While Finnish tap water is among the best in the world for drinking, the substances it contains can surprisingly harm hair and skin when showering. The water is clean, but on its journey through old pipelines and after municipal treatment, it retains substances that react readily with skin and hair when heated.
Behind this is pure chemistry. The chlorine used to disinfect water is an effective bacteria killer, but it doesn't differentiate between harmful microbes and the natural oils needed by the skin and hair. At the same time, metals such as copper and iron, which leach from the soil and pipelines, as well as hard water lime, accumulate on the surface of the hair. The result is dull and lifeless hair, and tight, irritated skin – problems that shampoo alone cannot solve.
Invisible components of water and their effects
Few people consider what tap water actually contains. Impurities are not visible to the naked eye, but their effects are felt and seen daily in hair and skin.
Chlorine: Color fader and skin dryer
Chlorine is a necessary evil of water purification. It effectively prevents the spread of diseases, but in the shower, its benefits turn into disadvantages. Warm water opens skin pores and hair cuticles, allowing chlorine to penetrate deeper.
-
In hair: Chlorine removes natural sebum from hair, which protects and moisturizes it. This makes hair dry, brittle, and causes split ends. Chlorine is particularly harsh on colored hair, as it quickly fades color pigments. Light hair often suffers the most.
-
On skin: Chlorine destroys the skin's natural protective barrier, causing dryness, redness, and itching. A daily chlorinated shower can significantly worsen symptoms of, for example, atopic or sensitive skin.
Metals: Copper and iron behind dull hair
Finnish soil is iron-rich in places, and old properties still use copper pipes. These metals dissolve in water and end up in the hair through the shower.
-
Copper: A nightmare for blondes. When oxidized in hair, copper causes an unwanted greenish tint and makes hair rough and difficult to manage.
-
Iron: Iron buildup makes hair heavy, lifeless, and dull in color. Hair loses its shine and feels dirty even immediately after washing. In brown hair, iron can leave a reddish, rusty tinge.
Hard water and lime: A film that flattens hair
Water hardness varies by region in Finland. Hard water contains abundant calcium and magnesium salts, i.e., lime. In the shower, these minerals react with shampoo and form an insoluble film on the surface of the hair.
This lime film accumulates around each strand of hair. It prevents conditioners from absorbing, flattens hair, and makes it difficult to style. The scalp also suffers: lime can clog pores, cause itching, and promote dandruff formation.
The solution lies in effective water filtration
When the problem is in the water, the solution must happen before the water hits the skin. The most effective way to remove harmful substances is to install a purpose-designed water filter in the shower.
Unlike drinking water filters, a quality shower filter is designed to operate at high temperatures and high flow rates. Our range of high-performance filters are sediment filters, which filter all particles larger than 5 microns. This effectively captures rust, most metals, and lime particles before they can harm the skin and hair.
Installing the filter is easy: it screws between the shower hose and the hand shower without tools. The effect is often noticeable immediately. The water feels softer, and after just a few washes, hair is shinier and airier. The tight feeling of the skin after showering is relieved.
When filtration is not enough: restore moisture and conditioning
Clean, filtered water is the perfect foundation for healthy skin and hair. Once harmful substances have been removed, skin and hair can utilize active ingredients more effectively.
A targeted solution for dry skin and rough hair are Aroma Sense shower product aroma gel cartridges. These cartridges, placed inside the shower head, are authentic Korean cosmetics. They slowly dissolve in water and enrich it with ingredients that care for skin and hair.
The cartridges contain four natural active ingredients:
-
Aloe Vera: Soothes and moisturizes the skin, reducing redness and irritation.
-
Snail mucin: Known for its skin-renewing and elasticity-improving effects.
-
Milk protein: Nourishes and softens skin and hair, making them silky.
-
Vegetable glycerin: An effective humectant that binds moisture to skin and hair and prevents them from drying out.
Together with a water filter, an aroma gel cartridge transforms a daily shower into a comprehensive conditioning treatment. The filter removes harmful substances, and the cartridge adds moisturizing ingredients. This is a perfect combination especially for those suffering from dry skin or rough hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a water filter affect water pressure?
A quality shower filter is designed not to significantly reduce water pressure. If the pressure drops with use, it's a sign that the filter has collected a lot of impurities and it's time to replace it with a new one.
How often should a shower filter be changed?
The replacement interval depends on water quality and usage. In a family of four, a filter lasts an average of 3–6 months. When you notice your hair or skin condition deteriorating or water pressure dropping, you know it's time for a change.
Are the filters suitable for all showers?
Yes, most common shower filters use a standard G1/2" thread, which fits almost all shower hoses and heads sold in Finland. Installation is a simple screw-on connection that can be done without tools.
Does the filter remove all lime from the water?
A sediment filter effectively removes solid particles from water, such as already precipitated lime, rust, and sand. However, it is not a chemical water softener, meaning it does not remove dissolved minerals that cause water hardness. Nevertheless, the filter significantly reduces the harmful effects and buildup caused by lime.
