Showering in unfiltered water can strip skin of its natural oils, leading to dry, irritated and itchy skin. It can also exacerbate asthma in those who have this respiratory condition.
Shower head filters help remove chlorine, heavy metals, sediment and other impurities that can damage hair and skin. They are easy to install and most work with existing showerheads.
Reduces Dryness
The best shower head filters can reduce dryness in both skin and hair. Some of the best shower filter brands use multiple types of filtration media, such as KDF-55, granular activated carbon or calcium sulfite to target specific impurities that can impact skin and hair health. They also include shower compatibility and a filter subscription to make it easy for users to maintain their filtered water.
Some filtered shower heads also work to reduce the mineral buildup that causes hard water. Using a filtered showerhead can help prevent the dryness, itching and clogged pores that often accompany hard water, dermatologist Deeptej Singh of MDCS Dermatology told Health. The softer, more hydrated skin and smoother strands that result from using a shower filter can also help prevent split ends and hair breakage. The filtration process can even prevent chlorine from evaporating from your hair, which can cause color to fade faster.
Other benefits of a filtered showerhead include the ability to avoid inhaling chlorine, which is a respiratory trigger for some people with asthma and other conditions. Some filtered showerheads also come with an aroma diffuser for the added benefit of infusing your shower with essential oils. The scented experience can be relaxing for some and offer added relief for those with skin or allergy issues, such as psoriasis and eczema.
Eliminates Irritation
Showerhead filters can help eliminate some of the irritants in hard water that cause problems for hair and skin, including soap scum and scale. Some of the models we tested also help prevent rust stains and other mineral buildup on your bathtub, which means you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more on enjoying your shower.
The specific contaminants filtered by your filter will depend on its type, and the brands we analyzed typically incorporate multiple types of filters to offer the broadest purification. For example, the Jolie model uses a combination of a copper-zinc stage, which is designed to reduce chlorine and heavy metals, and calcium sulfite (a dechlorination method) to protect your hair from contaminants and chemicals.
Some of the shower heads we analyzed use coconut-activated carbon, which helps reduce unpleasant chlorine smells and a wide range of other contaminants that can irritate your skin, scalp and hair. Other models may use KDF-55, which is known to eliminate chlorine and other heavy metals in the water, while others include sand or other media for particulate filtration.
Reduces Scalp Irritation
Using a shower head filter can reduce the amount of minerals like calcium and magnesium that are found in tap water, which can cause hair loss and dryness. Chlorine in water can also irritate the scalp, leading to dandruff and itching. A shower head filter removes these impurities, resulting in healthier skin and hair.
The types of impurities that are removed by a shower head filter vary by brand and model, but the most common filters are made out of activated carbon, KDF-55 or calcium sulfite. Some brands even include multiple types of filters in a single showerhead to offer maximum purification.
A filtered shower head can also reduce the amount of soap residue left behind on hair and skin, which can lead to a decrease in product usage. The amount of shampoo and conditioner needed for a good wash can be greatly reduced, which saves both time and money.
Filtered shower heads can make an excellent addition to any home, especially if the water is hard and irritating to hair and skin. They can help reduce clogged pores, itching and flaking caused by hard water, while leaving hair softer and healthier. If you’re looking to improve your shower experience, consider installing an Afina shower head.
Reduces Hair Loss
When you’re bathing with hard water, the minerals can cause a buildup that leads to hair breakage and makes it difficult for your scalp to absorb essential oils. Using a filter to soften your water can make it easier on the hair and scalp.
Many of these filters also claim to prevent the absorption of harmful substances such as chlorine, heavy metals and mineral deposits from your skin and hair. Chlorine, for example, is a known allergen that can cause rashes, itchy scalp and dry skin. Most filters also say they help to reduce fungus, bacteria and germs that can cause clogged pores and acne.
Shower head filters that feature a combination of coconut-activated carbon, calcium sulfite and KDF-55 are especially designed to remove chlorine from your water, along with other common contaminants and impurities. These types of filters are ideal for those with sensitive skin and hair, as they can offer a much more comfortable and refreshing experience.
When shopping for a filter shower head, experts recommend checking for third-party certifications that verify the product’s claims and quality. You should also look for how often you’ll need to replace the filter, which varies by brand and model.
Reduces Hair Breakage
Showerheads with built-in filters like the Jolie and Canopy promise to keep hair shiny, soft, and healthy by removing chlorine and impurities that could otherwise damage strands and cause issues such as frizzy hair, dandruff, dry scalp, split ends, brittle nails, and more. They also use less water than normal shower heads, cutting your usual five-minute shower time in half and reducing the environmental impact of your household water usage.
Most shower head filters work by removing chlorine and other impurities using a variety of methods, depending on the brand. Some include a copper-zinc stage (Jolie), calcium sulfite or activated carbon stages (Hello Klean, Canopy), and some even use sand for particulate filtration (AquaBliss).
Chlorine in your home’s water can strip the body of its natural oils, which may then cause dry skin and itchy scalp, explains dermatologist Nikhil Dhingra. It can also irritate the skin and trigger a flareup of eczema in those with this chronic skin condition. By reducing the amount of chlorine you consume during your shower, you can help to reduce these symptoms. You can even add a second filter to your showerhead, such as one designed to remove allergens that might contribute to asthma or bronchitis, for added protection.
Reduces Hair Dryness
Most filtered shower heads work to reduce chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities in your water. This helps to eliminate harmful chemicals that can cause rashes, irritation, and dryness in the skin and hair. This can also help with the growth and strength of your hair.
Using a shower filter can also be beneficial for those who have eczema, psoriasis, or other sensitive skin conditions. According to a dermatologist, chlorine, which is used in many homes and commercial buildings to disinfect the water supply, can contribute to these issues by drying out the skin and scalp.
Choosing a shower head with a third-party certification can be helpful to ensure you are purchasing a product that will do what it claims to do. For example, Afina’s filtered showerhead is certified by NSF and meets ANSI standards to remove impurities such as lead and bacteria from the water. Its unique filter uses a combination of granular activated carbon, KDF-55, and calcium sulfite to reduce the amount of chlorine in your water. The showerhead is also tool-free and easy to install. It even has a generous return policy, making it one of the best-selling premium filtered shower heads on the market.
Reduces Hair Thinning
Shower filters that contain a combination of filter media such as KDF 55, calcium sulfite, activated carbon and ceramic balls remove contaminants from the water to improve the overall quality of the water. The removal of these harmful chemicals reduces chlorine, bacteria and heavy metals that contribute to hair loss in addition to promoting healthy skin and scalp.
These filters also eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the water, which can contribute to dandruff, hair breakage and dull appearance. In addition, using filtered water during bathing can help to reduce the build-up of mineral deposits on the hair follicles which also leads to dull hair and can cause hair loss.
While it is not proven that using a shower head filter prevents hair loss, it certainly cannot hurt and can be an affordable alternative to installing a water softener in the home. However, it is recommended that a dermatologist should be consulted for more thorough treatment of persistent scalp or hair issues.
Ultimately, shower head filters are an affordable and effective option for those suffering from dandruff, dry skin, itchy scalp or hair issues that may be related to hard water. For best results, it is recommended that a proper skincare routine be incorporated to enhance the benefits of a filtered shower head, such as weekly clarifying shampooing, daily scalp massage and the use of a moisturizing hair mask once a week.