What’s the difference and why it can matter for skin and hair
If you’ve ever stepped out of the shower feeling tight, itchy, or like your hair has gone dry and straw like overnight, you’re not imagining things. For a lot of Aussie homes, the “something” in the water is simply the disinfectant used to keep tap water safe.
Two names come up again and again.
Chlorine
Chloramine
They sound similar, but they behave differently in water, and that can change how your skin and hair feel after a shower.
This guide breaks it down in plain English, plus how to check what your area uses and what you can do about it.
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Why are chlorine and chloramine added to tap water?
Both chlorine and chloramine are used to disinfect drinking water. Their job is to kill germs and help keep water safe as it travels through pipes to your home.
Most people only notice them when they can smell “pool water” in the shower, or when their skin and scalp start feeling off.
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Chlorine vs chloramine: the simple difference
Chlorine is a strong disinfectant that works fast, but it can dissipate quicker.
Chloramine is made by combining chlorine with a small amount of ammonia. It is more stable, so it tends to last longer in the water supply.
That stability is the whole reason some water authorities choose chloramine. It helps maintain a disinfectant residual further through the network.
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Quick comparison
Chlorine
What it is: A disinfectant added directly to water
Smell: Often stronger, classic “chlorine” smell
Stability: Less stable, can dissipate faster
Common signs at home: Strong smell when you run the shower, especially after not using taps for a while
Chloramine
What it is: Chlorine + ammonia combined (often as monochloramine)
Smell: Usually less “pool like” than chlorine, but still noticeable for some people
Stability: More stable, lasts longer in the supply
Common signs at home: Less smell, but some people still notice dryness and irritation
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Why chlorine or chloramine can feel harsh on skin and hair
Everyone’s skin is different, but there are a few common ways these disinfectants can show up in real life.
1. Dry, tight feeling after showers
Hot water already strips oils from your skin. Add a disinfectant on top and some people notice that tight, squeaky feeling that makes you want to moisturise immediately.
2. Itchy scalp or dull hair
Hair and scalp can feel drier, especially if you already lean dry, have eczema prone skin, dermatitis, or you’re washing frequently.
3. Sensitive skin flare ups
If you have sensitive skin, kids with reactive skin, or you’re managing eczema prone skin, anything that disrupts your skin barrier can be a trigger. Water is not the only factor, but it can be a surprisingly common one.
Important note: This is not medical advice. If your skin symptoms are severe or persistent, it’s always worth chatting with a healthcare professional. This is about common triggers and practical home changes.
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Which one is worse for skin?
There isn’t one universal answer because it depends on:
Your skin barrier and sensitivity
How hot and long your showers are
Your local disinfectant concentration
Whether your home also has hard water
How often you wash your hair
That said, many people find chloramine trickier because it is more stable in water and can be harder to reduce with basic filtering methods.
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How to find out whether your tap water uses chlorine or chloramine
The easiest way is to check your local water authority’s water quality report or drinking water report. Look for a section called something like:
Disinfection
Disinfectant residual
Chlorine
Chloramine
Monochloramine
If you cannot find it, a quick call or email to your water provider usually clears it up fast.
Tip: If you live in an apartment or complex, the disinfectant is still coming from the local supply, but building pipework and storage can affect smell and feel too.
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Can you remove chlorine or chloramine?
This is where people get confused, because not all “filters” are designed the same.
Chlorine
Chlorine is generally easier to reduce with filtration because it is more reactive and less stable.
Chloramine
Chloramine is more stable, which means some simple filtration approaches that work for chlorine may not be as effective for chloramine unless they are designed for it.
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What helps if your area uses chloramine?
If you suspect chloramine and you are doing all the “normal” things but still feel dry or irritated, focus on two angles.
1. Reduce exposure in the shower and bath
Shorter showers
Lukewarm water (hot water is the real skin barrier bully)
Gentle cleanser (avoid over stripping body washes)
Moisturise right after, while skin is slightly damp
2. Choose a filter designed to reduce disinfectants
Some filters are built specifically to reduce chlorine and chloramine exposure during showering and bathing. For example, Vitamin C based filtration is commonly used to neutralise disinfectants in water.
If you’re using a shower filter, look for clear wording like “reduces chlorine and chloramine” rather than vague claims.
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A quick reality check on smell vs “how harsh it is”
This one surprises people.
Chlorine can smell stronger, but that does not always mean it is “worse.”
Chloramine can smell weaker, but still impact skin and hair for some people.
Smell is not a perfect indicator of what your skin will tolerate.
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FAQ
Does boiling water remove chlorine or chloramine?
Boiling can help drive off some chlorine over time, but it is not a practical solution for showering or filling a bath. Chloramine is more stable, so it is generally less affected.
If I let water sit in a jug, will chlorine evaporate?
Sometimes chlorine smell can dissipate, but it is slow and not reliable. Chloramine is less likely to dissipate in the same way.
Is one safer than the other?
Both are used to keep water safe to drink. This post is about skin and hair comfort, not about the safety of drinking water.
Why does my water suddenly smell more chlorinated sometimes?
Seasonal changes, rain events, maintenance, or changes in local treatment can affect the disinfectant residual and how noticeable it is.
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The bottom line
Chlorine and chloramine are both used to disinfect tap water, but they behave differently.
Chlorine works fast and can dissipate quicker.
Chloramine lasts longer in the water supply and can be harder to reduce with basic filtering.
If your showers leave your skin tight, itchy, or your hair dry and dull, it might not be your products. It might be your water.
