Usually, the purpose of taking a shower is to maintain good hygiene, but shower water could also expose you minerals and contaminates that may negatively impact your hair and skin. This, of course, depends on a few variables (like the level of hard water you're exposed to, your hair type, how sensitive your skin is, etc.) — but if you want to be safe and ensure you're getting the best wash possible, you could improve your shower routine with a filtered showerhead.
“Filtered water helps keep your hair shaft healthy and helps to suppress any other kinds of contact dermatitis on the scalp," explains Penny James, a board-certified trichologist. "The filter removes unwanted hard minerals, chlorine, algae and hydrogen sulfide (to name a few)," she continues.
However, it's important to note that different types of showerhead filters accomplish different things. For instance, Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist, tells us that a KDF-55 (kinetic degradation fluxion) filter "changes chlorine into non-harmful chloride." He also notes that this same type of filtration can help reduce bacteria and limit bacterial reproduction.
Along with James and Camp, we spoke with a board-certified dermatologist as well as a water sommelier to learn the ins and outs of filtered showerheads.
Scroll down to find the best expert-recommended and editor-tested filtered showerheads from well-known brands like Jolie, Canopy and more — starting at under $20.
What are the benefits of filtered showerheads?
When it comes to investing in a quality filtered showerhead for your bathroom, we can almost guarantee you won't regret it. Wondering what specifically makes them so great?
“The main benefit of filtered showerheads is their ability to reduce chlorine and sediment in your shower water," explains Mike Sale, a home water systems expert and water sommelier for Delta Faucet. "These impurities may cause dry skin and hair, so a filtered shower head provides an instant upgrade for your hair, skin and shower experience," he states.
Sale insists that these gadgets are easy to install and use, allowing filtered water to flow through your showerhead.
"Showerhead filters are analogous to filters used on tap water. They remove impurities in municipal water sources, like chlorine and chloramines, which are disinfectants," Camp concurs.
Dr. Amy Spizuoco, a board-certified dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and founder of True Dermatology in New York City, adds that some contaminants can also irritate the scalp, which can lead to conditions like eczema and dandruff.
Before purchasing a showerhead filter, Camp advises users to consider doing an online search to determine if the water sources in your area are considered to contain higher mineral content.
The best filtered showerheads, according to experts and editors
Affordable option: AquaHomeGroup 15 Stage Shower Filter
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Good quality
- May leak
Key filter components: KDF-55, vitamin C and calcium sulfite | Filter lifespan: N/A | Spray settings: N/A
“At a lower price than some other showerhead filters, this product comes in a variety of colors and advertises a 15-stage filtration process to remove impurities and other sediment to improve the condition of hair and skin,” suggests Camp.
Dermatologist-tested filter: MDHair Shower Head
- Tested by dermatologists
- Reduces shedding
- Refill filter after 3 months
Key filter components: KDF-55 and calcium sulfite | Filter lifespan: 90 days | Spray settings: N/A
Spizuoco recommends this durable showerhead for its vitamin- and mineral-infused filter which contains selenium, vitamin C and vitamin E for added nourishment. This dermatologist-tested filter also reduces shedding and supports the growth of thicker, healthier hair, according to the brand.
Takes "a minute" to install: Afina Filtered Shower Head
- Easy to install
- Wide shower head
- Need to replace filter often
Key filter components: KDF-55 and calcium sulfite | Filter lifespan: 90 days | Spray settings: 1
Production associate Audrey Ekman swears by this Amazon's Choice filtered showerhead. "Last year I discovered how easy it is to change your showerhead — it literally takes a minute — and, wow, it makes such a big difference!" she raves.
"This filtered one from Afina feels like a rain shower, without having to completely redo the shower in my rented apartment," Ekman adds. "It also filters the water to remove chlorine, metals and contaminant particles in the water..." she explains.
Editor favorite: Canopy Filtered Shower Head
- Smooths skin
- Easy to install
- Great water pressure
- Mixed reviews on durability
Key filter components: KDF-55 and calcium sulfite | Filter lifespan: 90 days | Spray settings: 3
This Amazon’s Choice filtered showerhead reduces chlorine and other contaminants for healthier skin and hair. According to the brand, this powerful gadget clears away product buildup for a cleaner scalp, helping encourage natural hair growth. This dermatologist-approved showerhead features three steam settings (wide, narrow and dual) and is super easy to install.
"I've had this shower head for over a year now and I'm still just as happy with is as I was when I first installed it myself," says commerce editor Vivien Moon. "I am so shocked that I was able to replace it myself and it really was just as easy as advertised so that was immediately encouraging," she shares.
Trichologist favorite: T3 Source Showerhead
- Easy to install
- Makes hair feel soft
- Difficult to replace filter
Key filter components: Zinc, copper and calcium sulfide | Filter lifespan: Six months | Spray settings: 7
“The T3 Micro showerhead is amazing; I recommend it to all my trichology clients,” shares James. “The advanced mineral filtration system, a mixture of calcium sulfide, zinc and copper, helps to reduce free chlorine and remove rotten egg smell, iron oxide, dirt and odors from your shower water, leaving your hair feeling soft and clean,” she explains.
Splurge option: The Jolie Filtered Showerhead
- Gentle on skin
- Makes hair feel nice
- Easy to install
- Water may leak
Key filter components: KDF-55 and calcium sulfite | Filter lifespan: 90 days | Spray settings: 3
Both Camp and Spizuoco are big fans of this buzzy showerhead filter from Jolie. “Available in a number of colors, this easy to install shower head removes chlorine, heavy metals and other contaminants from shower water,” says Camp. “Uses have reported improvements in dry scalp and hair, with hair becoming softer, more manageable, and healthier in appearance,” he adds.
"Speaking as a not-so-handy gal, this was so easy to install — the kit even came with plumbers' tape and a wrench, so I didn't need to go digging for any tools!" states Ekman. "The water pressure is great and the wider head has made my showers feel so luxe... almost like a hotel shower!" she suggests.
More filtered showerheads to shop
Most budget-friendly: Cobbe Filtered Showerhead
- Multiple spray settings
- Easy to install
- Comes in many colors
- May have low pressure
Key filter components: KDF-55 | Filter lifespan: N/A | Spray settings: 8
This detachable showerhead features eight different spray modes and comes in seven hues. Complete with a stainless-steel hose, this cost-effective filter helps remove chlorine and harmful metals from the water. With over 5,700 five-star reviews, this shower time staple is a steal at under $20.
Multiple spray settings: MakeFit Filtered Shower Head
- Easy to install
- Multiple spray settings
- Hose may leak over time
Key filter components: Exact type not listed; removes chlorine, heavy metals and fluoride | Filter lifespan: N/A | Spray settings: 6
Like many others on our list, this under-$25 filtered showerhead that has a multi-stage filtration system. This detachable showerhead features a stainless-steel hose and six different spray modes for desired pressure.
Comes in multiple sizes: SparkPod Luxury Filtered Shower Head
- Easy to install
- Helps with itching
- May be bigger than expected
Key filter components: KDF-55, activated carbon, calcium sulfite and vitamin C | Filter lifespan: 60-90 days | Spray settings: N/A
Flush out the toxins with this upgraded formula that filters twice as much chlorine, heavy metals and chloramine. Available in over a dozen colors and five sizes, this high-pressure showerhead is designed to help with dry skin, rough hair and itchy skin, says the brand.
Frequently asked questions
While you can add a filter to most standard showerheads, it is important to do your research.
"When shopping for filters, check that the product offers a universal fit to ensure it is adaptable with your shower," advises Camp.
"Currently shower filters can be added to your shower as a complete showerhead purchase (where the shower filter is included in the specific shower head assembly) or a shower-arm attachment (where the shower filter is included in the shower arm, and the consumer can keep their original shower head)," shares Sale.
"The filtration media can work effectively in either of these designs, this becomes more of a user choice on aesthetics," he adds.
Sale explains that showerhead filters are rated for a certain quantity of water, which equates to the life of the filter before needing a replacement.
"I would encourage consumers to look at the capacity of the shower when comparing filter systems and thinking about replacement rates and costs," he advises.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best filtered showerheads by enlisting the recommendations of two board-certified dermatologists, a board-certified trichologist and a home water systems expert. We also scoured the internet to find top-rated products with an overwhelming number of positive user reviews.
Meet the experts
- Penny James is a board-certified trichologist, who became a trichologist due to her own hair loss. She has over 30 years of experience in the beauty business and runs her own trichology center in New York City called Penny James Trichology.
- Mike Sale is a home water systems expert and water sommelier for Delta Faucet.
- Dr. Brendan Camp is a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.
- Dr. Amy Spizuoco is a board-certified dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and founder of True Dermatology in New York City.
