The latest beauty product taking over social feeds comes with an unexpected accessory: plumber's tape. Filtered showerheads are now showing up on all our #FYPs alongside the trendiest moisturizers, hair masks and scalp treatments, promising to help address dryness and buildup before the water even touches your body. Because, maybe your products are fine — and your shower is the actual issue?
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Before you get intimidated, it's easy to replace a showerhead — most can be swapped out in minutes (even if you rent your home), and don't require any significant plumbing changes. Just note that a filtered showerhead is not the same as a water softener, even though some brands make big claims about their abilities.
In this article: THE JOLIE FILTERED SHOWERHEAD, Afina Filtered Showerhead and MyHalos Filtered Showerhead
Still, filtering your shower water can lead to clearer skin and healthier hair. Here's what to know about the newest trend in beauty and whether you should invest in one for your own bathroom.
A filtered showerhead passes water through a replaceable cartridge that uses materials such as KDF-55, calcium sulfite and activated carbon to target substances commonly found in tap water.
These filters are generally able to reduce the amount of free chlorine in the water, which can reduce its smell and make it feel less harsh to some users.
What a filtered showerhead doesn't do is soften water, the way an ion exchange water-softening system can. Water softeners remove harsh minerals like calcium and magnesium from hard water (research shows hard water can increase soap residue and contribute to skin barrier irritation). No matter what the box may claim, no showerhead filter can deliver the same results as a water-softening system, which is a major plumbing upgrade that should be installed by a professional.
It depends on the specific showerhead and manufacturer, but most filtered showerheads need a fresh cartridge every two to six months. Check your cartridge’s capacity, the number and length of showers taken, local water quality and how many people use the bathroom to get a more exact estimate.
A drop in flow, returning chlorine odor or visible buildup on the cartridge are all signs it's time for a new one.
This filtered showerhead comes with a replaceable cartridge that contains KDF-55 and calcium sulfite. The 5.3-inch modern-chrome head delivers an evenly distributed spray and fits standard half-inch shower arms, making it easy to install. It also comes with a wrench and plumber’s tape.
This filtered showerhead has a luxurious rainfall design in timeless brushed nickel. The included cartridge uses KDF-55, activated carbon and calcium sulfite to filter out water contaminants. It fits standard half-inch shower arms and includes a wrench, plumber’s tape and a restrictor for easy installation.
MyHalos Filtered Showerhead 33% OFF
This filtered showerhead offers calcium sulfite and KDF-55, like most brands, but also adds activated charcoal to remove more odors from water. The round head comes in multiple colors so you can match your existing bathroom fixtures.
AquaHomeGroup - Filtered Showerhead 19% OFF
This showerhead has a powerful 20-stage filter cartridge that uses vitamins, resin, steel mesh and more. The wall-mounted design is easy to install, and the filter has high capacity, making this a good choice for families.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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