Shower heads help prevent damage to skin and hair by filtering out chlorine, chloramines, and excess minerals. They also can ease itching and irritation for people with eczema or other skin conditions.
However, shower head filters don’t address other water-quality issues like rust stains or a rotten egg smell. That’s why some experts recommend choosing models with multiple types of filters to purify your water more comprehensively.
Reduces Scale
Although filtered shower heads can’t completely eliminate hard water, they significantly reduce its concentration. This makes it less likely to cause skin irritation and hair damage. It also minimizes the formation of scale, which clogs pipes and shortens their lifespan.
Whole-house water filtration systems are a more advanced solution for improving household water quality. While they are more expensive than filtered shower heads and require complex installation and regular maintenance, their extensive functions make them a wise investment for families with long-term water quality concerns.
The choice between a filtering shower head and a whole-house filtration system is based on a family’s actual needs, budget and home’s water conditions. If you want a simple and practical improvement for your showering experience, Afina offers a range of shower heads designed to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other harmful contaminants from your water, ensuring a healthier shower experience.
Reduces Irritation
A filtered shower head reduces the amount of minerals in your water that can irritate skin and hair. These minerals can be hard on the hair cuticle and make it difficult for shampoos and conditioners to lather, says trichologist Sara Hallajian.
A showerhead filter is a simple, affordable option that improves the quality of your daily showering experience. It’s less expensive and easier to install than a whole-house water filtration system, which has extensive functionality but also requires professional installation and regular filter replacement.
To ensure you choose the right showerhead, check your local water report to see what contaminants are in your water, and then look for filters that specifically target those elements. The best filters are made with multiple types of materials, such as ion exchange resin, KDF 55, and activated carbon. This allows them to reduce chlorine, heavy metals, odors and volatile organic compounds.
Reduces Minerals
If you’re battling hard water, minerals like calcium and magnesium can irritate your skin and hair. Those minerals can also form scale, which can clog shower equipment and shorten its lifespan.
Shower head filters can help reduce the mineral content of your shower water, reducing these negative effects. Most models feature layers of material that sift out chemicals, metals, sediment and other impurities as water passes through.
These systems are a more affordable option than whole-house filtration systems and are easy to install, even for homeowners with limited DIY experience. Plus, they don’t require any plumbing modifications or expensive specialized tools. This makes them a smart choice for households with multiple people with sensitive skin or allergies who want to avoid harsh chemicals in their showering routine. Several brands offer a variety of styles and finishes, so it’s easy to find the right look for your bathroom decor.
Reduces Chlorine
Shower filters remove chlorine, which can strip the skin and hair of its natural oils. This can lead to dryness, brittleness and dull color, says trichologist Sara Hallajian, owner of Ame Salon in California.
Most shower filter models use a combination of activated carbon and KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) media to reduce harmful substances in the water. The activated carbon absorbs organic compounds, while the KDF media reduces chlorine and heavy metals through a chemical reaction.
However, it’s important to note that shower head filters don’t address all contaminants in the water, so it’s essential to choose one that targets the specific contaminant you want to reduce. You should also pay attention to the filter’s flow rate, as most states have regulations for maximum flow rates. Some models use a flow restrictor to comply with these rules.
Reduces Scaly Skin
The water in your shower is full of contaminants that can damage your hair, skin, and nails. Thankfully, you can take steps to protect yourself by installing a shower head filter.
These filters reduce the amount of chlorine in your shower and help prevent rashes, dryness, and brittle hair. They can also soften hard water to keep your skin hydrated and your hair looking shiny and healthy. Plus, they help you avoid clogging up your pipes and shortening the lifespan of your appliances. There are many shower filter options on the market, so choose one that fits your needs and lifestyle. Some are designed for a specific set of contaminants such as the Jolie Filtered Showerhead or the Brondell Filtered Showerhead. Also, some are designed with aesthetics in mind like the VOESH Vitamin C Shower Filter or the Cobbe Filtered Showerhead.
Reduces Hair Irritation
When chlorine and other chemicals are absorbed through the skin, they can cause everything from dry itchy skin to dull hair. Purchasing and using a shower head filter will remove these harmful impurities from your water, leaving you with healthier skin and hair.
Filtered shower heads are designed to target specific contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, sediments and even bacteria, Jody Alpert Levine, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of dermatology at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, told Health. Some filters use a copper-zinc alloy such as KDF 55 or activated carbon to reduce chloramines, iron, sulfur and volatile organic compounds.
Some filtered shower heads also boast a number of additional benefits such as improving the smell and touch of the water. For those looking for a more comprehensive solution, whole-house water filtration systems are also an option that provide long-term health and cost-saving benefits.
Reduces Hair Loss
While chlorine and hard water minerals aren’t directly responsible for hair loss, they strip your scalp and strands of their natural oils, which can lead to dryness and damage. Using a filter to remove those impurities can help your hair retain its moisture, and thereby reduce breakage.
Filtered shower heads typically purify your water by removing chemicals and heavy metals that can impact skin and hair health. Depending on the brand and model, they may use various filtration methods like carbon, calcium sulfite, or KDF-55.
Some filter options are in-line models that work with your existing hardware while others come in a compact, all-in-one design to replace your shower head. Regardless of the model you choose, it’s important to note that most will require regular filter replacement. Some brands tell you how often this is, while others recommend that you change it every 10,000 gallons.
Reduces Hair Discoloration
Shower filters help reduce the harsh chemicals in the water that cause hair discoloration. They also remove hard water minerals and other contaminants, helping to keep the scalp and hair healthy.
Choosing the right filter depends on your needs and preferences, as well as the contaminants in your local water supply. Some filters are designed to address specific issues, such as iron or sulfur (Jolie, Hello Klean), or they may be able to remove chlorine and other impurities in the water without reducing essential minerals like magnesium and calcium (Filterbaby, Canopy).
You can find filtered shower heads in all shapes and sizes, including hand-held and rainfall models. It’s important to read reviews and understand the filtration process before making your purchase. Some filters rely on copper-zinc technology, while others use different filter materials such as calcium sulfite or activated carbon.
Reduces Skin Irritation
A filtered shower head reduces impurities, which helps prevent dryness and irritation. In addition, a filtration system can help reduce scale buildup on the skin and hair. It can also extend the lifespan of your water-using appliances.
Most filtered shower heads use a combination of ingredients, including coconut-based activated carbon and kinetic degradation fluxion (KDF), to remove chlorine and heavy metals, like copper and lead. KDF is also effective at removing iron and chloramine, which are commonly found in tap water.
Chemicals in unfiltered shower water can deplete the skin and hair of their natural oils, which contributes to dryness, explains dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, founder of Shafer Clinic. These chemicals can also cause rashes, itching and hives. Those with itchy skin conditions, such as eczema, rosacea and psoriasis, can be particularly sensitive to their bathing water.
Reduces Skin Dryness
Using a filter helps protect hair and skin from harsh chemicals, as well as prevents mineral build-up. Especially with hard water, the minerals calcium and magnesium can clog pores, dry out skin, and irritate scalps and hair. Shower heads with filters help reduce those issues, as well as the chlorine in your showers that strips your skin of its natural oils.
The specific filtration components in showerheads can vary between brands, but they all generally target common impurities like chlorine, heavy metals, sediments and sometimes even bacteria, Jody Alpert Levine, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic skincare at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC told Health.
You’ll want to look for showerheads that use filters that include activated carbon, KDF-55 and calcium sulfate. These types of filters help to remove chlorine, heavy metals and other impurities from the water, while also reducing odor and improving skin texture.