What's actually in your tap water?
Most municipal water is treated with chlorine to keep it safe to drink — but the same chlorine that kills bacteria also strips the natural oils that protect your skin and hair. Depending on your local infrastructure, water can also carry trace sediment, rust from aging pipes, and dissolved minerals that leave hard-water buildup on skin and hair.
What to look for
- Chlorine — often noticeable by smell; linked to dryness and irritation with daily exposure
- Sediment & rust — common in older plumbing; can clog pores and dull hair
- Hard water minerals — calcium and magnesium buildup that roughens the hair cuticle
You can check your local water quality report through your municipal provider, but the simplest fix is filtering at the point of contact — your shower.