Do Shower Filters Soften Water?

28th October 2026

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A large part of the UK is classed as having hard or very hard water. In these areas, homes and businesses have mains water which contains high levels of mineral residue. 

 

While not a health risk or harmful to drink, these mineral deposits in hard water can cause issues with your skin, hair and scalp when showering. It can cause dryness, irritation and sensitivity, which can be difficult to live with. 

 

You may also notice a buildup of limescale and mineral deposits around taps, sinks and in small appliances like kettles and dishwashers. 

 

So if you live in a hard water area, you may be wondering if it’s possible to turn hard water into soft water, and whether shower filters are a potential solution. Read on to find out. 

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We moved to a hard water area and the whole family suffered with horrendous dry skin and dull hair. I began with very bad dermatitis for the first time in my life, (in my sixites!). Thank goodness we came across the Curo Skin shower head. It has transformed our skin and hair - we can't believe the difference it has made, and my dermatitis has almost gone after just a few weeks. The water feels so soft on your skin. 

Janet (Customer)
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Can You Turn Hard Water Into Soft Water?

Yes - it is possible to turn hard water into soft water. It can be achieved through a water-softening process that removes the minerals responsible for hardness. These are calcium and magnesium, which are naturally picked up as water moves through underground rock and soil. 

 

These are the minerals which can cause issues such as scale buildup, reduced soap effectiveness, dry-feeling skin and dull, brittle hair.

The most common method for converting hard water into soft water is ion exchange. A water softener system replaces calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or potassium ions, significantly reducing water hardness. This kind of system is designed to soften water across the whole building’s plumbing system, rather than at a single fixture.

 

Other technologies, such as reverse osmosis systems, can also remove hardness minerals, although they are typically used for drinking water rather than whole-house treatment.

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Does Heating Hard Water Make It Soft?

No, heating hard water doesn’t make it soft. What usually happens when heating or boiling hard water is that some dissolved minerals precipitate and form solid scale deposits. You’ll have spotted this kind of chalky white buildup on your kettle, water heater or coffee maker if you live in a hard water area. 

 

While heating may reduce a small portion of temporary hardness caused by bicarbonate minerals, it doesn’t effectively remove all calcium and magnesium from the water. In fact, it can actually make things worse. The scale caused by heating or boiling can coat or even block pipes, fixtures, and heating elements.

 

So, it’s best not to try this one out at home, as you could end up exacerbating your hard water problems. 

How Do Shower Filters Work?

A whole-house water softening system isn’t necessarily a viable option for most homes, due to the cost, disruption and practical problems with installing one. 

 

But there is a solution which can be installed in any home in minutes, for a fraction of the cost. This is a shower head filter.

 

Shower filters don’t soften water, but they do significantly improve water quality by reducing certain contaminants before the water reaches your showerhead. 

 

They work by using a filter, such as activated carbon, calcium sulfite, KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) media or ceramic beads - or even a combination of these. These filters ‘catch’ some mineral deposits, as well as chlorine, heavy metals and sediment, so that all that comes out of your shower head is fresh, clean water. Replace the filter regularly, and the system carries on working indefinitely. 

 

This can improve the showering experience, especially for people with sensitive skin or concerns about chlorine exposure.

Do Shower Filters Soften Hard Water and Remove Calcium and Magnesium?

Shower heads don’t actually soften hard water as they don’t completely remove calcium and magnesium, but they do improve water quality. 

 

Solutions such as the Curo Filtered Shower Head remove over 99% of chlorine and heavy metals, which are contaminants which can worsen the effects of mineral deposits on your hair and skin. 

 

It’s not a whole-house solution, but it does alleviate one of the main problems associated with hard water - which is the impact on hair and skin when showering. 

 

So if you’re tired of dry skin, eczema flare-ups, or dull, brittle hair, a Curo shower filter could be well worth a try. There’s a 60 day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out for yourself to see if you notice the difference. 

 

It can also help with scale build-up in your shower head, which can reduce water pressure and flow. The Curo Filtered Shower Head has been proven to boost water flow by an impressive 18%, which means a more powerful, enjoyable shower - and less cleaning for you down the line. 

Is Hard or Soft Water Better?

Neither hard nor soft water is inherently better, as they both have their pros and cons.

 

Hard water:

 

  • Contains naturally occurring calcium and magnesium, which can have health benefits
  • Safe to drink and often preferred for its taste
  • Can cause limescale buildup, soap scum and reduced soap efficiency
  • Can exacerbate skin conditions and lead to dryness and sensitivity. 

 

Soft water:

 

  • Helps soaps and shampoos lather more easily
  • Reduces scale buildup in pipes and appliances
  • Can leave skin and hair feeling smoother
  • Typically requires a water softener system and ongoing maintenance (if you live in a hard water area).

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