Hard water in the shower: how it affects your skin and hair
If your hair is rough and dull even when you change shampoo, and your skin feels tight after a shower, the water could be to blame. Here's what hard water is and how to reduce its effects at home.
What is hard water?
"Hard" water contains lots of dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. It isn't harmful to your health, but you notice it: it leaves white marks on the shower screen and taps, soap lathers less and limescale builds up in appliances.
It's very common in many parts of Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the UK. Your water supplier or local council usually publishes the water hardness for your area.
How to tell if you have hard water at home
- White limescale marks on the shower screen, taps and shower head.
- Shampoo and shower gel barely lather.
- Hair stays rough, weighed down or dull even when you change products.
- Your skin feels tight or itchy after a shower.
- The holes in the shower head clog over time.
How it affects your hair and skin
| Area | What you may notice |
|---|---|
| Hair | Rough, dull, frizzier, harder to detangle and colour fading faster. |
| Scalp | A feeling of residue or not being quite clean. |
| Body skin | Tightness and dryness, especially in winter. |
| Face | Skin feeling tight after washing. |
What you can do
1. A filter on your shower
The easiest fix: a shower head with a hard water filter that holds back some of the limescale and chlorine before the water touches you. It installs in a minute on the same thread as your hose, with no tools. Change the filter every 2-3 months depending on your water hardness.
2. Lukewarm, not scalding
Very hot water dries your skin out more and lifts the hair cuticle. Shower in lukewarm water and finish with 10 seconds of cold water on your hair.
3. Moisturise straight after
Apply body lotion while your skin is still slightly damp. For your face, a facial mister filled with your toner helps refresh it during the day.
4. Look after your hair after showering
- Always use conditioner, from mid-lengths to ends.
- Once a week, a clarifying shampoo or a mask to remove build-up.
- Detangle with a flexible-bristle brush, starting at the ends.
Look after your shower head too
Limescale blocks the holes and the spray loses power. Once a month, soak the head in water and vinegar for an hour and scrub the holes with a soft brush.
Frequently asked questions
Does hard water cause hair loss?
There's no evidence that hard water causes hair loss, but the limescale that settles on hair can make it rougher, more brittle and duller.
Do shower filters work?
Shower filters hold back some of the limescale and chlorine, and many people notice softer hair and less tight skin. They don't turn hard water completely soft.
How often should the filter be changed?
Every 2-3 months, or sooner if your water is very hard or you notice the spray getting weaker.
How do I find out my water hardness?
Your water supplier or local council usually publishes it. Cheap test strips are also available.
Is a filtered shower head easy to install?
Yes: unscrew your current shower head and screw the new one onto the same hose – no tools, in a minute.
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