As your crowning glory, your hair is an important part of your physical features since it’s also one of the most noticeable parts of your body. You’d make great efforts to keep it healthy and shiny. Did you know? Water quality can also affect the condition of your hair, which explains why it looks dull and lifeless despite your consistent care and maintenance. In today’s article, we’ll be explaining the science behind how shower filters can improve your hair health and prevent damage.
Understanding how chlorine impacts water quality and your hair.
In water supply plants, chlorine is added to the water to eliminate bacteria, impurities, and other contaminants that are hazardous to the human body. Have you ever experienced a time when water not only has a strong odor but a certain taste to it? Most of the time, it’s all because of chlorine; it usually happens when the mineral is freshly added to the water, which gives off its strong taste and odor. Ironically, this disinfectant may stop bacterial growth, but too much of this mineral in the water is also harmful to us. For one, it can make your skin dry out and flaky, making it more prone to cuts and abrasions. People with sensitive skin will have it worse since it can trigger an allergic reaction and make them break out in hives or even worse.
When it comes to our hair, too much chlorine is also detrimental; similar to our skin, it makes your hair dry out, making it frizzy and dull. Chlorine strips the scalp of its natural oils, which form a protective barrier that leaves the hair moisturized. Without it, you can expect a multitude of issues to spring up, from damaged hair cuticles to faded hair color.
How do shower filters work?
There are many different kinds of shower filters available on the market, and the Fettle Effect shower water filter along with the rest of its catalog boasts a variety of different types. Different as they may be, the main purpose of a shower filter is to strain the impurities like bacteria, sediments, chlorine, and other minerals found in the water. Depending on the filter media, some components target specific contaminants while others also address other impurities like iron, chloramine, or sulfur.
The benefits of using a shower filter.
Given how there are a lot of unwanted elements and impurities in the water that are harmful to our bodies, shower filters help reduce the negative effects of these contaminants and chlorine in the hair. You can even say that they can help you achieve healthy and shiny hair. Shower filters can help lead to the following:
Hair color retention. As mentioned before, your hair is one of your most notable features, so changing it up now and then to improve your looks is pretty common. Unfortunately, chlorine can fade your hair color—can you imagine your $100-$400 hair color flushed down the drain just because of your poor water quality? So to ensure that your newly dyed hair remains as vibrant as ever, consider installing a shower filter in your home for improved water quality.
Fuller and shinier hair. Apart from retaining your hair color, shower filters also play a part in keeping your locks fuller and shinier. Because the natural oil and moisture levels are retained in your hair, your hair remains healthier than ever.
Improve hair texture. Did you know? Once sediments and other microscopic particles pass through the shower filter, they become softer, so the water’s hardness is decreased significantly. Besides that, filtered water also helps soften your hair, keeping the frizz away and making it more manageable.
Stimulate hair growth. Many tend to focus more on the hair shaft and often neglect the scalp. But every healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp; it needs to be hydrated with the right amount of natural hair oils for hair to make it an ideal environment for hair growth.
Additional tips to achieve healthier and fuller hair.
- Use lukewarm water when washing.
- Limit your washing time.
- Use sulfate-free products that are gentle on your hair.
- Avoid excessive heat styling.
- Trim your hair regularly.
How to choose the right shower filter.
Now that you know how shower filters work and their benefits, you may be considering getting one. However, there are a lot of types, which can be pretty overwhelming. To narrow down your choices, try considering these factors:
Type of filter. The quality of water differs from where you are; some might have more chlorine in them while others may struggle with hard water. It all boils down to what water issue you have for you to decide on what type of filter to get. Some of the most common filters include activated carbon, KDF or kinetic degradation fluxion, ceramic balls, and combination filters, which are often a mixture of the aforementioned items.
Filter lifespan. When it comes to lifespan, ceramic beads have the longest—they’re practically unlimited, which is why this is the most common filter type used in camping and developing countries. However, once the beads break, it’s important to replace them immediately to not compromise the water quality.
Easy installation. Speaking of replacement, you have to be mindful of the type of shower filter you will avail of. There are simple types that you can easily install on your showerhead by yourself, but there are also complex ones that need professional services.
Flow rate. For some, one of the reasons why they’re so hesitant about getting a shower filter is because it affects the water pressure, making it weaker. In cases like that, it’s best to inquire and coordinate with your local supplier on the type of water filter they can suggest to you so the water pressure won’t be compromised.
Budget. Finally, shower filters don’t come cheap—at least the good ones don’t. Find a shower filter that’s within your realistic budget that also addresses your water quality concerns. Remember, getting a water filter is a good investment if you want to improve your hair and skin health.