I installed this affordable shower filter and it completely transformed the condition of my hair
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Hello Klean's viral shower filter is the definition of something you never knew you needed, but now can’t live without.
In the few months that I've been using it, the quality of my hair and the softness of my skin have completely transformed. I still use the same shampoo and conditioner, but the only thing that's changed? It's the water I'm using to rinse the suds away.
The benefits of a filtered shower head
You're probably pondering the benefits of a shower filter. But, actually, installing one into your pipes is a simple yet smart move you can make for your hair and skin health.
Increases the lather of your hair products to thoroughly remove dirt and grime
Removes chlorine from the water that can cause dryness and itchiness
Sieves out heavy metals (like lead and copper) that can cause hair breakage and exacerbate skin conditions like eczema
Helps to promote a happier scalp, leading to stronger and healthier hair growth
Ensures your hair colour stays vibrant for longer
With so much emphasis placed on the products we use, we often neglect the most fundamental component of our beauty routine: water. It’s not something we think about often, but in reality, the water in our homes may hinder the effectiveness of our shower products and how they react with our skin.
A considerable 60% of Europe live in a hard water area – if you’re in London or the South, you’re likely in the club. ‘Hard water is rich in minerals such as calcium, but it also contains heavy metals like copper, magnesium iron and lead,’ says Karlee Oz, founder of Hello Klean.
‘Hard water in itself isn’t bad for your health, meaning it’s completely safe to ingest; however, it can be damaging for your hair and skin,’ adds Karlee.
On top of this, it contains chlorine as a disinfection agent to kill bacteria and pathogens. While this is a regulatory and essential requirement in the UK that ensures water is completely safe to drink, when showering, high levels of chlorine can be drying for those with sensitive skin.
Chlorine can also kill healthy bacteria living on your skin, which can encourage itchiness and dryness. So, using a shower filter can keep existing skin conditions mollified or prevent post-power irritation.
Hello Klean: The Purifying Shower Head review
I know what you’re thinking, how can something look so chic and compact on the outside do so much science work on the inside? I thought the same. Quite cleverly, not only will this purifier elevate your shower vibe, but it’ll do a heck load for your skin too.
As someone who is very foreign to the concept of ‘DIY’, I can attest that it is incredibly easy to fit. Simply, twist off your existing shower head and replace it with this one: it discreetly slots into my shower head holder and as it’s compatible with most pipes.
‘The first layer of filtration is from activated carbon that’s woven into the fibre of the purifying cartridge,’ explains Karlee. ‘When the water passes through, it seeps between the cloth which removes chlorine and rust. Then it passes up the system to an ingredient called KDF [copper-zinc granules that reduce water contamination], as well as amino acids, which remove heavy metals and minerals,’ she adds.
There are no weak trickles either. The teeny-tiny holes allow the water to project out at such speed that it genuinely looks like thread strands falling to the floor.
And even with such a high-pressure rainfall, the filter actually saves around 25% of water. The average shower head uses 15 litres of water per minute – which is around 60 litres for a five-minute shower. Installing this filter halves water usage to roughly 30 litres for the same shower time, which is a very welcome bonus right now.
When I introduced Hello Klean into my routine, I installed the classic Shower Head, but in the new re-brand, Hello Klean has also launched a Rain Shower Filter if you fancy bringing some spa-like vibes to your shower. Just like the shower head, simply remove the exiting attachment and replace it with this. It still offers great pressure but offers a little more luxury than your standard head.
The re-brand also welcomes a few new products to the Hello Klean range. A few months ago, I managed to nab a sample of the Cold Cream Anti-Dryness Body Cream, using it on my habitually dry elbows and KP to instantly soothe flakiness and sensitivity. The rich cream is jam-packed with probiotics and cacao butter to deeply nourish and hydrate the skin, without causing irritation. It's not a frilly cream with a fancy fragrance; just a do-good antidote to skin that's craving some TLC.
How can you tell if you have hard water?
‘One tell-tale sign is a lot of limescale build-up on your shower head, sink, kettle or dishwasher,’ explains Karlee. ‘If you live in areas with high iron levels, you’ll also notice orange streaks down your sink,’ she adds.
And sorry blondes, but the reaction your hair colour has to water is a very common sign too. ‘If you have bleach blonde hair, iron can act as an oxidizer which causes brassy tones. Equally, copper and chlorine can cause hair to turn green,’ explains Karlee.
The final verdict
When I first met with Karlee, a quote stuck with me: ‘It’s about perfecting your step one.’ And, after giving Hello Klean's shower filter a serious test drive, I can see she's absolutely right. It may not be as exciting as a luxe serum or innovative hair tool, but without getting this basic step right, all those additional investments won’t be worth it.
As someone who struggles with mild rosacea and dryness, switching out my old limescale-clogged head with this shiny purifier has calmed any post-shower irritation. I’m not running for my tub of moisturiser as soon as my feet hit the bathmat, but instead, my skin feels fresh and comforted.
In terms of my hair, boy, where do I begin? Since using Hello Klean my lengths appear more vibrant in their rich chocolate-iness, plus they feel more silk-like and less straw-like. After battling with a box dye (and the box dye won) my split ends have gone into overdrive but making this simple switch, I’ve seen less hair breakage when I brush.
‘Hard water is easier to get trapped in the scalp, so this combined with sebum, product build-up and dirt can cause further havoc for your hair,’ Karlee tells me. Install a shower filter and you’ll quickly see positive effects: fewer tangles, less breakage, more shine and a happier scalp.
The concept is wild, right? If you don’t drink unfiltered water, what makes it okay to shower in it? I’ve been dwelling on that thought for the past month and can say that after making the switch, I can’t see myself going back.
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