When hair doesn’t behave the way it should — feeling dry, dull, or difficult to manage — the problem isn’t always the products being used. One of the most overlooked influences on hair and scalp health is water quality. The water we wash with every day plays a crucial role in how hair looks, feels, and responds to treatment, yet it is rarely considered as part of a regular haircare routine.
Understanding how water affects the hair and scalp can explain many common concerns and, in some cases, offer a simple and effective solution.
What’s in Your Water?
Domestic tap water varies greatly depending on location. While it is treated to be safe for household use, it often contains a combination of minerals, chemicals, and impurities. These can include calcium and magnesium (commonly referred to as hard water minerals), chlorine used for disinfection, traces of heavy metals from plumbing, and microscopic sediment.
Over time, these elements accumulate on the hair and scalp, influencing texture, shine, and overall condition.
Hard Water and Its Effects on Hair
Hard water is one of the most common causes of persistent hair concerns. The high mineral content coats the hair shaft, creating a barrier that prevents moisture and nutrients from penetrating properly.
This often results in hair that feels dry or coarse despite regular conditioning. Shine is reduced, hair may appear lifeless, and styling becomes more difficult. Products can struggle to lather and rinse cleanly, leading to residue build-up that further dulls the hair and irritates the scalp.
For many people, this build-up develops gradually, making it difficult to identify the true cause.
Chemical Exposure and Scalp Balance
Chlorine and other water-treatment chemicals can strip the hair and scalp of natural oils. This disruption affects the scalp’s protective barrier, often leading to dryness, sensitivity, or flaking.
An imbalanced scalp environment can compromise hair growth and weaken the hair at the root. Over time, this can result in hair that feels thinner, more fragile, and increasingly difficult to maintain.
The Impact on Coloured and Treated Hair
Coloured hair is particularly vulnerable to water quality issues. Mineral deposits and chlorine can lift the hair cuticle, allowing colour pigments to escape more quickly. This leads to faster fading, loss of vibrancy, and unwanted tonal changes — especially in blonde, highlighted, or lighter shades.
Even with professional colour-safe products, poor water quality can significantly reduce the longevity and appearance of salon colour.
Why the Scalp Matters
Healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp. When impurities accumulate, they can block follicles, disrupt pH levels, and create an environment where irritation and imbalance thrive.
A compromised scalp not only affects comfort but also the quality of new hair growth. Addressing water quality can therefore have long-term benefits beyond immediate cosmetic improvements.
The Role of Shower Water Filters
Shower water filters are designed to reduce or remove many of the substances that negatively affect hair and scalp health. By filtering chlorine, minerals, heavy metals, and sediment, these systems improve the overall quality of water used during washing.
Filtered water is gentler on the hair cuticle, allowing it to remain smoother and better able to retain moisture and colour. It also supports scalp balance, helping to reduce irritation and dryness.
The Difference Filtered Water Can Make
Clients who switch to filtered water often notice hair that feels softer, looks shinier, and is easier to manage. Colour tends to last longer, treatments perform more effectively, and the scalp feels more comfortable and balanced.
While a water filter is a small addition to a home routine, its impact can be significant — particularly for those in hard water areas or with colour-treated, dry, or sensitive hair.
A Foundational Step in Haircare
Haircare begins long before styling products are applied. Water quality forms the foundation of every wash, influencing how hair responds to professional treatments and home care alike.
By improving the water used daily, it becomes easier to maintain healthy, vibrant hair between salon visits — supporting both immediate results and long-term hair health.
For personalised advice on hair, scalp concerns, and home care routines, speak to your Salon 1606 stylist, who can help you identify whether water quality may be affecting your hair and recommend the most effective solutions.
