Is Your Shower Water Secretly Damaging Your Hair?

The Surprising Link Between Untreated Water and Dryness.

Problem #1: Chlorine in Water Causes Dry Hair

Problem #2 : Hard Water

In addition to chlorine, shower water can contain other impurities such as minerals, sediments, and chemicals that can affect hair health. Hard water, which is characterized by high levels of dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium, can make it difficult for shampoo and conditioner to lather and rinse properly, leading to product buildup and hair tangling.  That's because the minerals in hard water can create a film on your hair, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate. This can lead to hair that is dry, dull, and prone to breakage. Over time, the buildup of minerals in your hair can also make it more difficult to style and manage, leaving you frustrated and unhappy with your hair's appearance.

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Hard water can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle.

Essentially, the high mineral content of hard water can disrupt the delicate balance of your hair and scalp's natural oils. When the minerals in hard water come into contact with your hair, they can strip away the natural oils that keep your hair healthy and hydrated. This can leave your hair feeling dry, brittle, and unmanageable. The minerals can also create a buildup on your hair, which can make it more prone to tangling and breakage.

Hard water can cause colour-treated hair to fade more quickly.

If you've recently dyed your hair, you may be surprised to learn that the quality of your water can have a significant impact on how long your colour lasts. Hard water can cause colour-treated hair to fade more quickly, due to the high mineral content in the water. The minerals in hard water can strip away the dye molecules from your hair, leaving your colour looking dull and lackluster. The buildup of minerals in your hair can make it more prone to breakage also.

The Solution: Chlorine Filter and Water Softener

A Water Softener,  is a water system that removes hard minerals from water by exchanging them with sodium ions. Water softeners can be installed at the point-of-entry (POE), which treats all the water entering your home, or at the point-of-use (POU), which treats only the water used for specific purposes such as showering or washing clothes. Soft water is gentler on hair and skin, as it allows shampoo and conditioner to work more effectively and rinses away more easily. Soft water can also extend the lifespan of your plumbing fixtures, appliances, and water heaters by reducing mineral buildup and corrosion.

Water Softeners: The Solution to Untreated Water

The easiest way to ensure that your shower water is not secretly damaging your hair is by installing a water softener. Here are some reasons why:

Soft water reduces the amount of minerals in the water.

Hard water is high in minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can be harsh on your hair. A water softener removes these minerals, resulting in softer water that is less likely to damage your hair.

Soft water can make hair easier to manage.

If you struggle with tangles or knots in your hair, soft water can make a big difference. By reducing mineral buildup, soft water makes hair easier to manage and reduces the need for additional conditioning products.

Soft water can make hair look shinier and smoother.

The buildup of minerals in hard water can leave your hair looking dull and lack luster. Soft water can help to eliminate this problem, leaving your hair looking shiny and smooth.

Chlorine Water Filters or Carbon Water Filtration: An Added Layer of Protection

While water softeners are great for removing minerals, they do not remove all impurities from water. If you want to protect your hair from the damaging effects of chlorine and hard water, you can invest in a chlorine filter and water softener. A  chlorine filter, also known as as Carbon Water Filter, is a device that is installed at your main water line and removes chlorine and other impurities from the water as it flows through. A good quality Carbon Chlorine filter can effectively reduce chlorine levels by up to 99%, as well as remove sediment, rust, and odours.

Benefits of Using 2in1 Water Chlorine Filter and Water Softener

One of the most convenient and effective options for ensuring that your shower water is clean and gentle on your hair is to use a mixed bed 2in1 water chlorine filter and water softener. These devices combine two functions into a single compact unit, allowing you to remove chlorine and soften your water at the same time. This means that you can enjoy all the benefits of softer water, such as reduced dryness and damage to your hair, as well as the added benefit of chlorine removal, which can help to minimize the risk of skin irritation and other health issues.

Additionally, a mixed bed 2in1 water chlorine filter and water softener can help you to save spaces in your home, since you won't need to install separate units for each function. Overall, investing in a mixed bed 2in1 water chlorine filter and water softener is a smart and convenient way to ensure that your hair stays healthy and vibrant, while also protecting your body from the harmful effects of chlorine and other impurities in your shower water.

Why Shower Filters Are Not Always Recommended?

While shower filters can be effective in removing some impurities from water, they are not always recommended for several reasons.

They may not remove all of the impurities in your water, especially if you have hard water

First, shower filters are not designed to remove all types of contaminants, such as minerals and metals, that can be present in hard water. Additionally, shower filters can become clogged over time, reducing their effectiveness and potentially leading to a buildup of bacteria.

Too expensive to replace regularly, and may not last as long as other types of water filtration systems.

Shower filters can be costly to maintain and replace, especially if you have a large household or live in an area with particularly hard water. For these reasons, many experts recommend investing in a Water Softener and Chlorine Filter to ensure that your shower water is as pure and clean as possible.

They can restrict water flow

One of the potential drawbacks of shower filters is that they can restrict water flow, which may not be desirable for some people. If you have low water pressure in your home, a shower filter could exacerbate the problem and make it difficult to get a strong, consistent stream of water. Additionally, some people simply prefer a higher flow rate when they shower, and may find that a shower filter restricts the amount of water that comes out of the shower head. However, it's worth noting that not all shower filters will have a significant impact on water flow, and some models may be designed to minimize this issue. If water pressure is a concern for you, be sure to choose a shower filter that is specifically designed to maintain a strong flow rate.

Harbour bacteria and other microorganisms if not properly maintained

In addition to potentially restricting water flow, another concern with shower filters is that they can harbour bacteria and other microorganisms if not properly maintained. This is particularly true of carbon-based filters, which can provide a fertile breeding ground for bacteria if they are not regularly cleaned and replaced. While this may not be a significant concern for most people, it could pose a risk to individuals with weakened immune systems or certain health conditions. For this reason, it's important to carefully research and choose a shower filter that is designed to be easy to clean and maintain, and to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for replacing the filter on a regular basis. Alternatively, a Water softener and Chlorine filter can provide a more comprehensive solution for ensuring that your shower water is clean and safe, without the risk of bacteria buildup.

All in all, the water you use to shower with can have a significant impact on the health and appearance of your hair. Untreated water, especially hard water, can lead to dryness, damage, and fading of colour-treated hair. While shower filters can be effective in removing some impurities from water, they are not always recommended due to their limitations and potential risks. Instead, a water softener and chlorine filter can provide a more comprehensive solution for ensuring that your shower water is clean, safe, and gentle on your hair. By investing in a water softener and chlorine filter from Quinn Water Systems, you can enjoy healthier, more vibrant hair and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you're taking care of your body from the inside out.