Hard water contains minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium, and sometimes trace metals like iron or copper. These minerals prevent soap from dissolving properly, which leaves behind a residue on the skin and hair, as well as directly impacting skin and hair health.
Our consultant GP, Dr. Sonia, explains it like this:
"Hard water can increase skin pH, making it more alkaline. The skin barrier functions best at a slightly acidic pH (~5.5). A higher pH weakens the skin's defence mechanisms. Prolonged exposure to hard water can compromise the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to various skin concerns. This can contribute to flare-ups of eczema and psoriasis, as well as increased skin sensitivity."
Your skincare routine starts with water. By reducing chlorine and other impurities, our filters help create a better environment for your skin barrier, so your routine can perform at its best.
Hard water and chlorine aren't proven to directly cause acne, but they can contribute to the conditions that leave skin feeling more reactive.
Hard water increases the amount of residue left behind after washing. Combined with a higher skin pH, this can leave the skin barrier feeling dry, tight or compromised. Chlorine can add to this by drying and irritating the skin barrier (ref. 1; ref. 2).
Our filters are designed to reduce chlorine and improve the quality of your shower water, helping create a better foundation for the skincare products that follow.
Trace metals such as copper and lead can penetrate and accumulate in the skin (ref.1), and several metals are recognised skin sensitisers and irritants (ref. 2).
Our filters use KDF (copper-zinc) media, an established redox technology that helps reduce certain dissolved heavy metals, including lead and mercury. The filter media is independently RoHS-tested and verified free from heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium and chromium), so it reduces what's in your water without adding any metals of its own.
Both chlorine and hard water can affect the skin barrier.
Hard water is naturally alkaline, meaning it can raise your skin's pH above its ideal level. Over time, this can weaken the skin barrier, increase moisture loss and leave skin more sensitive to irritation. Research has also linked living in hard water areas with higher rates of dry skin and eczema (ref. 1).
Chlorine is a recognised skin, eye and respiratory irritant (ref. 2). The strongest evidence comes from high-exposure settings such as swimming pools, where frequent exposure has been associated with worsening eczema symptoms in allergy-prone individuals (ref. 3). While chlorine levels in everyday tap water are much lower, reducing unnecessary exposure can help create a better environment for your skin barrier.
Our shower filters significantly reduce free, as verified through independent SGS testing, helping make shower water gentler on skin.
You may feel dryness or irritation after showering, or notice a chlorine smell. For exact levels, check your local water quality report using our tool or use an at-home water testing kit.
Signs of hard water include dry, flaky skin, dull or lifeless hair, and mineral deposits on your shower head or faucets. You can check your local water hardness by entering your postcode in our water quality tool.
We make four shower products. They all filter your water as you shower — the right one for you comes down to how you want to install it and the look you're after.
Shower Filter (inline)
- What it is: A compact filter that sits between your existing wall arm and your current shower head or hose.
- Install: Screws on in a couple of minutes with no tools — you keep your existing shower head.
- Best for: Anyone who wants filtered water but loves (or is renting and can't change) their current shower head.
Rain Shower
- What it is: A wide, fixed overhead rainfall shower head with filtration built in.
- Install: Replaces your existing fixed shower head.
- Best for: People who want a generous, rainfall-style flow and filtration in one fitting.
Shower Head 2.0
- What it is: Our standard handheld filtered shower head.
- Install: Replaces your existing handheld head and screws onto the hose — no tools needed.
- Best for: Anyone who wants a straightforward handheld filtered shower head.
Shower Head+
- What it is: Our intelligent handheld filtered shower head. It filters exactly like the 2.0 but adds smart tracking: it monitors your water use and filter life, shows it in the app, alerts you when the filter needs replacing, and tracks your water temperature to warn you when the water is hot enough to stress your skin.
- Install: Same as the 2.0 — replaces your handheld head, no tools needed.
- Best for: People who want filtered water plus data on their usage, filter life and shower temperature.
A quick note on refills: the Shower Filter and Rain Shower share the same Refill Capsule, while Shower Head 2.0 and Shower Head+ share the same refill cartridge. So if you're choosing between products, you're also choosing which refill you'll reorder.
Not sure which suits your bathroom? Message us and we'll help you pick.
Both filter your water in exactly the same way and use the same refill cartridge, so the water you shower in is identical. The difference is the smarts.
Shower Head 2.0 — our standard handheld filtered shower head. Straightforward, no app, no electronics.
Shower Head+ — our intelligent version. On top of the same filtration, it:
- Monitors your water usage and tracks how much filter life you have left
- Shows all of this in the app
- Alerts you when the filter is spent and needs replacing, so you're never guessing
- Tracks your water temperature and warns you when the water is hot enough to stress your skin (very hot water can dry out and irritate skin)
Because they share the same refill cartridge, switching between them later doesn't change which refill you reorder.
In short: choose the 2.0 if you just want clean, filtered water in a simple handheld head; choose the Shower Head+ if you also want to track your usage and filter life and get a heads-up on water temperature.
Every Hello Klean filter is made up of multiple filtration layers, each designed to target a different aspect of harsh water.
- Coconut-shell activated carbon – Reduces free chlorine, along with the taste and odour that come with it. Activated carbon is one of the most established and widely used filtration materials (ref. 1; ref. 2).
- Calcium sulphite – Reacts with free chlorine and neutralises it into harmless chloride using the same process relied on in mains-water dechlorination (ref. 3).
- KDF copper-zinc media – An established redox technology that helps reduce free chlorine and certain dissolved heavy metals, including lead and mercury. Unlike carbon alone, KDF continues to perform effectively in hot water and at higher flow rates.
- Antiscaling media – Helps reduce limescale build-up, keeping both your shower and fittings cleaner for longer.
Every filter is independently RoHS-tested and verified free from restricted heavy metals, so it reduces what's in your water without adding any metals of its own.
Like any carbon filter, performance naturally decreases over time and can begin to harbour bacteria if left for too long (ref. 4). That's why we recommend replacing your filter every 3 months.
1.0 is our older generation. We've since improved both the design and the filtration on the 2.0, but plenty of 1.0 products are still in happy use — so we continue to sell 1.0 refill cartridges and you don't need to replace your whole shower head to keep it running.
The surest way to get the right refill is to contact us with your order number. We'll look up exactly which product you have and make sure you get the correct refill — no guesswork. If you no longer have your order number, just send us your name and the email or address used on the order and we'll find it.
If you're reordering a refill and aren't certain which generation you're on, reach out before you buy and we'll confirm it for you.
Our filters are independently tested by SGS, one of the world's leading laboratory testing organisations.
On a fresh cartridge, SGS measured over 99% free chlorine reduction using the standard 2.0 mg/L test concentration. As with any filter, performance gradually decreases over time, but throughout SGS's full service-life testing, chlorine reduction remained above 96%.
Because chlorine levels in typical UK and EU shower water are much lower (around 0.2–0.3 mg/L), most households stay within this high-performance range throughout our recommended 3-month replacement cycle (see "How often should I replace my filter?").
Our filter media is also independently tested to EU RoHS standards and verified free from restricted heavy metals, including lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium, meaning it doesn't add these metals to your water.
Beyond filtration, our products are built to meet rigorous quality standards. Shower Head 2.0 meets the EN 1112 European safety standard for shower fittings, while Shower Head+ is RoHS tested, achieves the highest grade in a 200-hour salt-spray corrosion test, and is built to WEEE recyclability standards (approximately 77% recyclable and 90% recoverable).
You can explore our independent test reports here: Chlorine reduction (SGS) | Heavy-metal media test (RoHS) | EN 1112 (Shower Head) | EN 1112 (Shower Head 2.0) | RoHS | WEEE
Not in the same way as a traditional water softener.
A water softener removes the calcium and magnesium that make water hard, usually for your entire home. Our filter doesn't remove those minerals, so your water's hardness level stays the same.
Instead, Hello Klean is engineered to reduce the effects of harsh water on your hair and skin.
Our multi-stage filter significantly reduces free chlorine, while CRS is used for scale control to help reduce the mineral deposits left behind on your hair and skin.
CRS (used in our Shower Heads) is a plant-derived, amino acid-based scale inhibitor that binds to calcium and magnesium, keeping them dispersed in the water rather than allowing them to crystallise and form limescale. It delivers a minimum of 82% scale inhibition across 8,000 litres, helping reduce the buildup that can leave hair feeling rough, skin feeling dry and shower surfaces coated in scale.
So while your water isn't technically softer, the result is water that feels noticeably gentler on your hair and skin.
If your goal is preventing limescale throughout your home, you'll need a traditional water softener. If you're looking to improve the quality of the water you shower in — and reduce the effects of harsh water on your hair and skin — Hello Klean is a simple, renter-friendly solution.
It takes about two minutes by hand, with no tools or a plumber needed. Unscrew your current shower head or hose and screw the Hello Klean unit onto the standard 1/2-inch (G1/2) shower fitting. Step-by-step guides are on our Installation and Fitting guide pages.
Our products use the standard UK and EU 1/2-inch (G1/2) shower fitting, which fits the large majority of showers. The Shower Filter sits in-line, so it works with most existing hoses and heads. If you have a non-standard or older fitting, check our Fitting guide or contact us before ordering and we will help you confirm compatibility.
No. Our Shower Filter, Rain Shower, and Shower Head can be installed by hand in about two minutes, with no tools or plumber needed.
No, our Hello Klean Filtration range won’t affect your water temperature. The filters are designed to maintain your water's flow rate and pressure, ensuring that your water temperature remains consistent during your shower.
Yes, our Hello Klean Filtration range is compatible with electric heaters and can be installed without issue. However, because different heaters have varying flow requirements, we recommend checking with your heater's supplier or manufacturer beforehand to ensure optimal performance. This way, you can be sure everything works smoothly together.
Our shower heads are engineered to keep a strong, satisfying flow, and most customers say the pressure feels great or even better. Filtered media can slightly affect flow on very low-pressure or gravity-fed systems. If that is your setup, contact us and we will recommend the best option.
A small drip at a new connection is almost always the washer. Make sure the rubber washer is seated flat in the connector, hand-tighten firmly without cross-threading, and add a little PTFE (plumber's) tape to the thread if needed. If it still leaks, send us a photo and we will sort it out quickly.
Replace your filter every 3 months to keep filtration performing at its best.
If you have a larger household, shower more frequently, or live in a hard water area, you may need to replace it sooner. As with any carbon filter, performance naturally decreases over time and bacteria can begin to harbour if left for too long (ref. 1), so changing your cartridge or capsule regularly is important.
The 2-piece Refill Cartridges fit the Shower Head and Shower Head+. The Refill Capsule fits the Shower Filter and the Rain Shower. If you are unsure which you have, contact us with your order number and we will point you to the right one.
We have improved our filters over time, so refill fit depends on which generation of device you own. If a refill does not fit your head, do not worry. Send us your order number and we will make sure you get the correct refill that fits, with no hassle.
Refills are £40 and last 3 to 4 months, which works out to roughly £10 to £13 a month, or under 50p a day, for filtered water at every shower. A Smart Refill plan saves versus one-off pricing and reorders automatically, so it is more like replacing a daily skincare product than a one-off gadget.
Yes. Our refillable system uses far less plastic than disposable filtered heads, and our Shower Head+ is designed so around 77% can be recycled and 90% recovered at end of life, meeting EU WEEE environmental standards. See our Sustainability page for more.
Our Smart Refill Plan takes the hassle out of remembering when to change your filter. You’ll get fresh capsules delivered every 3 months to ensure impurities don’t creep back in and disrupt your routine.
You can cancel and change delivery time at any time in your account.
Here’s how to cancel your Hello Klean Smart Refill Plan:
- Log into your Hello Klean account.
- Click the Cancel button next to your active subscription.
- You’ll be shown your subscription end date.
If you run into any issues, please email us at support@helloklean.com.
You can see also a demonstration video on our Smart Refill Plan page here.
To amend the delivery frequency of your Smart Refill Plan, please visit the 'Subscriptions' tab within the ‘Your Account’ section of our website. You can then view each of your refill plans and edit the frequency.
You can see also a demonstration video on our Smart Refill Plan page here.
Your hair care should be able to do its job without fighting against harsh water.
Hard water and chlorine can leave your hair feeling dull, rough, harder to manage and quicker to lose colour vibrancy (ref. 1; ref. 2). That’s why our hair formula is powered by Klean Complex™ (see “What is Klean Complex™?”) to help minimise the effects of harsh water.
Used alongside a Hello Klean shower filter, our hair care helps prevent damage caused by hard water.
Hard water doesn't damage your hair in the way many people think. It builds up on it.
Hard water leaves behind calcium, magnesium and trace metals that gradually coat the hair. Over time, this buildup can leave hair feeling rougher, duller and harder to manage, while colour-treated and chemically damaged hair is particularly affected because it absorbs these deposits more easily (ref. 1; ref. 2).
Current research hasn't shown that hard water weakens or damages the hair fibre itself. Instead, it's the mineral buildup on the surface of the hair that changes how it looks and feels (ref. 3).
That's why Hello Klean focuses on preventing and removing buildup, so your hair feels softer, smoother and easier to manage.
Chlorine is best known for drying the hair, while the green tint often associated with swimming is usually caused by copper deposits rather than chlorine itself.
Chlorinated water can make it easier for copper to bind to the hair, particularly in blonde or light-coloured hair (ref. 2). Over time, chlorine can also contribute to dryness and colour fading, leaving hair looking dull or less vibrant.
The strongest evidence comes from high-exposure settings such as swimming pools rather than everyday tap water (ref. 1). Reducing chlorine and mineral exposure in the shower can help minimise buildup and keep hair looking and feeling its best.
Klean Complex™ is our proprietary blend of amino acids and antioxidants, designed specifically for harsh water.
It binds to minerals, chlorine and metals so they're rinsed away instead of building up on your hair and skin. The result is softer-feeling hair, calmer-looking skin, and a routine that performs the way it should.
Results will vary, but with consistent use, the damaging effects of harsh and chlorinated water are gradually reduced. As mineral buildup lifts, hair often feels lighter, softer, and more like how it used to.
No, it doesn’t. Our products are formulated without over 1,600 ingredients that cause potential worry, including SLS, SLES, parabens, phthalates, and silicones.
We believe in using only what’s necessary. Every ingredient in our formulas has a purpose and is carefully selected to support your hair and skin health.
Yes, our formulas are gentle, vegan, dermatologist-approved, and suitable for everyone, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. They are free from silicones, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. However, we always recommend doing a patch test first to ensure there are no allergies before introducing any new product into your routine.
Never. We’re proud to say that Hello Klean products are cruelty-free and entirely vegan. We don’t test on animals, and we don’t sell in countries where animal testing is required by law.
Yes. Our formulas are safe for all chemically treated hair, including keratin treatments, Brazilian blowouts, as well as colour-treated hair.
Full Cover Anti-Thinning Shampoo is formulated to target hair density and stimulate new growth, using ingredients like Aminexil and Biotin to strengthen hair from the root and improve scalp health.
Full Length Anti-Breakage Shampoo focuses on protecting existing hair by preventing damage from hard water and reducing breakage. While both formulas neutralise unwanted impurities in hard water, Full Cover works at the scalp level to promote thicker hair, whereas Full Length shields and fortifies hair strands.
Both conditioners offer powerful protection against hard water, helping to smooth strands and maintain moisture. The Light Hair Conditioner contains light violet pigments to neutralise unwanted yellow tones in lighter hair, while the Dark Hair Conditioner helps maintain depth and tone in darker hair by reducing brassiness and dullness.
Your body care shouldn't have to work against your water.
Hard water and chlorine can leave skin feeling dry, tight and reactive, which is why every Hello Klean body formula is powered by Klean Complex™ (see “What is Klean Complex™?”) to help minimise the effects of harsh water.
Living in hard-water areas has been associated with higher rates of eczema in children (ref. 1), while hard water also increases the amount of irritant cleanser residue, such as SLS, left behind after washing. This can disrupt the skin barrier, particularly in eczema-prone skin (ref. 2).
Used alongside a Hello Klean shower filter, our body care helps reduce the damage caused by harsh water.
Harsh water can make skin feel tight, dry, and more prone to flare ups, especially for those with eczema or psoriasis. According to GP Dr Sonia Khorana, exposure to hard water has even been linked to a higher risk of developing eczema.
While our body care isn’t a treatment, it’s designed to support compromised skin. Each formula contains Klean Complex™ to neutralise irritating minerals, remove buildup, and help strengthen your skin barrier. For personalised advice, we always recommend speaking to your dermatologist.
Results will vary, but with consistent use, the effects of hard and chlorinated water are gradually reduced. As mineral buildup lifts, skin often feels calmer, softer, and more like how it used to.
No, it doesn’t. Our products are formulated without over 1,600 ingredients that cause potential worry, including SLS, SLES, parabens, phthalates, and silicones. We believe in using only what’s necessary. Every ingredient in our formulas has a purpose and is carefully selected to support your hair and skin health.
Yes. Our gentle, water-first formulas are safe for all skin types, including those prone to sensitivity. However, we always recommend doing a patch test first to ensure there are no allergies before introducing any new product into your routine.
Yes, our formulas are gentle, vegan, dermatologist-approved, and suitable for everyone, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. They are free from silicones, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. However, we always recommend doing a patch test first to ensure there are no allergies before introducing any new product into your routine.
Never. We’re proud to say that Hello Klean products are cruelty-free and entirely vegan. We don’t test on animals, and we don’t sell in countries where animal testing is required by law.
No, you should not use our body products on your face. While our body care shares ingredients often found in facial skincare, the skin on your face is more delicate and needs products made specifically for it.
Press Reset Anti-Dryness Body Wash is designed for sensitive skin, providing deep hydration and soothing relief to tight, irritated skin. Blank Space Anti-KP Body Wash focuses on tackling roughness and bumps to gently exfoliate and smooth congested skin.
Press Reset calms and moisturises while Blank Space targets texture to help clear up rough patches.
KP, those rough little bumps often on arms and thighs, is aggravated by dryness and harsh water. Reducing chlorine in your shower, alongside our Anti-KP body care (Blank Space), helps many customers smooth and soften the look of bumpy skin over time. For a full routine, see Dr. Sonia Khorana's guide to treating KP.
Standard orders are processed and shipped within 1–2 business days.
Estimated delivery times:
UK: 2–3 business days
EU: 5–8 business days
GCC: 5–8 business days (UAE 2–3 business days)
US/Canada: 5–10 business days
Australia: 7–15 business days
Other international destinations: 10–20 business days
Currently, we do not offer expedited delivery. All orders are shipped via standard delivery services.
Once your order ships, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a tracking link. You can also log into your Hello Klean account, go to Order History, and select your order to view tracking updates.
If you haven’t received tracking details within 48 hours for an in-stock item, please check your junk mail or contact our customer support team and we’ll look into it right away.
Yes. Hello Klean ships to most countries worldwide.A few destinations are excluded due to local restrictions. If you’re unsure whether we can deliver to your country, please check our Shipping page or contact our support team.
First, check your tracking link for updates. Make sure your shipping address is correct and confirm whether a delivery attempt was made. You can also contact your local delivery service to see if they’re holding your parcel.
If none of these help, reach out to our support team with your order number. Please note that customs, weather, or local postal issues can sometimes cause unexpected delays.
Yes, but we need to act quickly. Please contact our support team with your order number and the new address. If your order has already shipped, we won’t be able to change it on our end. You may need to contact the carrier directly to request redirection or hold the parcel for pickup.
We ship from multiple locations to help avoid customs fees. If you’re ever asked to pay a duty or handling fee, please email us and our team will assist you.
Packages can be returned due to incomplete addresses, missed delivery attempts, unclaimed parcels, customs issues, or local delivery restrictions. If this happens, contact us via email or our social channels and we’ll help you resolve it.
Check around your property and with neighbours or building staff. Sometimes tracking updates before the parcel is physically delivered, so please allow 24 hours. If you still haven’t received it, contact our support team with your order number and tracking info so we can investigate.
We can make small changes if your order hasn’t been processed yet. Contact our support team right away with your order number and the requested changes.
Orders can be held for reasons like payment verification, address issues, fraud checks, stock discrepancies, or special handling. If your order is on hold, our team will contact you within 1–2 business days with details and next steps.
Yes. Every international order includes tracking at no extra cost.
Yes, in most regions. Some carriers can’t deliver larger parcels to PO boxes, in which case we’ll request a physical address.
In some regions, carriers may apply a surcharge for remote or hard-to-reach areas. If applicable, this will appear at checkout before payment.
We offer a no-question-asked refund policy for 100-days. To start a return, use the link in your account or contact our team and we will guide you through it. See our Returns page for full details and current timescales.
We are sorry, this is rare and we will fix it fast. Contact us within a few days of delivery with your order number and a photo, and we will arrange a replacement or refund. Our hardware is also covered by a 1-year hassle-free warranty.
Our shower heads and filters come with a 1-year hassle-free warranty against manufacturing faults. If something goes wrong in normal use within that period, we will replace it. Just contact us with your order details.