Water quality varies dramatically across Australia, and while most of us don’t think twice about what comes out of the shower, the minerals, chlorine levels, and pH in local water can meaningfully affect skin, hair, and overall daily well-being. For anyone dealing with dryness, irritation, frizz, or sensitivity, understanding what’s in your water may offer surprising clarity.
Below is a simple, evidence-backed explanation of how Australian water quality influences skin and hair health — and what you can do about it.
Why Australia’s Water Quality Varies So Much
Several environmental and infrastructure factors shape the water coming into Australian homes:
1. Hardness (Calcium + Magnesium)
Hard water contains elevated levels of calcium and magnesium. Cities like Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth commonly record high hardness levels.
Research shows that hard water can:
- Increase skin dryness
- Disrupt the outer skin barrier
- Make hair feel rough or difficult to manage
- Interfere with the way cleansers and shampoos rinse away
A study in the BMJ found that children in hard-water areas had a higher risk of eczema, likely due to mineral interaction with the skin’s protective barrier (1).
2. Chlorine
Chlorine is widely used across Australia as a disinfectant. While essential for maintaining safe water, chlorine can strip natural oils from the skin and scalp.
Repeated exposure has been linked to:
- Dryness and tightness after showering
- Compromised skin barrier lipids (2)
- Colour fading in treated hair
- Increased scalp irritation
For people with sensitive skin, these effects can be more noticeable.
3. Metals & Sediment
Older plumbing or mineral-rich regions may introduce trace amounts of iron, copper, or manganese into household water. These aren’t typically harmful but can contribute to:
- Brassiness in blonde or colour-treated hair
- Dryness or irritation
- Product buildup that affects skincare absorption
4. pH Levels
Healthy skin has a slightly acidic pH of around 5.5. Water in some parts of Australia can measure closer to 8 or higher, which may disturb the skin’s acid mantle — the natural layer responsible for hydration, smoothness, and barrier function.
How These Factors Affect Skin Health
Dryness and Barrier Disruption
Hard water leaves behind mineral residues that reduce how effectively cleansers rinse off. This can worsen dryness and lead to irritation or redness.
Eczema and Sensitivity
Multiple studies show that hard water exposure is associated with higher rates of eczema and dermatitis, especially in individuals with pre-existing sensitivities (3). This is due to both mineral deposits and the interaction between hard water and soaps.
How Water Quality Affects Hair & Scalp
Frizz and Roughness
Minerals in hard water cause the hair cuticle to lift rather than lie flat, creating frizz, dullness, and tangling.
Faster Colour Fading
Chlorine and metals oxidise hair, causing colour-treated hair — especially blondes and reds — to fade more quickly.
Scalp Dryness
Hard or highly chlorinated water may disrupt scalp hydration, leading to itchiness or flaking.
Australia’s Water Quality: City-by-City
It’s common for people to move cities and suddenly notice changes in their skin or hair. Some regions have softer water, while others are significantly harder or more alkaline.
A breakdown of Sydney’s water quality profile shows moderate hardness with varying chlorine levels depending on the treatment plant.
Simple Ways to Protect Skin & Hair
You don’t need to overhaul your routine small adjustments can make a meaningful difference.
1. Use gentle, low-pH cleansers
These help balance the alkalinity of harder water.
2. Moisturise right after showering
Applying lotion or cream to damp skin helps lock in hydration.
3. Use chelating or clarifying shampoo weekly
These shampoos are designed to remove mineral buildup.
4. Learn what’s really in your water
Understanding your local water quality helps you choose the right products and routines. A deeper breakdown is available in what’s really in your shower water.
Final Thoughts
Australian water quality plays a larger role in skin and hair health than most people realise. By learning how minerals, chlorine, and pH differ across regions — and making a few simple adjustments — you can improve hydration, comfort, and overall wellness. Healthy skin and hair often start with understanding the water they’re exposed to every day.
Author Bio
Matt Polzin is the founder of Flowy Australia, a beauty wellness brand focused on improving skin and hair health through better water education. He writes about skincare science, environmental factors, and practical ways Australians can improve their daily well-being.
References
- McNally, N. J., et al. BMJ, 2018. “Hard water and eczema prevalence.”
- Balzarotti, A. et al. Journal of Dermatological Science, 2017. “Effects of chlorine on epidermal lipids.”
- Perkin, M. R., et al. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2016. “Association between hard water and atopic dermatitis.”
