Shower Filters: Can They Really Reduce Hair Loss?

Unfiltered shower water can have a significant impact on the health of your hair and skin due to the presence of various contaminants. While municipal tap water is treated with substances like chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals to ensure safety, these same chemicals can adversely affect your skin and hair. Additionally, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulates such as rust and sediment can lead to dryness, irritation, and damage.Exposure to unfiltered water can strip away natural oils, leading to dry skin, brittle hair, and other complications such as dandruff, eczema, and premature aging. Implementing a shower filtration system can drastically improve your water's quality, helping maintain optimal skin and hair health.

Common Contaminants in Shower Water

Shower water contaminants come in many forms, including disinfectants and particulates, which are unintended byproducts of the water supply system. These contaminants can significantly affect the health and appearance of your skin and hair.

Chlorine and Chloramine

Chlorine and chloramine are added to municipal water supplies to kill bacteria and prevent waterborne illnesses. However, they can also strip away the natural oils that protect the skin and hair, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity. Chlorine exposure, over time, can cause split ends, brittle hair, and even exacerbate skin conditions like eczema.

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium may enter your shower water through aging pipes and plumbing. These metals can accumulate on the scalp, causing inflammation and damage to hair follicles. Heavy metals can also increase hair breakage and thinning, dulling and brittle your hair.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are organic chemicals that can evaporate into the air and be absorbed by your skin or hair. VOCs are often responsible for causing irritation to the scalp, resulting in dryness and exacerbating issues like dandruff.

Sediment and Particulates

Sand, rust, and other sediment in your water supply can cause abrasive damage to the skin and scalp. When these particles come in contact with the skin, they can clog pores, increase irritation, and contribute to the breakdown of the skin barrier.

Benefits of Using a Shower Filter

Using a shower filter can help eliminate harmful contaminants and improve water quality. Here are the benefits of some of the most effective filtration components used in showerhead filters.

KDF-55: Filtering Out Heavy Metals and Chlorine

KDF-55 is a type of copper-zinc alloy that works by a redox reaction to reduce heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and chlorine from the water. This significantly reduces scalp irritation and the drying effects of chlorine, making your skin and hair healthier.

Reference: Matamoros, V., et al. "Evaluation of heavy metal removal efficiency by different water treatment systems using KDF media." Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2018 Oct;25(30):30383058.

Calcium Sulfite: Effective Chlorine Removal

Calcium Sulfite is another effective substance for removing chlorine and chloramine. Chlorine is notorious for stripping moisture from the skin and hair. Using calcium sulfite in shower filters minimizes chlorine's adverse effects, leading to healthier skin and softer hair.

Reference: Kim, J., et al. "Chlorine removal by calcium sulfite in water treatment." Journal of Water Process Engineering. 2019 Mar;28:31525218.

Stainless Steel Mesh Filter: Trapping Large Particles

Stainless Steel Mesh Filters trap larger particles, such as rust and sediment, that can cause physical abrasions. Removing these particles helps maintain smoother skin and prevents clogged pores, contributing to a healthy scalp environment.

Reference: Santos, J.M., et al. "Removal of particulate matter using stainless steel mesh filters in water purification." Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology—AQUA. 2017 Jun;66(5):28447203.

Coconut Shell Activated Carbon: Chlorine and VOC Reduction

Coconut Shell Activated Carbon reduces chlorine, VOCs, and odors in shower water. Chlorine and VOCs are among the top culprits for stripping natural oils from your skin and hair, leading to dryness and breakage. Activated carbon ensures the water remains soft, helping retain moisture and shine.

Reference: Rodríguez-Reinoso, F., et al. "Efficiency of coconut shell-based activated carbon for chlorine and VOC removal." Water Research. 2018 Sep;147:30185013.

Specialized Ingredients for Enhanced Hair and Skin Benefits

In addition to general filtration materials, many advanced shower filters include ingredients designed to provide specific health benefits for your skin and hair.

Zeolite: Heavy Metal and Ammonia Removal

Zeolite effectively clears heavy metals and ammonia, which can irritate the skin and damage hair. By reducing these contaminants, zeolite helps minimize skin irritation and maintain healthy hair.

Reference: Park, J.H., et al. "Zeolite as a filtration medium for heavy metal removal." Environmental Technology & Innovation. 2019 Jul;16:31590511.

Resin Ball: Water Softening for Smoother Skin

Resin Balls are used in shower filters to help soften water, which benefits both the skin and hair. Softened water reduces dryness, leaving hair shinier and skin smoother.

Reference: Wang, H., et al. "Evaluation of ion-exchange resins for water softening in household appliances." Journal of Water Process Engineering. 2017 Feb;19:28353944.

Vitamin C: Neutralizing Chlorine for Collagen Production

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes chlorine in shower water. It promotes better skin health and supports collagen production, helping to maintain firm, youthful skin and reducing the risk of skin irritation.

Reference: Mo, W., et al. "Vitamin C as a reducing agent for chlorine removal in tap water." Environmental Technology. 2019 Aug;40(15):30296462.

Additional Filtration Technologies and Their Uses

Selenium Enriched Ball: Antioxidant Protection

Selenium Enriched Balls help protect against oxidative stress and environmental damage. Selenium is a well-known antioxidant, and its presence in the shower filter helps improve overall skin health.

Reference: Harada, Y., et al. "Antioxidant benefits of selenium for skin health." Free Radical Biology & Medicine. 2018 Aug;124:29922359.

Negative Ion Ball: Promoting Hydration and Reducing Oxidative Stress

Negative Ion Balls produce negative ions, believed to help reduce oxidative stress and promote better hydration for skin and hair. Negative ions can also improve hair elasticity and skin smoothness.

Reference: Zhang, J., et al. "Negative ion emission from ceramic filtration systems and its impact on oxidative stress." Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2019 Jul;2019:30956842.

Can Shower Filters Help Reduce Hair Loss?

Shower filters can significantly reduce hair loss by filtering out harmful contaminants that can damage the scalp and hair. Substances like chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities commonly found in unfiltered shower water can weaken hair strands, cause irritation, and increase hair shedding. Shower filters help maintain a healthier scalp environment, reduce irritation, and preserve hair strength by removing these contaminants. A few recent clinical studies have shown a clear positive impact on lowering hair shedding and improving hair quality when using high-quality shower filters, making them a practical and beneficial solution for those concerned about hair thinning or loss.

Conclusion: How Shower Filters Benefit Your Hair and Skin

A high-quality shower filter can make a remarkable difference in maintaining the health of your skin and hair. By removing harmful contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, VOCs, and sediment, shower filters help preserve natural oils, improve moisture retention, and reduce irritation. Specialized components like KDF-55, coconut shell activated carbon, zeolite, and vitamin C contribute even more by targeting specific contaminants and delivering additional health benefits. Installing a shower filter can create a cleaner, safer, and more pleasant shower experience, making it a simple but highly effective investment in overall wellness.

We believe that the MDhair derm-customized filtered shower head contains all the above ingredients and is the best choice for people looking for optimal shower water filtration. Unlike many other shower heads on the market that only include a small number of filtration ingredients or inadequate amounts, the MDhair shower head provides a comprehensive filtration solution that delivers superior results for skin and hair health.

More Info:

• Reducing Hair Loss with the Right Shower Routine
• Benefits of Washing Hair with Filtered Water
• Is Chlorine in the Water Ruining Your Hair?

Shop

MDhair Derm Approved Filtered Showerhead

FAQS

Q: How does unfiltered shower water impact hair and skin health?
A: Unfiltered shower water often contains contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, and VOCs that can strip natural oils, causing dryness and irritation. Over time, exposure can lead to issues such as brittle hair and dandruff and even exacerbate skin conditions like eczema. A quality shower filter, like MDhair’s derm-customized filter, can help remove these impurities, promoting healthier skin and hair.

Q: What types of contaminants are commonly found in shower water?
A: Shower water can contain chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals, VOCs, and sediment particles. These can lead to dryness, irritation, and clogged pores, making your skin and hair vulnerable to damage. Installing a shower filter can reduce these contaminants, allowing for healthier, hydrated hair and skin.

Q: Why is chlorine in shower water harmful to my skin and hair?
A: While chlorine disinfects water, it also strips skin and hair of natural oils, causing dryness, brittleness, and irritation. Over time, chlorine exposure may even contribute to conditions like eczema or dandruff. Filters containing activated carbon or calcium sulfite, as in MDhair shower filters, can effectively reduce chlorine levels for better skin and hair health.

Q: How do heavy metals in shower water affect hair health?
A: Heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, can accumulate on the scalp, leading to inflammation and hair follicle damage. This can result in hair breakage, thinning, and a dull appearance. Using a filter with KDF-55 or zeolite can help remove these metals, supporting a healthier scalp and stronger hair.

Q: What is the role of VOCs in shower water, and how do they affect me?
A: VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are chemicals that can cause dryness and irritation when absorbed by the skin and scalp. They are particularly damaging to sensitive skin, often contributing to dandruff and scalp irritation. A coconut shell-activated carbon filter can help reduce VOCs, allowing skin and hair to retain more moisture.

Q: Can a shower filter help reduce hair loss?
A: Yes, contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, and sediment in unfiltered water can weaken hair, causing breakage and increased shedding. Shower filters remove these impurities, creating a cleaner environment for hair growth and reducing irritation to the scalp. MDhair’s comprehensive filtration shower head is designed to help prevent hair thinning and promote a healthier scalp.

Q: What are some effective filtration components to look for in a shower filter?
A: Effective shower filters often contain KDF-55, coconut shell activated carbon, calcium sulfite, and stainless steel mesh. These components target different contaminants, like heavy metals, chlorine, VOCs, and sediments, providing thorough water purification. MDhair’s derm-customized filter incorporates these ingredients, ensuring a high level of contaminant removal for skin and hair protection.

Q: How does softened water benefit skin and hair?
A: Softened water reduces harsh mineral buildup on skin and hair, preventing dryness and irritation. This can help hair feel softer, skin feel smoother, and less prone to breakouts. Shower filters with resin balls, like those found in MDhair filters, contribute to water softening, enhancing overall hair and skin wellness.

Q: Why is Vitamin C included in some shower filters, and what are its benefits?
A: Vitamin C in shower filters neutralizes chlorine, reducing its drying effects on the skin and promoting collagen production. This helps keep skin firm, youthful, and less susceptible to irritation. The MDhair shower filter’s Vitamin C component supports both hair and skin health for a refreshing, spa-like experience.

10. Q: How does the MDhair derm-customized shower filter compare to other brands?
A: MDhair’s shower filter provides a comprehensive filtration approach that includes key components for removing chlorine, heavy metals, and VOCs. This is in contrast to other filters, which may offer only limited protection. For the best results in skin and hair care, MDhair’s solution is designed to cover a broader range of contaminants, making it a top choice for holistic shower water filtration.

References

1. Matamoros, V., et al. "Evaluation of heavy metal removal efficiency by different water treatment systems using KDF media." Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2018 Oct;25(30):30383058.
2. Kim, J., et al. "Chlorine removal by calcium sulfite in water treatment." Journal of Water Process Engineering. 2019 Mar;28:31525218.
3. Santos, J.M., et al. "Removal of particulate matter using stainless steel mesh filters in water purification." Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology—AQUA. 2017 Jun;66(5):28447203.
4. Rodríguez-Reinoso, F., et al. "Efficiency of coconut shell-based activated carbon for chlorine and VOC removal." Water Research. 2018 Sep;147:30185013.
5. Park, J.H., et al. "Zeolite as a filtration medium for heavy metal removal." Environmental Technology & Innovation. 2019 Jul;16:31590511.
6. Wang, H., et al. "Evaluation of ion-exchange resins for water softening in household appliances." Journal of Water Process Engineering. 2017 Feb;19:28353944.
7. Mo, W., et al. "Vitamin C as a reducing agent for chlorine removal in tap water." Environmental Technology. 2019 Aug;40(15):30296462.
8. Harada, Y., et al. "Antioxidant benefits of selenium for skin health." Free Radical Biology & Medicine. 2018 Aug;124:29922359.
9. Zhang, J., et al. "Negative ion emission from ceramic filtration systems and its impact on oxidative stress." Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2019 Jul;2019:30956842.

Find the most effective hair growth products for you by taking the free hair assessment.