In January of this year, I came across this article on NaturallyCurly.com regarding the hair, skin and health, benefits of using a shower water filter.  The article states:

Did you know that we actually absorb 100 times more chlorine and chemicals in a 10-minute shower than from drinking the same unfiltered tap water? Anyone who has been in a chlorinated pool can relate to the harsh drying effect that chlorine has on one’s skin and hair. However, most people do not realize that chlorine—and a lot of it—can also be found in our household bathing water, often the same amount or even more than is recommended for swimming pools. Good-bye soft curls! Hello, frizz!

In addition to the obvious health risks of bathing in chemical-rich water, the cosmetic effects are disastrous, especially for those of us with naturally curly locks. Chlorine wreaks major beauty havoc by stripping the natural protective oils from skin and hair, causing excess drying, which leads to frizz, and, even worse, advanced aging (gasp)! Fortunately, there are some simple and affordable options for protecting your hair, skin and overall health when sudsing up.

The article goes on to recommend the Aquasana Water Filter, which has been named a “Best Buy” by Consumers Digest for six consecutive years and “one of the seven healthiest new products for your home” by Health magazine in June 2010.

Given that the water fixtures in my home are destroyed every few years by hard water corrosion and the calcium/limescale deposits are visible, I decided this was an investment in my health and hair that I was willing to make. Although I consider this my ultimate PJ moment ($70, not including the filter replacements that will have to be purchased two times a year), I think it was the one that was truly justifiable! My skin doesn’t get super dry and tight after showering anymore and though my hair was never dry or dull looking, I know that the water I was using to wash and rinse it wasn’t doing it any favors.

As we all know, water is the key to moisturized hair. And, if the water we are using isn’t good, how can we expect our hair to be? So, if you struggle with dry skin and/or dull, dry and frizzy hair, maybe it’s not your products or your hair, maybe it’s your water.

(If you’re interested in a water filter, NaturallyCurly.com readers can still purchase the Aquasana Water Filter at a special reduced price of $67.99 [regularly $84.99]. Click the hyperlinked article above for the Aquasana link and offer.)

Do you use a shower filter? If so, have you noticed a difference in your hair/skin?