Hello, you! I guess you’re trying to figure out why people have been looking for the best shower head filters for their lavatory, right? Otherwise we wouldn’t even see each other here.
I have to say this is a wise move because have you ever wondered yourself why your hair or skin feels weird after shower? Even worse, after a while, your skin and hair not only feel weird, but also LOOK terrible!
Not just you, lots of other people have also experienced itchiness, dryness and irritation on their skin after showering in unfiltered tap water.
Fortunately, the solution to our little problems is not so much as imaginary:
shower filters (or water softeners). Studies have shown that the number one suspect to dry, itchy skin and weak hair is the water that runs in our houses. Why? Because most of our houses uses HARD WATER.
Surprised? I shared you confusion in the matter. It caught me off-guard as well. In truth, water is usually chlorinated, chloraminated, mineralized or fluoridated before it is pumped our ways for daily usage. Unlucky for our appearances, those substances prove to be incredibly damaging.
I am going to make a quick list of filters that, to my knowledge, offer the best prices and utilities. Please, for the sake of your own skin and hair, and Buffalo Bill, buy yourself a shower filter ASAP.
Hope this will help!
CRITERIA FOR A GOOD SHOWER FILTER
In case you are a person of your own knowledge and opinion who prefer to do their own research on desirable products, here are some things that should be looked at prior to a purchase.
Different products apply different method to suit different needs. Therefore, there are quite a few of them. Make sure that you know what needs to be filtered out of your water, then do a quick check of the technology offered.
Keep this in mind: filter cartridges are not meant to last forever. You will have to replace them once in a while, but NOT every week. Typically, they last an average 6 months, depending on the amount of showers you take, despite other claims.
You definitely don’t want any trouble in finding extra filter cartridges for your system. It would mean that you would have to buy a brand new set if you wanted to continue your use. So check if you can get replaceable cartridges with no problems before you commit to a certain type of shower filter.
This might be unnecessary to say, but you should take a look at the reviews on the product to see if it really does what it means to be doing.
For many years, countries have been using chlorine as the major disinfectant in their water treatment. However, over the years, many water companies have switched to chloramine because of its long lasting nature in water pipes and the lack of smell and taste.
Though said to be safer as a disinfectant than chlorine, chloramine might lead to skin, eye, and respiratory problems.
Best Shower Head Filter Reviews 2018
A quick overview on the shower filters/ filter shower heads in this section:
| Filters | Our Pick as... | Design | Target of filtration |
|---|---|---|---|
| AquaBliss Universal (Editor's Choice) | Best Shower Filter to Buy in 2018 | Portable filter | Chlorine + Heavy metal + Fungi, scale, mold, bacteria |
| Aquasana AQ-4100 | Best Shower Filter For Hair Loss | Filter + Shower head | Chlorine + Heavy metal + Volatile organic compounds |
| Culligan WSH-C125 | Best Culligan Filtered Shower Head | Filtered shower head | Chlorine + Scale |
| Clearly Pure Shower | Best Budget Filtered Shower Head | Filtered shower head | Chlorine + Sediments |
| Vitamin C Assembly | Best Vitamin C Shower Water Softener | Portable filter | Chlorine + Chloramine |
| AquaHomeGroup Premium | Best Affordable Vitamin C Filtered Shower Head | Filtered shower head | Chloramine + Bacteria + Sediments |
| Berkey Shower Filter | Best KDF 55 Shower Head Filter | Portable filter | Chlorine + Iron + Other heavy metal |
1. AquaBliss Universal – Best Shower Filter to Buy in 2018
It is not unfair to say that this is among the most balanced shower filters out there. The combination of efficient filtration method, durability, easy installation, practicality and affordability makes it a must-buy.
- Compatible with many shower head types
- Installed without tools
- 6-8 months or after 10,000-12,000 gallons
- 30 day money-back guarantee
- 1 year limited warranty
- No shower heads included
Introducing the Universal Shower Filter by AquaBliss. As the older brother of the currently popular AquaBliss High Output 12-Stage this Inline Shower Filter features a 3-Stage System: a mix of KDF-55, Active Carbon and Calcium Sulfite.
It removes chlorine and other harmful impurities, traps heavy metals such as lead, mercury, nickel, chromium, and prevents bacteria and fungi from growing. Chlorine in shower water has long been said to be damaging to skin quality. By removing it, the filter prevents further irritation and nourishes your complexion.
Adding to that, removal of heavy metals has been looked at and believed to lead to quick improvement on the strength of the hair strand, hence the reduction of hair loss.
At under $35, plus a universal design that works with all shower types, including fixed, rain and handheld showers, this filter is one of the best sellers in the Tools & Home Improvement category.
The shower cartridge lasts 6-8 months or after 10,000-12,000 gallons of water use, whichever comes first, before a replacement is needed. You can look to buy more cartridge right here.
If there’s any dissatisfaction within the first 30 day, Aquabliss will happily refund your money and take the product back. Additionally, a 1 year warranty is also offered. You can look for more information on the brand’s website.
2. Aquasana AQ-4100 – Best Shower Filter For Hair Loss
Chlorine is responsible for skin irritation and illness, while dissolved solids have harmful effects on hair strength. By eliminating both, AQ-4100 will improve your complexion and issues with hair loss to a significant extent.
The filter uses the doubled filtration of coconut shell carbon combined with a KDF copper/zinc oxidation process to get rid of chlorine, heavy metals like lead, mercury etc. and other volatile organic compounds from your tap water.
- Maintain strong water pressure
- Multiple massaging settings
- 10,000 gallon or 6 month long cartridge
- Simple replacements – no tools required
- 1 year limited warranty
- Crunchy feel plastic
- Possible minor leaking (can be fixed with tape)
- Old model
Moreover, this seemingly bulky piece of lavatory equipment is actually very easy to install. It took me, and dozens of other consumers on Amazon, about 10 minutes, depends on your existing shower, to set it all up and ready to go.
The bulky look, however, is not there without reasons. It makes room for thick layers of coconut shell carbon and KDF to provide outstanding efficiency.
Admittedly, the product is no “youngster” concerning the slightly outdated design. That being said, it is a veteran in the market and proves to be aging wonderfully. Additionally, Aquasana is a brand with no small reputation of appreciated quality.
The AQ-4100 deluxe lasts for 10,000 gallons or 6 months of shower use. Adding to that, the company offers Water for Life auto-ship program for replacement filters and a one year warranty.
You can purchase this shower filter on Amazon for a bit over $50.
3. Culligan WSH-C125 – Best Culligan Shower Head Filter
Also easy to install, Culligan wall mounted is still one of hottest filter shower head (no pun). Installation should only take up less than 10 minute of your life, reading on customer reviews. The filtration system has been tested and certified following ANSI Standard 177 to decrease free available chlorine effectively.
- 5 spray settings
- 10,000 gallon or 6 month long cartridge
- Easy to install
- 2 year limited warranty
- Old model
Other than that, it can also help with the typical smell and taste of processed water and contribute to promised low level of bacteria, scale, mold… Building on that, the shower head offers 5 different spraying settings with easy-to-clean rubber nozzles.
Evidently, the product is of old age, like the Aquasana. With that being said, it is a fighter and proves to be long lasting. Additionally, Culligan is well considered by most customers
The cartridge lasts for 10,000 gallons or 6 months of shower use and the product (housing) is under the effect of a 2 year limited warranty.
You can purchase this shower filter on Amazon for less than $35.
4. Clearly Pure – Best Budget Filtered Shower Head
Don’t want to spend too much on a shower filter? Only curious about how it could possibly help your skin and hair? Then an inexpensive, yet not cheap, filtered shower head should do the trick for you.
- High water pressure
- Cheap
- 6-8 month long cartridge
- 60 day money back guarantee
- Only 2 spray settings
- Possible clogs and leaks
The Clearly Pure Filtered Shower Head has been receiving positive reviews after positive reviews. Of course there are complaints, but nothing of serious matter so far. It’s fair to say that this item is one worth considering.
Constructed with plastic as the main material, the unit is expectedly light. With a simple design, it is not a hard task to set it up in your bathroom and to disassemble it to replace the filters when the time comes.
Water pressure coming out of this shower head sure is a nice feature, maintaining at 2.5 GPM. It is not completely surprising since the item adopts the calcium sulfite filtration method only, which has been said to be effective against chlorine.
The only noticeable drawback is the occasional leaks or clogs. But with a filtered shower head under $25, it’s a good bargain. Especially true in this case, where the filter can last up to 8 months and the unit is covered with a 60 day guarantee.
5. Vitamin C Filter – Best Vitamin C Shower Water Softener
Recently, Vitamin C has been considered as one of the dechloramination methods in AWWA (American Water Works Association) Standard (AWWA, 2005b). This water filtration method has brought about such successful results that many manufacturers have adopted it to their shower filter designs. One of them is Sonaki, the no.1 water treatment brand in Korea.
- Works for both chloramine & chlorine
- Good for skin
- Goes with existing shower head
- Easy set-up, wrench included in package
- 4 months money back guarantee
- Pricy
- Only 10,000 litre long cartridge
I am betting good money that Korean models with goddess-like skin would know a thing or two about Vitamin C shower filter.
The Vitamin C Inline Shower Filter Assembly by Sonaki is continuingly the Amazon’s Choice for “vitamin C water filter”. This product promises a 99.9% chloramine and chlorine reduction in disinfected water, which will absolutely bring a reform to your skin/ hair.
Not only that, it is not without a transparent cartridge for easy filter checking, completely made of Brass and Durable resin with chrome finish, which guarantees a luxury feel.
Also, the package includes 3-Vitamin C filters and a wrench for changing out filters. Each cartridge life span ranges from 5000-10000 litres.
Oh, have I mentioned that you don’t have to replace or change anything major in your bathroom to install this product? You’ll just have to attach it to your existing shower arm and head and you are good to go. The process is unexpectedly easy.
The price for the assembly is somewhere between $60 and $80.
I understand it is a bit expensive for a shower filter…But hey, some people would tear down a house! Just saying.
6. AquaHomeGroup Premium – Best Affordable Vitamin C Filtered Shower Head
If you are not into luxurious shopping or you are more interested in economical choices, then this filtered shower head should be perfect for you.
- Consistent water pressure
- Easily adjusted shower head
- Easy installation, tool-free
- Comes with gift box
- Cheap
- Poorly manufactured shower head
- Possible leaking problems
As another Vitamin C filtration adaptation, plus the incredibly low price for a Vitamin C shower filter at under $40, this particular product is a common recommendation.
The shower head is expected to be durable and lightweight, given the fact that it is made of class metal. Laser cut micro-holes that maintain strong and balanced water pressure accompany an integrated swivel ball joint which allows smooth angle adjustments.
Regarding installation, it is not much different from other products. No tools are required thanks to its universal design, easily attached to a ½ inch fixed mount and adjustable shower arm. But the best thing about this item is the bonuses: 2 Vitamin C cartridges and 5 bath caps in a premium gift box. Now THAT’s economical!
Another worth-mentioning quality of this potential purchase is its manufacturer. Aquahomegroup has been in customer’s favor and stealing their hearts away. According to Amazon customer’s overall reviews on the company, over 90% of them has been positive, more specifically on the customer’s service. Take a look and see it for your own assurance.
7. Berkey Shower Filter – Best KDF 55 Shower Head Filter
Okay straight off the bat, this is not the greatest looking water softener out there. And the picture on Amazon… I mean, seriously, don’t you have a better looking photo?
- Compatible with many shower head types
- Installed without tools
- 12 months or after 20,000 gallons
- 30 day money-back guarantee
- No shower heads included
- Relatively expensive
It is partly fortunate that the picture was so unappealing. Because had it not been so, I wouldn’t have had to dig deep like I did to find out why customers love it so much.
And as it turned out, there actually nicer pictures of it. Dear Lord…
Getting back to matter at hands, first of all, it’s Berkey. It is a brand with no small reputation when things comes around water filtration. Despite the incident with their Black Filters, which has been dealt with, products from Berkey rarely fail consumers.
Second of all, it’s the compatibility of the design with standard shower head types and the easy installation. It’s probably will only take you less than 5 minutes to hook it to your existing shower head. No problems whatsoever!
Third of all, it actually does what it’s meant to do. Reading through the comment section, there are plenty of satisfied reviews on how the item clear out the taste and smell of chlorine right away.
The product description says that chlorine, iron, iron dioxide and other heavy metal in your shower should not be a problem any more. Seemingly, it works. There are no major complaints about the filter’s said ability to be found, which is often a good sign.
Adopting KDF 55 granules, one the most popular filtration media, Berkey’s shower head filter can also inhibit the growth of bacteria, algae, scale, mold and fungi.
The filtering cartridge should last 20,000 gallon or 1 year before replacement is needed. Covered with 30 day guarantee, so test your product right after you receive it.
Sadly, Berkey does not list a warranty for shower filter. Normally with shower head filters, you wouldn’t need one anyway. The filter is available at under $50 on Amazon.
I have not enough ideas about it and never take it seriously but after read this article i knowing that how much is important shower head for our skin and hair. N ow i understand what should i do and i am going to purchase some of these. Thank you so much for sharing a informative article also helpful.
I’m so glad that you find this article useful 🙂
Tbh I didn’t think there are so many choices. I have seen one, the Aquasana, at my friend’s house and been thinking about getting the same one. Now it seems like I’ve more to look in to. But are there any shower filters that remove fluoride and chlorine both? Thanks!
Hello Jackie
I appreciate you taking the time reading the article and I’m so glad that you found something useful.
As for your question, there are not many shower filters that filter out fluoride since the substance is not damaging to our skin and hair, and only tends to get into our system through the digestive tract. You can see there’s no need for a fluoride filter in the shower
But if your really want to be extra careful, which is wise, I suggest you take a look at this filter which has zeolite crystal filtration: pH ENERGIZE 8-Stage Shower Filter
Best of luck!