Here's Why a Showerhead Filter Is the Greatest Beauty Hack, According to the Pros

Ever moved or traveled and the shower water is completely different? We've all been there leaving the shower with your skin and hair feeling drier than when you hopped in the shower. Meet: filtered showerheads. They remove the damaging chemicals and minerals in water, so you can reap the benefits of a healthier skin barrier, smoother hair, and much more.

TL;DR: If you want hydrated skin or healthy hair, you should invest in a filtered showerhead for cleaner shower water. We talked to board-certified dermatologists to get the rundown about shower filters, from its benefits to the best products you can shop.

What Is a Showerhead Filter?

“A showerhead filter is a filtration device that fits on the shower that cleans out minerals, chlorine, and other chemicals,” explains Dr Kiran Mian, FAAD, board certified medical and aesthetic dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery. The minerals in water can damage skin cells, block pores, and form free radials.

This acts as protection for your skin and hair from damaging minerals found in shower water. "Filtered shower heads work by passing water through a filtration media to reduce concentrations of chemicals and irritants," says Dr. Carolyn Stull, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist. With the help of a filtered showerhead, these chemicals are removed and allow for healthy, hydrated skin and hair. 

Showerhead Filter Benefits

Skin

"Hard water is water that contains high concentrations of minerals including calcium and magnesium, which can leave a filmy residue on the skin that can clog pores and lead to irritation," says Dr. Stull. By using a filtered showerhead, it improves the quality of water leaving the skin cleaner, softer, and less irritated.

According to Dr. Mian, while chlorine is helpful in keeping our water clean, it strips the skin of its natural oils, so this can cause irritation and conditions such as eczema and acne. If you suffer from skin conditions or sensitive skin, a filtered showerhead can help improve and hydrate the skin.

Hair

The chemicals in hard water can irritate and dry out the hair, especially if you have colored hair. Not to mention that buildup on the scalp and hair can occur due to the minerals and chemicals found in showerhead water. Dr. Stull recommends using a filtered showerhead with a clarifying shampoo to break down mineral buildup caused by hard water.

"To find out if there is hard water in your area, you can search online databases based on your location or order an at home test kit," explains Dr. Stull. If you have hard water in your area, it is suggested to use a filtered showerhead to reduce chemicals and impurities in water.

How to Use a Showerhead Filter

Most filtered showerheads are suitable for your current showerhead, handheld, or wall-mounted shower fixtures. Grab your wrench and some plumber's tape for installation. Typically you can install the filter between the shower mount and hose.

"You can buy a showerhead with a built-in filter or a device that fits on your showerhead that filters the water,” says Dr. Mian. For showerhead filter maintenance, carbon filters usually last for four to six months before needing to be replaced.

Best Showerhead Filters to Try

• Canopy Filtered Showerhead: Love aromas and essential oils? The Canopy Filtered Showerheadcan be personalized with different aroma oils to filter and infuse the shower.
• Jolie Filtered Showerhead: If you're trying to make your shower aesthetically pleasing, try the Jolie Filtered Showerhead that has an aesthetic design and is vetted by Dr. Stull. It improves your skin, hair, and wellbeing by removing chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from your shower water.
• Brondell Filtered Showerhead: This Brondell Filtered Showerhead is another affordable option and has a chrome finish. Dr. Mian says this option is very effective for filtering shower water.
• VOESH Vitamin C Shower Filter: Calling all aromatherapy fans, this VOESH Vitamin C Shower Filter is a budget-friendly shower filter option with Vitamin C and aromatherapy. The Vitamin C removes chlorine and other impurities from hard shower water.
• Mist 8 Stage Aluminum Shower Filter: This Mist 8 Stage Aluminum Shower Filter reduces the risk of exposure to harmful substances. “Mist is really good at removing minerals and heavy metals like iron, copper, magnesium, and mercury,” says Dr. Mian.