Using a shower head filter can help to minimize your exposure to harmful chemicals and impurities that can negatively impact the health of your hair, skin and respiratory system. This is especially important for those who have conditions like psoriasis or eczema, which can be exacerbated by chlorine and other disinfectants found in unfiltered water.
1. Removes Chlorine
Unfiltered water is high in chlorine, which strips the hair and skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness. But a shower filter can help by removing the chemicals from the water that enters your pores, says dermatologist Kiran Mian. The filters remove chlorine and other minerals and metals, leaving you with softer hair and skin.
In addition, many filter showerheads help prevent soap scum buildup on your bathroom surfaces, making cleaning the bathroom easier and less time-consuming. Some also extend the life of your showerhead and other bathroom fixtures, as they prevent mineral deposits from clogging them.
Most filtered showerheads come in several finishes, so you can find one that matches the hardware in your bathroom. They also have various spray settings (mist, rain or dual), and most can be changed out for different options depending on your preference. Some brands even offer subscription services that send you a replacement filter when it’s time to swap out the old one.
Some of the best filtered showerheads use KDF-55, a medium made from copper and zinc that is known to reduce chlorine and heavy metals at high pressure and hot temperatures. The Afina showerhead, for instance, uses the material. Ultimately, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of installing a showerhead filter before you make the decision to buy one. Then consider factors such as longevity, water flow rate and mineral retention to ensure the filter meets your needs. It’s also helpful to consult with a dermatologist to verify a filter’s effectiveness from a health and beauty perspective. In addition, it’s worth considering the fact that most filter showerheads are easy to install, so you can take them with you if you move to a new home.
2. Removes Chloramine
A filtered shower head reduces the presence of chlorine and other harmful chemicals in your water, which prevents their negative effects on skin and hair. They also help protect against airborne contaminants that can irritate the skin and cause allergies or asthma. This leads to healthier, softer skin and hair, reducing the risk of eczema flare-ups, dry scalp, itchy skin, or dandruff.
Most filter showerheads are designed to remove chlorine and other chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), from the water. They do so by using filtration media such as activated carbon and KDF. Activated carbon is known for its adsorption properties, which it uses to capture and eliminate chlorine molecules and VOCs from the water. KDF media, on the other hand, utilizes a chemical reaction called redox to neutralize chloramines.
However, many shower filters do not adequately address other water quality issues. For instance, they often miss minerals like calcium and magnesium that can irritate the skin or cause hard water stains on tubs and faucets, as well as the odor-causing contaminants sulfur and iron. For a better-rounded solution, a Culligan Water expert can perform a water test and advise you on what kind of showerhead filter will best address your specific water quality concerns.
While a filtered showerhead can provide immediate benefits, the long-term benefits are even more significant. Over time, eliminating harmful chemicals from your shower water can lead to softer, smoother skin and healthy, lustrous hair, which is worth the investment. When shopping for a filtered showerhead, look for one with a third-party certification to ensure that it meets the manufacturer’s claims. For example, an NSF/ANSI 177 certified filter will have been tested by an independent lab to ensure it does what it says on the label.
3. Removes Lead
Many filter shower heads use a combination of filtration media to target specific contaminants, such as chlorine, heavy metals and minerals that can impact skin and hair health. You can find options with filters made of activated carbon, KDF-55 and calcium sulfate, among other materials. You may also want to consider a filter with multiple spray settings (like mist, rain or dual) and one that comes in different finishes.
A filter shower head can help reduce harmful particles in your water, but it is not a replacement for a whole-home water filtration system. It’s a good idea to check your local water quality report and your state’s regulations on maximum water flow rates before buying a showerhead with a built-in filter.
Showerhead filters can also help hydrate the scalp and prevent dandruff, but it’s important to add hydrating shampoos and conditioners into your routine to make up for the loss of natural oils from chlorinated water. Dermatologists also recommend using moisturizing skincare products post-shower to maintain healthy hair and skin.
The main function of a showerhead filter is to remove chlorine and other contaminants from the water, but most aren’t designed to address hard minerals like calcium and magnesium. These mineral deposits can clog pipes and lead to water damage, including stains on clothes, dishes and skin.
A filtered showerhead can reduce the concentration of these minerals in your water, but it’s best to invest in a whole-home water filtration system to fully address your home’s water quality problems. Some filtered showerheads have built-in flow restrictors, which can help you meet your state’s water conservation standards while still having a high enough flow rate to get your desired shower.
4. Removes Heavy Metals
Using a filter shower head removes heavy metals from the water, helping to prevent mineral deposits that build up on shower surfaces. This keeps your shower and shower glass cleaner, so you spend less time scrubbing. It also extends the life of your showerhead and other bathroom fixtures.
Minerals in unfiltered water can clog pores, lead to dryness, and irritate the skin and hair. But with a showerhead filter, the minerals in the water are removed, leaving healthy and hydrated hair and skin.
Some filtered shower heads use activated carbon to reduce chlorine and odors, while others are designed for specific contaminants like lead or iron. Research what types of filters are available for a particular model, and choose one that matches your needs.
Chlorine in municipal drinking water can react with natural organic matter in the water to create trihalomethanes (THMs). These chemical compounds are carcinogenic, and can evaporate during showering, causing you to absorb them through your skin and lungs. A showerhead filter that uses KDF-55 (aka kinetic degradation fluxion) or calcium sulfite can help reduce these chemicals in your home’s water, says Jolie.
Many of these filtered showerheads are compatible with existing showerheads. Just make sure your filtered showerhead has an inline or handheld attachment that fits with the current fixture, and check the manufacturer’s instructions for installation. Some models, like the Canopy Filtered Showerhead, can be personalized with different aromas and essential oils, allowing you to enjoy a spa-like experience. However, a major drawback is that most showerhead filters are unable to address hard water issues, which is caused by dissolved minerals in the water, and leads to scale buildup, soap scum, and dry skin. If you have hard water, an ion exchange water softener is your best option.
5. Removes Bacteria
Showerhead filters process water with filtration media like granular activated carbon (GAC) and kinetic degradation fluxion (KDF 55). Generally, these filters can reduce contaminants like chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals, rust, and bacteria, as well as odors, volatile organic compounds, and other trace pollutants. Different brands use varying types of filtering media, so you should know what you’re looking for when shopping around for a new showerhead.
While the exact effects of a filtered showerhead vary from person to person, many people report healthier skin and hair after installing one. According to experts, these benefits are mainly due to the fact that a filter removes harmful substances and improves your water quality, which can help keep your body’s natural balance of moisture levels.
Additionally, a filter helps kill bacteria in the water, which can cause illnesses like infections and diarrhea. This is especially important for children and the elderly, since bacteria can enter wounds or even enter the body through the respiratory system. Lastly, the EPA’s WaterSense label and other third-party certifications can help you find showerheads that have been tested and verified to meet certain standards for safety, performance, and efficiency.
A filtered showerhead can be an affordable way to improve your home’s water quality, but if you want comprehensive purification, there are also whole-house systems that offer the same benefits. You can check your tap water’s overall quality and identify potential contaminants using EWG’s handy online database, then choose the right water filtration system for you and your family. You’ve trusted Mamavation for investigations on best & worst cookware, air cleaners, and skin care products, so you can trust us to help you find the best showerhead for your home!
