aren’t already doing something to deal with hard water at home. A shower filter is a replacement or accessory for your existing shower head, which allows for the filtration process that traditional plumbing does not have. Jolie and Canopy, for example, are showers that you install directly into the water pipe. Both have an internal filter that must be changed every 90 days.
It is an alternative to water softeners, which is most often a tank that needs to be installed at the water source to treat the water before it is dispersed through the taps. A shower filter may be more convenient for people who don’t have access to such a source, such as those who live in an apartment building. It is also important to note that there are other (and more affordable) shower filter options outside of the brands popularized by social media.
Graf says shower filters “remove more impurities and chemicals from the water,” neutralizing these substances as the water leaves. Jolie, for example, compares her filter for that of a Britausing water pressure to push shower water through the filter, where a combination of KDF-55 and calcium sulfate works to remove chlorine and heavy metals.
“Over time, it can help prevent unwanted buildup in the shower and also on your hair and scalp,” says Chacon. “Changing the filter regularly is important to prevent buildup and make the system last longer and be more effective.”
Shower filters (or another alternative) are especially helpful for people with skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema, as they can help them “keep symptoms under control,” adds Graf, but she would recommend them for anyone.
“Everyone can benefit from a water filter or fabric softener, as it helps with hair growth and keeps your skin clean,” she says.
