Moved to a New Home in Malaysia? Here’s Why Your Hair Might Be Falling Out

May 26, 2025

New Home, New Water—New Hair Problems?

Relocating to a new city or moving into your dream home in Malaysia should be an exciting chapter. But if you've noticed more hair strands on your pillow or shower floor after the move, you're not alone. This frustrating experience is increasingly common among both Malaysians and expats.

The surprising cause? It might be your shower water.

Understanding Malaysia’s Water Supply and Its Impact on Hair

Malaysia’s municipal water is generally considered safe for consumption after treatment by local water authorities like SYABAS and Pengurusan Air Selangor. However, “safe to drink” doesn't necessarily mean “ideal for skin and hair.” In Malaysia, water treatment methods vary by state, and the age of your building’s plumbing system can influence what actually flows out of your shower head.

Malaysia’s tap water often contains:

1. High Chlorine Content

Chlorine is added to disinfect water but can strip the scalp of natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Studies show long-term exposure to chlorine may also damage hair follicles.

2. Hard Water Minerals (Calcium, Magnesium)

Hard water makes it harder for shampoo to rinse off, leaving behind a residue that causes buildup on your scalp and weakens hair over time. Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and parts of Johor have been reported to have medium to hard water levels, especially in older apartments and landed homes.

3. Heavy Metals & Rust from Old Pipes

Aged plumbing systems can release iron, copper, or lead, contributing to scalp irritation and even premature hair fall. These impurities may not be harmful to your health in low quantities, but they accumulate on your scalp over time.

4. Microbial Contaminants

Warm, humid climates like Malaysia’s are ideal for microbial growth in water tanks. Without proper filtration, bacteria and mold spores can cause scalp infections or worsen dandruff.

How Chlorinated or “Hard” Water Triggers Hair Fall

If you’ve noticed:

Brittle hair that breaks easily
Excessive tangling
Itchy or flaky scalp
Increased hair shedding

...then your shower water may be to blame. Research has shown that chlorinated water can damage the protective cuticle of the hair, leaving it more prone to breakage.

Mineral buildup on the scalp may block hair follicles, while over-cleansing from chlorine strips the scalp of sebum—disrupting the natural hair growth cycle.

Expats in Malaysia: You’re Not Imagining It

If you're an expat from countries like Japan, the UK, or Australia, your hair might be accustomed to softer, low-chlorine water. Transitioning to Malaysian water can shock your scalp’s microbiome, leading to sudden hair thinning, frizz, or increased shedding.

Anecdotal reports from Kuala Lumpur expat communities frequently link moving to high-rise apartments or older landed homes with noticeable changes in hair texture and volume within weeks. A common Reddit thread among expats in Kuala Lumpur discusses this exact issue—where some even report scalp irritation and acne flare-ups post-move.

What You Can Do To Prevent Hair Fall?

Besides evaluating your overall health and diet, protecting your hair at the source—your shower—is key. Here are actionable steps to protect your scalp and maintain healthy hair—without drastically changing your routine:

1. Install a Shower Head Filter

Filtering your water is the first line of defense against impurities. A good shower filter reduces chlorine, rust, and heavy metals—all of which contribute to hair fall. Choose a model with multi-layer filtration, such as PP (sediment) filters and KDF55 (chlorine) filters. This simple upgrade can improve both hair and skin health.

2. Switch to Gentle, Sulfate-Free Hair Products

Harsh shampoos + hard water = double trouble. Use low-lather, sulfate-free formulas to avoid over-stripping your scalp’s protective oils.

3. Clarify Weekly to Remove Buildup

Once a week, use a clarifying shampoo or scalp scrub to remove mineral deposits and product residue.

4. Avoid Overheating Your Water

Hot water opens up hair cuticles and makes strands more vulnerable. Use lukewarm water for shampooing, and cool water for the final rinse to help seal moisture.

5. Stay Hydrated and Eat for Hair Health

Water quality matters—but so does what goes inside. Eat foods rich in iron, zinc, omega-3s, and biotin, and drink plenty of clean water.

Why Malaysians & Expats Choose UCHI Shower Head Filters

When it comes to local water issues, UCHI Shower Head Filters are made with Malaysian households in mind. Whether you live in a high-rise in Mont Kiara or a terrace house in Subang, UCHI Shower Filters are designed to work with local plumbing and water conditions.

Designed specifically for Malaysian water conditions, UCHI’s dual-filtration system includes:

PP Sediment Filter – blocks rust, dirt, and large particles.
KDF55 Chlorine Filter – reduces chlorine, heavy metals, and bacterial growth.
Easy to Install – fits standard shower types in Malaysia.
Aesthetic Design – perfect for both minimalist and modern bathrooms.

Final Thoughts

If you've moved and noticed hair fall, don’t panic—your hair is reacting to change, and water quality could be a key factor. By switching to filtered water and upgrading your routine, you can stop hair fall at the source and restore your hair’s natural health.

Let your new home in Malaysia be a fresh start—not a haircare setback.