Filtered shower heads have become all the rage on TikTok thanks to users bragging about their benefits, such as soothing skin and hair, reducing dandruff and eczema, preventing hair loss and improving hair texture.
They purify water by filtering out chlorine, chemicals, odors, heavy metals and sediment. But are they worth it?
1. Cost
Shower Heads that reduce chlorine, odors, minerals, and heavy metals are an affordable way to improve water quality. But the filters don’t last forever, so you’ll need to purchase replacements regularly.
Look for a shower head with an in-line filter that sits between your existing arm and shower head. This type of filter can be cheaper to install and requires no tools or professional help.
Derek Baxter, a bath-fixture designer with Select Kitchen & Bath in Alexandria, VA, recommends getting a model that has at least 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) to maintain adequate water pressure. A filtered shower head should not significantly decrease your water pressure, and some are designed to keep or even boost it. Some models also require more frequent filter replacements, so it’s important to check the lifespan and cost of these before making a purchase. It’s also worth noting that not all shower heads eliminate hard water minerals, so you may still need a separate water softener for this.
2. Health
Shower heads with filtration systems remove chlorine, odors, minerals and other impurities from your water, reducing their negative effects on skin and hair. This helps prevent or reduce issues like dryness, dullness, dandruff and brittle hair. Some filters also have features like adjustable spray settings or built-in shower timers to help you conserve water and get more out of your shower.
Some filtered shower heads also include a filter that eliminates lead, which can have a serious impact on your health if you’re exposed for long periods of time. While these features aren’t as common, they can be a good option for anyone with concerns about their water quality or who lives in an area with particularly high levels of contamination.
3. Environment
Shower heads help reduce the amount of energy it takes to heat water, reducing household electricity use. This results in a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
Additionally, filtered shower heads decrease the amount of water used per shower, which reduces water consumption and wastewater. This lowers water bills and provides a significant end-of-year savings for households.
It's important to note that most filtration solutions don’t address hard water, which is addressed by water softening systems. A separate process, a water softener uses sodium bisulfite to attract and remove minerals like magnesium and calcium. These can clog pores and cause dry skin and hair.
4. Performance
Shower heads that filter out chlorine and heavy metals can help improve your skin and hair. They can also reduce hard water mineral buildup. This makes them an excellent choice for those with brittle, damaged, or dry hair or skin who are looking to make their showers more gentle on themselves.
When choosing a shower head that filters, look for one that balances effective filtration with good water pressure. Also consider the type of filter it uses. Some filters use multi-stage filtration, which helps tackle more than just chlorine; they can also remove impurities, contaminants, and chemicals that are harmful to you, your health, and your skin.
