Do you need a showerhead filter?

One of the biggest buzz phrases in the beauty industry is a surprising one - because on the face of it, it has nothing whatsoever to do with beauty.

But internet searches for shower head water filters have been growing dramatically among industry insiders. And that’s because of the negative impact chlorine - which is in more than 98% of the US water supply - and other minerals have on those of us with colored hair.

There are many fabulous products out there that protect your color while you’re at a pool but, at home, many are finding that a shower head filter is a haircare game changer.

The battle against color fade

It’s no secret that colored hair requires special attention and care to preserve its brilliance. One often overlooked culprit as we battle against fade is the water we use to shower. Unfiltered tap water can be filled with minerals and impurities that gradually strip away the vibrancy of your hair color. 

Mineral removal

Most tap water contains minerals like chlorine, calcium, and magnesium, which can be harsh on colored hair. A quality shower head filter acts as a shield, removing these minerals and preventing them from penetrating the hair cuticle. This results in less color stripping and more vibrant, longer-lasting shade.

Let’s talk about chlorine in particular

Widely used as a disinfectant in municipal water treatment processes across the United States, chlorine plays a crucial role in keeping our water safe to drink. However, it poses a significant threat to the longevity of colored hair. 

When exposed to chlorine-laden water during showers, your precious colored locks become susceptible to damage, as chlorine molecules bind to the hair shaft, leading to dryness, frizz, and, most annoying, accelerated fading. 

The harsh nature of chlorine also strips away the natural oils that protect and nourish your hair, leaving it vulnerable to the adverse effects of mineral-rich water. A shower head filter becomes your beacon of protection, acting as a barrier against chlorine exposure and safeguarding your color.

Reduced dryness and frizz

Colored hair generally tends to be more prone to dryness and frizz. So when exposed to harsh water, which then strips the scalp of its natural oils, you have a recipe for disaster. A filter will counteract that, maintaining the natural oils and leaving your hair feeling noticeably smoother and more hydrated.

Preserving hair texture

The harsh minerals in unfiltered water can also affect the texture of colored hair, making it feel rough and less manageable. By investing in a shower head filter, you're not just protecting the color but also preserving the natural healthy texture of your hair.

Preventing brassiness

Blonde and light-colored hair, in particular, can suffer from unwanted brassiness caused by the minerals in tap water. A filter will help neutralize those tones, keeping your blonde shades true.

Longer color intervals

You’ve already invested a considerable amount of time and money getting your hair colored, so it figures that you’d want it to last as long as possible. Your trusty shower head filter can extend the time between touch-ups, saving you both time and salon expenses in the long run.

Healthier scalp

The benefits of shower head filters aren't limited to your hair - they also contribute to a healthier scalp by reducing irritation and dryness, ensuring an overall improved hair and scalp environment.

Leave it for longer

In Nora Ephron’s collection of essays entitled “I Feel Bad About My Neck”, she wrote: “Tell the truth: Aren’t you sick of your hair? Aren’t you tired of washing and drying it? I know people who wash their hair every day, and I don’t get it. Your hair doesn’t need to be washed every day, any more than your black pants have to be dry-cleaned every time you wear them. But no one listens to me. 

“It takes some of my friends an hour a day, seven days a week, just to wash and blow-dry their hair. How they manage to have any sort of life at all is a mystery. I mean, we’re talking about 365 hours a year! Nine work weeks!”

A growing number of celebrities - including Kim Kardashian, Gwyneth Paltrow, Adele, Nicola Peltz, and Lorde - are admitting to only washing their hair every three, four, or five days - sometimes longer.

What’s working for you? We’d love to hear from you.