Frequently Asked Questions

HARD WATER 101

About Hard Water

What is hard water?

Hard water is rich in minerals and metals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and lead. Some cities also use chlorine to disinfect tap water.

Feeling a film on the skin and hair after showers. This is because hard water reduces lather in soap, in return, leaving behind soap scum.

Spots.These can appear on shower screens as white stains.

Less water pressure in your showers. Mineral deposits can form in the pipes, shrinking the interior diameter of your shower tap and reducing water flow.

How does it affect my scalp?

Your scalp is an extension of the skin on your face. Because of the porosity of your hair and the physical barrier it creates on your scalp, minerals, soap scum and buildup are easier to get 'trapped'.

Mineral residue from hard water can block hair follicles, affecting hair integrity and curl pattern—Additionally, calcium and magnesium sap away moisture leading to itchiness and flakes.

Hard water raises your scalp's naturally acidic pH. The more alkaline your scalp becomes, chances are, the more it's prone to irritation.

How does it affect my skin?

Incidences of eczema and psoriasis are more common in hard water areas as mineral residue on the skin can cause dryness, a leading precursor for flareups.

The high calcium content in hard water won't completely dissolve soap, meaning some residue is left behind, contributing to sensitivity and irritation.

How does it affect my hair?

Hard water can coat your hair with a film of mineral buildup. This leaves your hair feeling filmy, straw-like, and weighs down curls, causing them to look 'limp.' Hard water erodes the hair's elasticity as it lifts the cuticle, leading to easier accumulation of buildup.

Chlorine and copper exposure in domestic water can lead to colour changes for blonde hair. Additionally, iron content in hard water are oxidisers that lead to brassy and coppery tones.

How does Hello Klean help?

Our products are developed specifically for hard water. We know where the issues are, and we create solutions to supplement that. Our products work together to:

Reduce unwanted minerals

Remove follicle-clogging buildup

Restore hair and skin balance

And this differentiates us from the haircare, skincare, and body care brands out there. 

Product Questions

Shower Filter

What are the ingredients?

Stainless Mesh: Captures sand and other sediments.  

KDF 55: Reduces chlorine, unwanted minerals and heavy metals such as lead, chromium, copper, mercury, nickel, and copper. 
Calcium Sulphite: Reduces any residual chlorine. 

Granular Activated Carbon: Helps reduce trihalomethane (THMs), and odour.

Ceramic Beads: Boost filtration.

Will it reduce my water flow?

Our Shower Filter's flow rate is 8L/minute, so it shouldn't change your water pressure noticeably. 

How long does it last?

Our Shower Filter is refillable, with each capsule lasting around 13,000 litres of water, which is around:

3 months for a household of 3

4 months for a household of 2

6 months for a household of 1

Why should I subscribe?

It's hassle-free and helps you save more.

We will send you the refill capsules automatically, so you never have to remind yourself to change them again.

You can cancel and amend your subscription anytime. Simply set up an account and manage your delivery preference.

What if I encounter a fitting issue?

Our Shower Filter fits on 1/2 taps, the standard for all international showers.

In case of awkward or tight spacing, you may need an adapter to lengthen the distance between the wall and tap.

Will this 'soften' my water?

No. A water softener is a whole-house device that reduces limescale. Our Shower Filter reduces iron, copper, lead and chlorine in return, alleviating some side effects of hard water.

No shower filter will remove calcium, so we formulated products that do.

For best results, pair with Clarifying Scalp Soak and Nourishing Micronutrient Wash to remove calcium and magnesium deposits from your skin and hair.

PRODUCT QUESTIONS

Clarifying Scalp Soak

How should I use it?

Scalp Soak is a treatment designed for twice a week usage in place of your usual shampoo. 

Apply onto a wet scalp, covering all sections of the head. Massage and leave in for a minimum of five minutes. Rinse off and follow with conditioner if desired. 

Portion guidelines: 

Coin size: short/thin hair

3/4 palm: long/thick hair

Full palm: curly/coily hair

What are the ingredients?

Apple Cider Vinegar: ACV works as a gentle exfoliator while helping balance the acid mantle's pH. 

Phytic Acid: a gentle chelator that helps remove calcium and magnesium buildup from the scalp and hair.

Fermented Rice Water: helps deliver hydration and softness. 

Sweet Almond Extract: helps strengthen damaged hair, adding softness and shine.

Full ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Coco-glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Polysorbate 20, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Caprylyl Glycol, Acetic Acid, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Acrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride/Acrylamide Copolymer, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Polyquaternium-70, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seedcake Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Seed Protein, Phytic Acid, Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu) Seed Oil, Panthenol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Gluconolactone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, 1,2-hexanediol, Potassium Sorbate, Calcium Gluconate

What's a low foam formula?

Our low-foam formula whisks away buildup while ensuring that healthy oils aren't stripped from your scalp and hair. To achieve this, we formulated without harsher surfactants such as SLS and SLES, commonly known as sulphates.

Sulphates produce satisfying lather in our cleansing products. However, they may cause dryness and sensitivity for some of us. That's why, in place of rigorous foam, we opted for low-sensitising, botanically-derived surfactants. 

Gentle enough for bleached, coloured, or chemically treated hair, your scalp will feel clean but never tight.

What does it smell like?

Scalp Soak does not contain fragrance, hence the formula carries a very light citric scent which shortly disappears after application.

Clinical study: what's the proof?

A clinical study conducted with CTC Spain showed that after one use of Clarifying Scalp Soak to hair soiled with oil, hard water and pollution, there was a significant reduction of impurities on the hair shaft.

Product Questions

Nourishing Micronutrient Wash

How should I use it?

Shake and dispense formula into palm. Massage onto the body for 30 seconds to activate the micronutrients. Rinse thoroughly.

What's a bi-phase formula?

Enjoy the benefits of a moisturising milk and cleansing concentrate in one. While smaller molecules of the cleansing concentrate penetrate the skin to remove impurities, the larger molecules in the moisturising milk remain closer to the surface and lock in the micronutrients.

Together, they deliver soft, hydrated skin without that tight-feeling after a hot shower.

What are the ingredients?

Matcha Green Tea: soothes and protects the skin.

Microalgae: Rich in beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against impurities.

Niacinamide: hydrates the skin and improves the skin's barrier to block out mineral deposits, dirt, and pollution.

Tocopherol (Vitamin E): nourishes and protects the skin against free radicals found in tap water. 

Panthenol (Provitamin B5): holds moisture in the skin.

Full ingredients: Aqua, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Peg-80 Sorbitan Laurate,
Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Trehalose, Propylene Glycol, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-
Cresol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Peg-50 Shea Butter, Citric Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol,
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Citrus Aurantium
Bergamia Fruit Oil, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Styrene/Acrylates
Copolymer, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Tris(Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) Citrate,
Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Citrus Reticulata Peel Oil ,
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Santalum Austrocaledonicum Wood Oil, Salvia Sclarea Oil,
Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Dunaliella Salina Extract,
Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract,
Limonene, CI 19140, CI 17200, CI 42090

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

A dermatological testing was performed on 12 individuals of all skin types, where the product was kept in contact with the skin for 48 hours.

Results showed that Nourishing Micronutrient Wash was well tolerated, did not cause sensitivity and can be classified as non-irritating.

Clinical study: what's the proof?

A clinical study was conducted with CE way Ireland to examine skin hydration on 10 individuals living in a hard water area.

Results showed skin continuous hydration improvement during 5 hours after application.

operations

Orders and returns

How fast can my order arrive?

Once an order is successfully placed, processing may take up to 2-3 business days, with most orders shipping sooner than that. Once your package leaves our fulfilment centre, transit time will vary depending on your location.

Please note that our warehouse does not work on weekends, meaning that an order placed on Friday evening will be dispatched on Monday. 

What is your return policy?

Return shipping is at our expense.

If something did not meet your expectations, please reach out to support@helloklean.com within 30 days of receipt so we can replace, refund, or assist you further.

How can I manage my subscription?

Log in to your account and adjust your delivery schedule as you see fit. You'll be able to cancel, skip, delay a shipment and update your address and payment details there.

What payment options do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards, Paypal, and debit card payment methods.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we do! We work with 4 global fulfilment partners in the UK, EU, USA, and UAE to ensure fast and carbon-conscious shipping.

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The Brand

Where are you based?

Hello Klean is based in London, UK.

Where are your products made?

We value custom formulation development to make sure what we bring you is unique, and the best. Each of our partner manufacturing facilities are in compliance with EU, UK and US regulations.

Our manufacturing partners hold BRC, SEDEX and ISO4001 certifications, which are global frameworks ensuring ethical standards and integrity across product safety, quality and worker conditions.

Do you test on animals?

No, Hello Klean and our partners do not perform animal testing.

Are you a 'clean' brand?

Depending on who you ask, everyone's definition of a clean formulation is different. But more often than not, 'clean' beauty is a vague marketing term with little definition.

Like most brands on the market, our formulas are held to strict E.U. standards, making us confident in each ingredient's safety.

Here's a list of ingredients that you won't find in our formulation: Aluminium compounds, Benzalkonium Chloride, BPA, Butoxyethanol, Coal Tar, DEA, Dyes, EDTA, Formaldehyde, Fragrance, Hydroquinone, MEA, Mercury, Methylisothiazolinone, Mineral Oil, Palm Oil, Parabens, Phthalates, Recorcinol, Silicones, Silicones, SLES, SLS, TEA, Triclosan

Where else can I buy your products?

You can shop our products at Cult Beauty, Beauty Bay and Urban Outfitters.