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Your shower is the perfect place to refresh, unwind, and reset. After a quick rinse, you should be able to step out feeling clean, fresh, and rejuvenated.
However, if your daily shower is leaving you with nothing but dry skin and brittle hair, you might be tempted to throw in the towel and become a loyal tub fan instead.
If showers are designed to keep you clean and fresh, why are you stepping out dry and itchy? Chlorine and heavy metals may be the main offender.
If you’re ready to take back your love for the humble shower for good, it might be high time to invest in a shower filter for your hair.
Not sure where to start? We’re here to help.
Keep reading to discover the best shower filters for your hair, and help transform those brittle ends back into those lively, luscious locks you’ve missed.
AquaHomeGroup Shower Head Filter
First up, we’re going to look at this shower head filter by AquaHomeGroup. This is one of the most popular shower heads on Amazon right now, and you can see why.
It’s easy to install, comes with everything you need, and has an intuitive design that makes it super simple to use.
This shower head filter features a unique fifteen-stage filtration system that reduces as many unwanted substances, including chlorine, as possible from your shower.
Its fifteen stages include:
- Stainless Steel Mesh
- PP Cotton
- High-Density Stainless Steel mesh
- Alkaline Ceramic Balls
- Maifan Stone
- KDF 55
- Microporous Ceramic Balls
- Vitamin C & E
- Coconut Activated Carbot
- Germanium Balls
- Dechlorination bal Calcium Sulfite
- Magnetic Energy Ceramic Balls
- Ultra-Fine Stainless Steel Mesh
- PP Cotton
- High-Density Stainless Steel Mesh
It also features three operating modes: rain, massage, and rain & massage. These improve the delivery flow of water.
This filter is safe for children and pets, and it promotes healthier hair and skin. It also comes with two cartridges, and it uses an average of 2.8 gallons per minute.
When we tested this filter, we loved how simple it was to install.
This filter connects directly to your shower hose, so all you need to do is remove your current one and secure this new filter on.
It should screw on securely to most existing hoses, but this model does provide Teflon tape for extra security.
As soon as we turned the shower on, we could smell and feel the difference in our water immediately. Our water felt softer (and smelt cleaner), and after a few rinses, our hair felt noticeably smoother too!
Our hair also didn’t get as oily as it usually does between washes.
Our only complaint with this shower filter is that the jet function (which is supposed to provide a LOT of pressure) felt more like a mist.
It wasn’t as powerful as we hoped, which was disappointing.
Pros
- Simple Installation Process: Simply screw onto your hose, and you’re ready to go!
- Effective Filtration: The fifteen-stage filtration process is effective at removing contaminants.
- Promotes Healthy Hair and Skin: Our hair felt smoother and less oily after using this filter.
Cons
- Jet Function Not Powerful: Unfortunately, the jet function was more like a gentle mist.
Also Available At: aquahomegroup.com
Aqua Earth 15 Stage Shower Filter
Next on our list is this fifteen-stage shower filter by Aqua Earth.
This product is another top seller on Amazon, and it’s no surprise why. It offers excellent value, and it’s incredibly effective at filtering out impurities from your shower.
It includes fifteen different stages of filtration, and each one improves upon the next.
These fifteen stages are almost identical to the AquaHomeGroup filter, except this model has negative ion balls and medical stones.
The last stage of this model’s filtration process removes 99% of chlorine and other harmful chemicals from your shower!
This filter can be installed without any tools, and it comes with clear instructions. It uses a standard 1/2″ thread type, meaning it will fit most showerheads.
To attach it, simply remove your existing head, screw this onto the hose, and it’s ready to use!
This powerful filtration system acts as a moisturizer, softener, and purifier, and it reduces the presence of eczema, dandruff, and dry and itchy skin.
The cartridge has a 1000 gallon capacity, and it also comes with two replacement cartridges.
When we tested this filter, the first thing we noticed was how much better our water smelled.
We couldn’t believe it, especially compared to when we used the previous shower filter.
After a couple of minutes of soaking in the shower, our hair felt silky smooth, and our skin felt less irritated.
It also provided consistent water pressure, and we noticed that this is one of the only filters on the market that removes chloramine!
After using this filter, our chlorine-treated water no longer dried out our hair, and this filter even eliminated a large portion of the smell.
Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to get off once this filter is attached. This can make changing your cartridge a challenge and may not be suitable for users with arthritis.
Pros
- Removes Chlorine & Other Harmful Chemicals: This filter effectively removes chlorine and other harmful chemicals, so you don’t have to worry about them affecting your health or your family’s health.
- Smells Great: The first time we used this filter, we couldn’t believe how good the water smelled.
- Easy Installation: This filter is easy to install.
Cons
- Difficult To Remove: Once this filter is attached, getting it off can be challenging.
SparkPod High-Pressure Shower Head
Now, let’s take a look at this High-Pressure Shower Head and Filter by SparkPod. It features a high-pressure shower head that delivers up to 150 gallons per minute (gpm) of water.
This means that you’ll receive a strong stream of water, which helps keep your skin and hair hydrated and clean.
You’ll notice that this showerhead is designed to help prevent scalding yourself, and it does an excellent job of doing so.
In fact, this product has been awarded the Seal of Approval by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, which indicates that it meets all safety standards set forth by the organization.
The best part about this showerhead is its filter. It features a built-in shower filter that removes particles like dirt and debris before reaching your body.
It also works well as a deodorizing device because it absorbs odors and eliminates unpleasant smells from your bathroom.
This product is made of durable plastic, and it’s easy to install. Simply unscrew the top of the showerhead, and then screw the filter into place.
According to SparkPod, you can enjoy two to three months of filtered water with each cartridge with this model.
This model also includes additional cartridges and boasts an impressive one-minute installation time!
When we tested the SparkPod model, we noticed a real difference in our hair after just one use.
Brittle ends now felt softer, and as dandruff sufferers, we saw a real improvement after 2-3 washes. Our water also felt noticeably softer.
The only downside to this showerhead is that it doesn’t come with a warranty.
However, if anything goes wrong with the filter, you can easily purchase a new one online. It does come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which offers some peace of mind.
Pros
- High Pressure: This showerhead provides a robust and steady flow of water.
- Quick Install: This showerhead takes only 1 minute to install.
- Evident Results: We noticed a real improvement in the condition of our hair after just one use!
Cons
- No Warranty: Unfortunately, this model doesn’t come with a warranty.
PureAction Luxury Filtered Shower Head
Next up, we have this Luxury Filtered Shower Head by PureAction. This filter comes with everything you need to ensure that you get crystal clear fresh water every single day.
This model is made from stainless steel and chrome-plated ABS plastic, and this particular model is universally compatible so that it will attach to most standard shower arms in just a few minutes.
According to PureAction, this filter can remove up to 99.9% of contaminants and sediments, including chlorine, calcium, chrome, and lead.
It also comes with a one-year warranty for your peace of mind!
When we tested this particular model, we were impressed with its capabilities.
Our existing water pressure wasn’t affected (if anything, it actually improved), and our hair did feel somewhat smoother after a few rinses.
Unfortunately, although it seems to remove most contaminants effectively, it doesn’t actually soften the water.
Although you might still see a noticeable improvement in your hair, it may not be as visible as other systems.
Pros
- Universal Compatibility: This showerhead attaches to most standard shower arms.
- 99.9% Removal Rate: This showerhead removes 99.9% of impurities, including chlorine, calcium, and lead.
- One Year Warranty: You can rest assured that this showerhead has a one-year warranty.
Cons
- Doesn’t Soften Water: Although this showerhead claims to soften the water, it doesn’t actually do much more than improve the clarity of your water.
Also Available At: Pureactionbrand.com
Brondell VivaSpring Compact Shower Filter
Before we finish off with our final product, let us introduce you to the Brondell VivaSpring Compact Shower Filter.
This product is a little different from our previous models. This particular filter doesn’t come with a shower head like our other models, this is just the filter only.
However, it’s still pretty easy to install, and it can be attached to most showerheads in just a few seconds.
This filter uses a 100% US-Sourced KDF filtration material, and it claims to be around 53% thinner than its other competitors!
This is ideal if you want an efficient filter that isn’t an eyesore in your bathroom. However, you will need a minimum water pressure of between 20-90 psi to use this product.
This model also has a long filter life compared to its other competitors, and on average, one filter will provide you with around 10,000 gallons of clean water (around six months of use).
When we tested this filter, we found that it effectively removed sediment and chemicals.
We noticed a significant difference when using this product versus our old showerhead, and we even noticed a slight softening effect on our skin and our hair.
Unfortunately, however, this product is quite flimsy. This surprised us considering its materials, but it feels like it could break easily.
Pros
- 53% Thinner Than Other Models: This filter is 53% thinner than other filters, so it won’t take up too much space in your shower.
- Long Life: On average, one filter will last around 10,000 gallons.
Cons
- Flimsy Build: Considering the price point for this product, we felt that the build quality could have been better.
Also Available At: Brondell.com
Dominow Vitamin C Filter Shower Head
Last on our list is the Vitamin C Filter Shower Head from Dominow.
This showerhead is designed to help reduce the amount of chlorine in your water by filtering out some of the harmful elements.
It does so by using a combination of activated carbon and vitamin C.
The manufacturer claims that this showerhead will remove 98% of chlorine, 95% of heavy metals, and 92% of fluoride.
These numbers are impressive, especially considering how affordable this showerhead is.
This showerhead comes with a 1-year limited warranty, and it’s available in both chrome and brushed nickel finishes. It works best with a minimum water pressure of 40 to 75 PSI.
If you’re looking for something that will make your shower feel great, then this is definitely worth checking out.
We found this showerhead to be incredibly easy to install. You have to unscrew the existing showerhead, screw in the new showerhead, and tighten down the screws.
Once installed, you’ll notice that there aren’t any wires or hoses involved. You simply turn the knob to adjust the flow rate, and you’re good to go.
We were impressed with the performance of this showerhead.
We found that it removed all of the chlorine from our water without creating any noticeable odors. Our hair was significantly less oily between washes, and our scalp was also less irritated!
Unfortunately, the only downfall with this shower head is that the pressure is INCREDIBLY high. We all love strong water pressure, but this pressure feels like needles on your skin when set to high.
Pros
- 98% Chlorine Removal Rate: This showerhead removes up to 98% of chlorine from your water, making it perfect for people who live in areas where they experience chlorinated water regularly.
- Long Warranty: One-year limited warranty covers the entire product, including parts and labor.
- Easy Installation: This showerhead doesn’t require any special tools or expertise to install. Simply unscrew the old showerhead, replace it with the new showerhead, then tighten down the screws.
Cons
- High Water Pressure: Setting this showerhead to high results in an extremely powerful spray. While this can be beneficial if you want to clean your bathroom thoroughly, we recommend keeping the setting low to avoid burning yourself.
Buyer’s Guide
If you’re considering buying a shower filter for your hair, you should now be spoilt for choice with options!
Before you go and splash the cash, though, let us walk you through some of the most important things you need to consider before buying a new shower filter.
What Kind Of Shower Filter Do I Need?
There are two main types of shower filters – cartridge filters and membrane filters.
Cartridge filters work by trapping particles within their internal chambers, while membrane filters use membranes to trap contaminants.
Both types of shower filters remove different contaminants, so it really depends on what sort of filtration you need.
How Much Does A Shower Filter Cost?
The price will vary depending on how many gallons per minute (GPM) you need and whether you choose a cartridge or membrane type.
For example, a typical cartridge shower filter costs around $20-$30, while a membrane shower filter will run anywhere from $50-$100.
What To Look For In A Shower Filter
When shopping for a shower filter, make sure you buy one that fits your needs. Some features to look out for include:
Flow Rate
The higher the flow rate, the more effective the shower filter will be at removing impurities. Most shower filters come with a range of GPMs, ranging from 1-6 GPM.
You’ll usually find a 2-3 GPM option, but if you have a particularly dirty shower, you may need something with a higher flow rate.
Chlorine Removal Rate: If you live in an area with regular exposure to chlorinated water, you’ll probably want a shower filter with a high chlorine removal rate.
This means it will remove more than 90% of chlorine from your drinking water.
Easy Installation: Installing a shower filter is easy, but it requires some basic plumbing skills. Make sure you know exactly how to fit the shower filter into place before you start.
Warranty
It’s always good to get a warranty when you spend money on a product like this.
We’ve seen many shower filters break after only a few months of use, so it’s worth checking the manufacturer’s warranty period.
Water Quality
Finally, check the water quality that comes out of the showerhead itself.
Many shower heads don’t actually provide any filtering, which could mean that they introduce other contaminants into your home.
Look for a showerhead that provides a clear indication of its water quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does A Shower Filter Work?
Shower filters work by using a combination of gravity and pressure to force water through a series of screens.
As the water passes through these screens, any foreign objects such as dirt and debris become trapped inside the shower filter.
When the shower filter is so clogged with impurities that it’s limiting water pressure or failing to filter any more impurities out, it needs to be replaced.
How Do I Install A Shower Filter?
It’s very simple to install a shower filter.
All you need to do is follow these steps:
- Remove the old shower filter
- Attach the new shower filter to the pipe
- Turn on the tap
- Enjoy clean, filtered water!
How Long Does A Shower Filter Last?
A shower filter can last up to 10 years, provided you don’t leave it sitting idle for too long. However, we recommend replacing them every 3-4 years.
That way, they’ll continue working effectively throughout the life of your home. Remember, this doesn’t reflect how long the cartridges work.
Some cartridges will need replacing every few months to keep your water as clean as possible.
How Do Shower Filters Help Your Hair?
Filtering the water in your shower helps prevent a build-up of limescale and other minerals, which could damage your hair over time.
Not only that but showering regularly also helps reduce the amount of soap residue left behind in your hair.
So, not only are shower filters great for your skin, they’re also great for your hair.
Do Shower Filters Work For Hard Water?
Hard water contains calcium and magnesium ions. These elements can cause problems when they build up in your pipes and fixtures, including your shower head.
By filtering the hard water in your shower, you help prevent these minerals from building up in your pipes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to improve the quality of your shower experience, then installing a shower filter is one of the best things you can do.
They’re relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and they can dramatically improve the look and feel of your bathroom.
Not only this, but shower filters boast some incredible health benefits – especially for your hair.
Contaminants in your water can damage and dry out your hair (and your skin), which could even cause issues such as eczema and dandruff over time.
Our roundup shows that some filters can remove up to 99% of pollutants and contaminants, leaving your skin and hair in peak condition!
With no need for an engineer or specialist installer, why not invest in a shower filter today, and witness firsthand the power that clean water can have on your hair?
