Scalp Reset: Can Shower Filters Help with Scalp Conditions (Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis & Psoriasis)?

Unlike skin conditions that affect the face or body, scalp conditions can so often get overlooked. But living with dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis is not only deeply uncomfortable, it can also feel like it’s a never-ending battle trying to figure out what triggers the symptoms. 

Sometimes it might feel like symptoms come out of nowhere and for no particular reason. But what if your shower water actually had something to do with it? Most people wash their hair at least a few times a week with little thought given to how the impurities in their shower water might be affecting their hair and scalp. For those dealing with scalp conditions, looking first at the water that’s landing on your head is a must.

Does Unfiltered Shower Water Exacerbate Scalp Conditions?

Scalp conditions like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis often cause unpleasant symptoms and, unfortunately, unfiltered shower water can exacerbate them in the following ways:

• Increased inflammation: Inflammation is a major driver of scalp condition symptom outbreaks and the heavy metals present in unfiltered water can trigger it. 

• Clogged hair follicles: Many of the metals and minerals in water react with the skin’s oil, which leads to clogged pores and hair follicles. As a result, this traps bacteria and worsens scalp conditions. This is particularly bad for dandruff, as these clogged follicles lead to dry and flaky scalp skin. 

• Unbalanced PH: Unfiltered and hard water typically contains alkaline, which can lead to a disrupted PH balance of the scalp which increases irritation. 

As you can see, unfiltered shower water has a serious effect on the scalp, leading to increased irritation and inflammation – two things that dramatically exacerbate scalp condition symptoms. 

How a Shower Filter Can Soothe the Scalp

Shower filters work by filtering out all of the impurities that are present in tap and shower water, including chlorine, heavy metals and hard water minerals – each of which can trigger scalp condition symptoms. It does this with a filter cartridge that contains things like activated carbon, KDF and vitamin C that work to trap and neutralize contaminants.

When you install a shower filter, the water you wash your scalp in becomes purer, without any of the contaminants that trigger inflammation and irritation. You’ll see a reduction in symptoms associated with scalp conditions such as: 

• Itchiness

• Redness

• Flaking

• Dryness

• Scales

• Tenderness

• Hair loss

This happens pretty quickly, too, with most people experiencing reduced symptoms in a few days to a few weeks. 

Is a Shower Filter the Ultimate Cure for Scalp Conditions?

While there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that filtered shower water has a tremendous effect on the scalp, keep your expectations realistic. While unfiltered shower water can certainly exacerbate problems (and, in turn, filtered shower water can soothe them), the root cause of your scalp condition may be something else entirely, so you may still experience irritating symptoms. Consider a shower filter a good way to tackle outbreaks rather than as an ultimate cure for scalp conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. 

If your scalp problems persist, the most sensible step is to make an appointment with your dermatologist. Combining targeted, dermatologist-recommended scalp condition treatments with filtered shower water should help you greatly reduce any scalp symptoms.