The hidden impact of shower water on hair & skin in South Africa

August 22, 2025

Why shower water matters as much as drinking water

When we think “water quality,” most of us think about drinking water. But your skin is your body’s largest organ — and it’s directly exposed to litres of hot shower water every day.

Open pores + heat = higher absorption of chemicals like chlorine.
Steam inhalation = chlorine byproducts enter your respiratory system
Hair cuticles (the outer protective layer of each strand) are highly sensitive to minerals and pH changes.

The Blue Drop 2023 Report shows varying chlorine, mineral, and risk levels across South African cities — meaning your daily shower environment may be harsher than you realise.

Source: Blue Drop National Report 2023 – Department of Water and Sanitation

The skin science: chlorine, metals & pH imbalance

Chlorine’s role

Chlorine is an effective disinfectant — but on skin, it denatures proteins and natural oils.
This weakens the stratum corneum (outer skin barrier), causing dryness, redness, and micro-tears.
Sensitive skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis) often flare after exposure.

Heavy metals

Copper and iron can cause oxidative stress on skin cells, leading to irritation and pigmentation over time.
Trace lead (more common in older pipe networks) has no safe exposure level and can accumulate in tissues.

pH & hard water

Healthy skin sits around pH 5.5 (slightly acidic).
Hard water (high calcium and magnesium) shifts pH upward, impairing the acid mantle — the thin layer that protects against bacteria and pollutants.
This makes skin more prone to acne, irritation, and premature ageing.

The hair science: mineral deposits & cuticle damage

Chlorine & hair structure

Chlorine lifts the cuticle, the hair’s protective outer layer.
This leads to rough texture, frizz, tangling, and accelerates colour fade in dyed hair.

Hard water minerals

Calcium and magnesium build up on the shaft, making hair dull, heavy, and resistant to moisture.
Over time, this causes breakage and brittleness.

Metal interactions

Copper ions can react with hair dye, causing unwanted brassiness.
Iron particles oxidise, dulling shine and making hair feel “straw-like.”

Scalp health

A disrupted scalp microbiome (due to chlorine and metals) leads to dryness, dandruff, and inflammation.
Inconsistent chlorine dosing (common in medium- and high-risk SA cities) can create alternating scalp oiliness and dryness.

Why your city matters

Based on Blue Drop 2023 findings:

Low-risk metros (Cape Town, Durban, Nelson Mandela Bay) – still compliant, but chlorine dryness is noticeable.
Medium-risk metros (Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni) – fluctuating chlorine & hardness levels, scalp and hair damage more common.
High-risk metros (Mangaung, Polokwane, Rustenburg, Matjhabeng) – inconsistent chemical dosing plus pipe metals → worst outcomes for skin and hair.

What you can do about it

Short, cooler showers – reduces pore opening and chlorine absorption.
Moisturise right after bathing – locks in hydration before skin barrier closes
Use clarifying or chelating shampoos – removes mineral deposits from hair.
Rinse with filtered or bottled water – especially in high-risk areas.
Install a shower filter – to reduce chlorine, metals, and sediment before they ever reach you.

➡ Discover Why filtering your shower water matters.