Showerhead filters reduce the presence of minerals that can irritate skin and hair. This can help prevent some of the negative effects those minerals can have on people with sensitive skin, especially those who struggle with eczema and psoriasis, says Jeffy.
Whole-house water filtration systems are an advanced solution for improving home water quality. But their higher costs and complex installation processes can make them less practical for some families.
1. Irritation
A filtered shower head can help to relieve dryness, itching, and flaking on skin and scalp. It can also reduce hair loss and thinning caused by harsh shampoos, conditioners, and other beauty products that contain high levels of fragrances, acids, or retinols. It can also prevent buildup of scale on showerheads and faucets that can lead to clogged water fixtures and shorten their lifespan.
Unfiltered tap water can contain chlorine, heavy metals, sediments, and bacterial contaminants that can cause skin and hair irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea. Showering in unfiltered water can also strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness and itching.
Most shower filters use either a copper-zinc or activated carbon stage to remove chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, iron oxide, volatile organic compounds, dirt, and odors from the water, as well as promote hair health by reducing mineral deposits, like calcium and magnesium, on the hair shaft, according to companies that manufacture them. They can also be personalized with aromas and essential oils.
Many showerhead filters are designed to be screwed directly on your existing showerhead, while others are inline devices that can be installed between the showerhead and hose. It’s important to check longevity, water flow rate, and the science behind the filtration when choosing one. For anyone looking to improve their shower experience, investing in a quality shower head filter is a great place to start. The Afina shower head is designed to remove impurities like chlorine and heavy metals, which can be harsh on your skin and hair.
It’s also recommended that you consult a dermatologist to ensure a filter will address your specific water quality concerns, as different products may not target all of the same contaminants in your area. For example, some products don’t address hard water, which contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, or other issues like iron contamination, which can lead to rusting, red/brown stains, and sulfur, which has a strong odor that can resemble rotten eggs.
2. Soap Scum
A filtered shower head removes impurities that can cause soap scum buildup. This helps to keep your bathroom and shower glass clean, as well as extending the life of your showerhead and other fixtures. It also means that you won’t have to spend as much time scrubbing your shower, and that you’ll save money in the long run.
Aside from causing cosmetic issues like stains, soap scum can also impact your health by drying out your skin and hair. This is especially true if your water is hard, meaning that it contains dissolved minerals such as magnesium and calcium. According to home living blog The Spruce, when these minerals combine with soap and hot water, they create a sticky, chalky residue that can leave behind microbial deposits as it dries.
While there are a number of cleaning products that can address this issue, such as vinegar and commercial descaler, most of these products contain harsh chemicals that may not be ideal for your family. Aside from that, there’s little evidence that they’re as effective as a filtered shower head in removing hard water deposits and preventing soap scum buildup.
A filtered showerhead can be the perfect solution for this problem. Look for one that’s designed to remove hard water minerals, as well as other contaminants such as phosphates, nitrates, and microplastics. Be sure to read reviews and comparisons of different options before making your purchase, as not all filters are created equal. It’s also a good idea to check your local water quality report or use an at-home water testing kit to learn what contaminants are in your area’s water so that you can choose the best shower head filter for your needs.
3. Scalp Irritation
Shower head filters help to keep the skin and hair healthy by removing minerals, chemicals, and contaminants that can be harmful. They can also prevent scalp irritation, which may lead to dryness and brittle hair.
When choosing a filtered shower head, look for one that removes contaminants like heavy metals, chlorine, and other chemical additives that can harm the hair and skin. Some of these systems have multiple filtration stages and use different materials to reduce the amount of chemicals in your water. Some of them use copper-zinc, while others include a calcium sulfite or activated carbon stage, or even sand for added particulate filtration.
The filter should also be easy to clean and replace, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time scrubbing the shower head or other fixtures. Many of these products have a clear indicator to let you know when it’s time to change the filter, which is typically every 10,000 gallons, or about every six months.
If you’re worried about a light buildup of mineral deposits, you can scrub it away with dish or castile soap or a little baking soda. Becky Rapinchuk, a natural home cleaning and housekeeping expert who posts on social media as Clean Mama, suggests mixing baking soda with a little bit of water or castile soap to create a paste and then scrub it over the entire surface area of the shower head nozzle.
Regardless of whether you choose a filter or not, make sure that your water quality report is up to date so you can get a better idea of the contaminants that are in your water supply and what kind of filtration system you need. If you are unsure what contaminants might be in your water, you can send a sample out for testing or purchase an at-home water test kit to find out more.
4. Hair Loss
The chemicals and minerals in hard water can make your hair and scalp brittle, leading to breakage. When your hair breaks, it leaves a gap in the strand and makes it harder for new hair to grow in that area. A filtered shower head removes these minerals and prevents your hair from becoming damaged, leading to stronger, healthier hair and less breakage.
Filtered shower heads also reduce the amount of chlorine in your water, which can cause dryness and itching of the scalp. Chlorine can also affect the natural oils in your hair and scalp, which can lead to a loss of volume and luster. Shower head filters also help to prevent buildup of soap scum and scale, which can clog hair follicles and can lead to thinning and hair fall.
Whether you are experiencing hair loss due to other factors or because of hard water, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional or dermatologist to determine the root cause. However, a filtered shower head can help to protect your hair and skin by removing harmful impurities and reducing the effects of hard water.
Many filtered shower heads are made using KDF-55 and other copper-zinc mediums that can reduce or eliminate chlorine, as well as heavy metals like lead, from your water. Some filters may also be able to remove other types of impurities including odors, dirt, and debris. It is worth noting that there are no federal regulations around filtered shower heads, so quality and effectiveness may vary widely between products. This is why it is best to do some research and choose a filter that suits your needs. Then, install it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Stains
When you use a filtered shower head, you can eliminate stains on the bathtub and walls. This is because the filter removes minerals from the water, which can cause soap scum and rust stains. The water also feels softer, which is great for people with sensitive skin and dandruff issues. Using a filtered shower head can also help improve hair health and give it more shine and smoothness.
A filtered shower head can also reduce the amount of chlorine in the water. This is especially helpful for people who have respiratory problems like asthma. Chlorine can be harmful to the body, causing skin aging and other health problems. The filtered shower heads can also remove other impurities from the water, such as heavy metals and calcium.
There are many types of filters that you can choose from. Some of the most popular are KDF 55 and activated carbon. These can reduce the number of contaminants in the water and improve the overall quality of the water. However, it is important to determine what you want your shower head to do before choosing one. There are many factors that can influence your choice, including the amount of water flow, how much maintenance is required and how often you need to replace the filter.
If you are experiencing loud noise from your showerhead, it may be caused by high water pressure or misaligned parts. It is best to check the water pressure and ensure that all parts are in place before attempting to fix the problem. It is also recommended to clean your showerhead once a week. A simple solution to use is a mix of equal parts white vinegar and warm water.
