3 / 5
Mary Henn/Family HandymanAnother extremely popular showerhead filter from Amazon is this one from AquaHome. I tried this showerhead filter for myself and noticed improvements in my overall hair texture right away. Granted, this was the first shower filter I tested, and I hadn’t ever used filter water to shower before this one.
The AquaHome shower filter is designed to remove harsh chemicals and heavy metals from your tap water. During my testing, I noticed the expected reduction of buildup and scum in the base of my shower. I also noticed that my shower water smelled and tasted better (which might say more about the apartment I was living in at the time than anything).
Truthfully, I found this shower filter to be very similar in performance to the AquaBliss filter above. The AquaHome filter has 15 stages, including coconut-activated charcoal and vitamin C stages for bathing water that won’t damage skin, hair or nails. This best shower filter also helps remove chloramine, fluoride, chlorine, heavy metals, sediment and pesticides from tap water and connects to virtually any showerhead type, including fixed, rain, handheld and smart showerheads.
If you’re deciding between this and the AquaBliss, I recommend the AquaHome for well water. Plus, it’s lightweight and available in five colors to match your existing showerhead. It also comes with two filter cartridges that’ll last six months each, Teflon tape and rubber O-rings, so you have everything you need for installation.
Pros
- 15-stage filter
- Easy to install
- Available in five finishes
- Affordable
- Includes extra shower filter cartridge
- Compatible with most shower arms and showerheads
- Comes with everything needed for installation
Cons
- Can’t return if opened or used
4 / 5
Mary Henn/Family HandymanIf you’re looking for a sustainable, high-quality option, the Hello Klean shower filter is a smart pick. It has a refillable design that lasts for about four months of usage. This filter uses high-grade ingredients to remove 90% of chlorine, as well as copper, lead, iron and other harsh chemicals. The refillable, aluminum design uses less plastic than other shower filters on the market, and you can attach this filter to your shower or bathroom sink.
Additionally, the carton and refill capsule on this filter are both recyclable, and you can sign up for a subscription service through Hello Klean to ensure that you never run out of filter cartridges. I really like this shower filter for dry hair, dandruff and dry skin. The ingredients in this filter bond with the chemicals found in hard water, like heavy metals and chlorine, to creating softer elements. For instance, chlorine filters into harmless chloride.
During testing, I found the Hello Klean filter to be great for skin. It helps reduce symptoms of dry skin, eczema, shower rash and psoriasis. Plus, it can also help with body acne, as hard water can alter the oil levels of your skin barrier and leave behind soap products on the skin that can clog pores.
Pros
- Made with recyclable parts
- Quality construction and materials
- Refillable, aluminum design
- Subscription option for new cartridge delivery
- Works for showers and sinks
- Stylish finish
Cons
- A little pricey, but high-quality design
- Longer body may extend showerhead further from wall
5 / 5
MARY HENN/FAMILY HANDYMANWanting to splurge a little on your shower experience? Upgrade your whole showerhead with the Jolie filtered showerhead, which has the filter built in. Like other showerhead filters, this filtered showerhead removes chlorine, heavy metals and other contaminants from your water to improve your skin and hair health. Because the filter is built directly into the head, water pressure isn’t affected like it is with freestanding shower filters, which is a major benefit if you want to keep your water pressure as strong as possible while filtering shower water.
The Jolie showerhead uses a blend of kinetic degradation fluxion (KDF)-55 and calcium sulfite to give you powerful filtration, too. It exceeds the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)-177 certification for water filters, and it has been tested via third-party labs for performance. So, if you’re serious about getting a shower filter that has credible performance, this is one to consider. I love the way it feels, maintains my water pressure levels and looks in my shower.
It comes with everything you need for installation and operation, including a wrench! It also comes with a replacement filter, plumbers tape and a how-to guide.
Pros
- Filter built into showerhead
- Certified filtration
- Won’t decrease water pressure
- Available in four finishes
- Takes up less shower space than freestanding filters
- Comes with everything needed for installation
Cons
- Filter may need to be changed sooner
What to Look for When Buying a Shower Filter
Depending on your needs and budget, there are a few things to consider when shopping for a shower filter: cost, color and certification. Many functional in-line shower filters can be found on Amazon for less than $40. Most of those come in a silver finish, so if you have gold, brass or black finishes in your bathroom, you might want to go with an option like the AquaHome or the Jolie, which offer a variety of colors.
If you’re serious about removing as much chlorine as possible from your water supply, you’ll want to look for a water filter that’s certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 177, which guarantees that the shower filter is going to remove chlorine. Shower filters, like the Jolie model, is certified to that standard. Those options, however, are going to have a higher price point.
Why You Should Trust Us
I don’t mess around when it comes to my hair, skin and nails. Whether it’s researching and investing in the latest skincare technology and haircare products, or testing a series of shower filters to reduce the effects of hard water, I’m going to go the distance. While I was a bit skeptical of shower filters at first, I can honestly say that I will continue to use a shower filter for the foreseeable future, as filtered shower water has made noticeable improvements to my skin and hair.
Way consulted Josh Mitchell, a plumbing and HVAC technician who runs websites that help others solve their home repair problems. As the owner of Air Conditioner Lab and Plumbing Lab, Mitchell helped give more insight on shower filters and why they can be a great addition to your bathroom.
How We Found the Best Shower Filters
For this article, I researched and tested multiple shower filters for almost an entire year. I installed each filter myself and showered many times with each filter in order to tell you exactly how each product performs initially, as well as over a longer period of time. If a filter was impossible to install or didn’t perform, I ruled it out and moved onto the next.
FAQ
Do shower filters work?
In short, yes, shower filters do work. One of the main reasons for using a shower filter is to remove chlorine, which can negatively affect skin, hair, throats and lungs. While some experts say that shower filters don’t treat all the water quality issues they claim to, most do well at managing chlorine-related issues, which can specifically affect the skin and hair.
Is a shower filter good for hair?
Shower filters are vital for removing excess chlorine from your water, which affects hair. Your hair (and skin) will be dry and damaged if too much chlorine absorbs into the follicles.
How long do shower filters last?
Shower filters typically last for six months, depending on your chosen filter. Although some filters can last longer, we recommend regular replacement to ensure effectiveness.
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