Shower water's effect on hair depends heavily on its quality. While showering itself doesn't inherently harm hair (as noted in a Quora answer regarding daily showering: https://www.quora.com/Is-taking-a-shower-everyday-bad-for-your-hair), the type of water significantly impacts hair health.
The Impact of Water Quality
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Hard Water: Hard water, rich in minerals, can contribute to dryness, dullness, and even hair loss (https://www.reddit.com/r/Markham/comments/11at01a/hard_water_causing_intense_hair_fall_is_shower/). A shower filter can help by removing these minerals (https://www.reddit.com/r/Markham/comments/11at01a/hard_water_causing_intense_hair_fall_is_shower/). This is supported by numerous accounts, including one from a user who reported significantly improved hair after using a shower filter (https://www.reddit.com/r/HaircareScience/comments/12cl6z2/psa_be_very_careful_wit_shower_water_filter/).
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Chlorinated Water: Chlorine, commonly found in tap water, can also negatively affect hair, leading to dryness and damage. Filtering systems can help reduce chlorine's impact (https://www.hairbylaurenbarton.com/new-blog/2022/6/29/your-guide-to-shower-filters).
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Water Temperature: Extremely hot water can damage hair by making it brittle (https://www.reddit.com/r/HaircareScience/comments/n9vpaw/myth_or_fact_hot_water_damages_hair/). Lukewarm water is generally recommended. The temperature itself doesn't affect hair growth (https://www.realself.com/question/greenville-nc-shower-cold-water-adversely-affect-scalp-hair).
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Overall Water Quality: The quality of shower water is crucial for both hair and skin health (https://longsecowater.com/blog/how-your-water-affects-your-hair). Poor water quality can lead to various problems, including dryness, irritation, and even hair loss. This is further emphasized by the impact of Australian water on some individuals' hair (https://www.quora.com/Why-does-Australian-water-mess-with-my-hair).
In summary, while showering itself isn't harmful, the quality of your shower water plays a vital role in your hair's health and appearance. Hard water and chlorinated water can cause damage, while hot water can lead to brittleness. Filtering your shower water can be a solution to mitigate these negative effects.
