Can tap water ruin hair colour?

Can tap water ruin hair colour?

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    You dye your hair, choose the perfect shade, invest time and money… and within days, that vibrant colour starts to fade. You wonder: What am I doing wrong?
    The answer often lies in something as simple as the water you shower with.

    In this article, we explain why shower water can ruin hair colour, which components of the water are responsible, and how you can easily prevent it without giving up dyeing or changing your habits.

    What’s in Tap Water That Affects Hair Dye

    Your shampoo might be designed for coloured hair, but if the water isn’t right, it won’t help much. Most of the water we use at home contains substances that damage both hair and colour.

    Minerals such as Calcium and Magnesium

    In areas with hard water, there is an excess of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These elements build up on the hair, creating an invisible layer that prevents the colour from penetrating properly.

    They can also accelerate colour fading, leaving hair looking dull or even causing greenish tones in lighter hair.

    Chlorine and Other Chemicals

    Chlorine is another major culprit. It is added to disinfect water, but in hair it acts as an oxidising agent, drying out the hair fibre and breaking down the colour, especially in blond, red, and fantasy shades.

    Quick Tip: If your dye loses intensity in just a few days or changes shade, the shower water is probably to blame.

    Visible Effects on Hair Colour

    Here are clear signs that your shower water is affecting your hair colour:

    • Rapid loss of colour intensity
    • Unwanted tones (green, orange, yellow)
    • Rougher or drier texture after washing
    • Feeling like the dye “doesn’t hold” properly

    If you notice several of these effects, it’s time to take action.

    How to Protect Your Colour

    Fortunately, protecting your dyed hair is easier than you think. You don’t need to stop showering or wash your hair with bottled water. You just need to tackle the problem at its source: the water.

    Use Specific Shower Filters

    Tappwater shower filters, such as the ShowerPro or ShowerPro Diamond, remove minerals, chlorine, and other compounds that damage hair. What does this achieve?

    • Maintains colour intensity for longer
    • Prevents unwanted changes in tone
    • Reduces dryness and increases shine
    • Saves money on colour-touch products

    They are easy to install and fit most showers. No tools or technical skills required.

    Colour-Protecting Products

    You can also complement with shampoos and masks designed for dyed hair. But remember: if your water still contains chlorine or calcium, no product will be 100% effective. Start by improving the water, and you’ll see real results.

    Frequently Asked Questions from Our Customers:

    How long does a Tappwater shower filter last?
    Between 4 and 6 months, depending on usage. You can subscribe to receive replacements automatically with a 10% discount.

    What benefits does it have for dyed hair?
    It preserves colour for longer, prevents unwanted tones, and improves hydration from root to tip.

    Do I need professional help to install it?
    No. ShowerPro filters install in under 5 minutes without tools. Just screw it on and you’re done.

    Your Colour Deserves to Last Longer

    Don’t let your shower water ruin your effort. Choose a shower filter that protects your hair from day one. 

    👉 Discover Tappwater Shower Filters

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    Magnus

    Magnus Jern (MCS) is a co-founder of Tappwater, a water researcher, and recognized authority on tap water and advanced water filtration technology. Over the past seven years, he has dedicated himself to understanding everything about tap water quality, filtration systems, and bottled water.