Chlorine in Tap Water: Effects on Skin and Hair Health

Chlorination is one of the most common and cost-effective methods of disinfecting tap water. Since the early 20th century, it has saved millions of lives, playing a crucial role in preventing cholera, typhoid, and other dangerous infections.
However, modern science is increasingly focusing not only on the benefits but also on the potential harm of regular exposure to chlorinated water — particularly when it comes to skin and hair health, which serve as both our primary defense barrier and a reflection of our overall well-being.
One of the most comprehensive sources on this topic is the study by L.V. Makotrina and A.S. Zver’kova titled "The Impact of Drinking Water Disinfection with Chlorine on Human Health," published in Izvestiya of Higher Educational Institutions (No. 1, 2011).

The skin is not just the outer shell of the body — it’s an active organ that performs protective, immune, and thermoregulatory functions. However, with regular exposure to chlorinated water, its protective capabilities begin to weaken.
Researchers note that when chlorine interacts with organic substances found in water and on the skin, harmful by-products are formed, including:

• Trihalomethanes (THMs)
• Chloroform
• Carbon tetrachloride
• Dioxins

These compounds are considered potential carcinogens and can penetrate the body even during simple activities like washing your face or taking a shower.
Contact with chlorinated water can lead to:

• Destruction of the skin’s lipid layer, causing moisture loss, dryness, and vulnerability
• Irritation, itching, and flaking, especially in people with sensitive skin or skin conditions
• Weakened local immunity, increasing the risk of inflammation and skin infections

Chlorine is particularly harmful to children.
According to studies, exposure in young children may cause inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, and esophagus. Frequent swimming in chlorinated pools is also associated with a higher risk of developing bronchial asthma.

Hair and scalp suffer just as much as the skin when exposed to chlorinated water. Chlorine damages the keratin structure and strips away the natural protective oil layer. As a result:

• Hair becomes dry, brittle, dull, and prone to split ends
• The scalp’s sebaceous gland function is disrupted, which can lead to either excessive oiliness or dandruff and itching
• Hair becomes more prone to shedding, especially with frequent or daily exposure to chlorinated water (e.g., swimmers)

Colored hair is particularly sensitive.
Chlorine can react with hair dye pigments, causing color fading, unwanted tone shifts, or even unnatural hues.

The answer is simple: efficiency, low cost, and long-lasting effectiveness. None of the alternative disinfection methods — such as ozone treatment, UV radiation, or membrane technologies — can currently match chlorine in terms of ease of implementation on the scale required for municipal water supplies.
However, as highlighted by researchers, the by-products of chlorination — which accumulate in both the body and the water system — pose a real health threat. These risks include:

• Carcinogenic effects
• Atherosclerosis
• Liver damage
• Accelerated aging

So while chlorine remains the most practical choice for public water treatment, its long-term impact on health should not be overlooked.

While it’s difficult to completely avoid contact with chlorinated water, there are several accessible steps you can take to minimize its impact:

1. Use filters. From simple shower filters to full-house reverse osmosis systems, home filtration solutions effectively remove free chlorine and its by-products.
2. Limit exposure time and temperature. Hot water increases chlorine absorption through the skin. Opt for shorter, cooler showers rather than baths — especially if you don’t have a filter installed.
3. Moisturize after bathing. Use nourishing creams and oils to help restore the skin’s protective barrier and prevent dryness and irritation.
4. Protect your hair. Apply oil or a leave-in conditioner before showering or swimming. Afterward, thoroughly rinse your hair and scalp to remove any chlorine residue.

Chlorine saves lives — but in everyday life, it acts as a slow irritant and toxin, especially with daily exposure. The condition of your skin and hair is often the first indicator of its effects.
Acknowledging this reality and taking simple preventive steps can go a long way in preserving your health and appearance over the long term.