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Skin care isn’t just about applying dollops and dollops of product to your face; it also extends to the water we use. Dr. Brandon Kirsch, a board-certified dermatologist at Kirsch Dermatology in Naples, Florida, explained to HuffPost that your home’s “hard water” — that is, water with high concentrations of calcium and magnesium — can be harmful to the skin and hair. This type of water can dehydrate you, clogging pores and hair with unnecessary mineral residue.
One solution to combat that clogged water is a shower head filter. You attach these devices to your shower head and when the water runs, it purifies the water as it flows out. We found one previously recommended to HuffPost by dermatologist Dr. Brandon Kirsch and is NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certified to remove chlorine, lead and other contaminants. It has a capacity of 10,000 liters, so you don’t need to replace the filter until it has filtered 10,000 liters of water, and it’s super easy to install. It usually hovers around $83.99, but this baby is 31% off, dropping the price to just $57.59.
Several reviewers say this showerhead filter helped relieve dandruff, dry skin, and general flaking within weeks of installation. “After moving to North Texas several years ago, I [immediately noticed] my hair/scalp felt dirty,” one reviewer explains. “My scalp never felt clean and my hair became increasingly damaged as time went on. In Ohio we had a water softener, so I looked for something that could attach to my shower head. This has been a game changer! My scalp feels so much better and I notice that I need less shower gel to get a good lather.”
To attach this filter, simply unscrew your shower head and reattach it after screwing the filter into place. It fits most standard half-inch shower arms, so you probably won’t need to purchase an adapter. Aquasana recommends replacing the filter every six months. You can purchase additional filters for less than $40 from Amazon.
See below to see how this showerhead filter helped reviewers hydrate, and keep scrolling for other showerhead filter recommendations.
“We live in Southern California and the water here is more solid than liquid because of all the lime and calcium. A show head can become clogged within a week. My wife wanted this because her hair is drying and breaking and her scalp is flaking and she panicked and made me have spring water delivered so she could rinse her hair. We bought this one and also bought the Sprite High Output. The Sprite was about 1/3 cheaper, but everything had to be taken apart. The Sprite also lasts about twice as long, BUT since the Sprite is an inline filter it requires removal from at least one side of the shower head or pipe and then the filter needs to be taken apart and that can be tricky. Easy to scratch and I had to soak it in CLR to get it off. This Aquasana costs about double the Sprite High Output but. No disassembly, it’s a simple change, no fighting with the filter housing to get it off and it works great. The water is much cleaner, a little softer even and my wife’s hair no longer breaks and his scalp no longer flakes. The shower head sucks, but the filter is a better choice because it’s much easier to use. We have been using it for a month now, without any degradation in performance.” – IrvPost
“I never write reviews, but this shower head deserves one! I live in Colorado. The water has been very hard for the past two years, my skin has been suffering this year and during the winter my skin itches every night before I go to bed. Two nights ago I replaced my shower head with this one. I slept so well all night with not even an itch twice. This shower head saves my hair and skin. My hair has even improved in just two nights! Don’t be alarmed by the black spots in your bathtub. It’s very temporary, just grab a cloth and wipe it off. It comes off right away. It does not stain your skin. Don’t jump in right away, though. Let your water run for at least two minutes. Thank you to whoever made this beautiful shower head.” — VaL
“Very easy to attach. All I needed was a wrench and minimal elbow grease! I trade every 8 months for a small house with two people. It is important to follow the easy-to-use instructions and collect it in a bucket the first times you use the product to avoid staining the bath. The shower head can also be replaced separately, so you don’t have to buy a whole new one when it’s time to replace that too!” — Cathy
“After moving to North Texas several years ago, I immediately noticed that my hair/scalp felt dirty. My scalp never felt clean and my hair became more and more damaged as time went on. In Ohio we had a water softener, so I looked for something that could attach to my shower head. This has been a game changer! My scalp feels so much better and I notice that I need less shower gel to get a good lather. My skin also feels better. If you are dealing with scalp issues, the first thing you should start with is removing the minerals/deposits from the water you use to wash your scalp! Any products you try will not make any difference if the water itself is not filtered. While our city tries to filter it, it can only remove so much from the water, so this ultimately cleanses it before it reaches my scalp or body. Be warned, however. Because it has a filter, it can take about a minute for the water to change temperature when you move the temperature knobs. because it has to pass through the filter inside. So be patient and you will have a much better shower experience. […]” — IrvPost (This review has been edited for length. Read the full review.)
Looking for more filter options? Check out these other dermatologist-recommended showerhead filters from HuffPost shopping writer Lourdes Avila Uribe:
Jolie Filtered shower head filter system
Amazon
Jolie Filtered shower head filter system
Chances are you’ve seen ads on social media for this cult-favorite showerhead filter recommended by Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City, who previously spoke to HuffPost. This high-pressure shower head is available in four colors to match your existing bathroom accessories, and installs easily to fit all US shower heads. You can adjust the angle seamlessly.
Promising review: “I rarely leave reviews but had to review this. This didn’t show immediate results for me, but it started showing results after week 2.5. I have long, healthy Asian hair and was skeptical that I could really do that much more benefit from everything except for maybe a keratin treatment. And wow, I had no idea my already beautiful hair could use such a boost. It made my shiny black hair SHINY AND BOUNCIER… it looked like I was getting a shine spray from my hair. roots up to the ends of my hair, from top to bottom. I couldn’t believe it at first, it seemed too good to be true. I didn’t realize my hair needed bounce, but now I don’t think I can live without it As for my skin, it’s only been 2.5 weeks, but I noticed that the pores on my nose are smaller.” –Jade
“Saved my hair! I was using a different brand of water filter and shower head and after living with it in Florida for two years, my hair was frizzy and breaking at the nape of my neck. I installed this new version last night and took my first shower with it. It was my last attempt before chopping off all my hair again. My hair didn’t feel sticky or frizzy and when I blow dried it it fell straight as it should! at first I found it hard to grow my hair and this filter will definitely help save what I have! I thought the price was expensive but investing in yourself is worth it! Also a few hours later my skin still feels soft and hydrated my skin absorbed it all instead of just scratching the surface. lie.” – Mari Beeghly
$165 at Amazon
AquaHomeGroup 15-stage shower filter
Amazon
AquaHomeGroup 15-stage shower filter
Also a Camp recommendation, this filter is extremely popular and highly rated among Amazon users. It can help remove odors and impurities associated with hard water, chlorine and other minerals in tap water. It is compatible with numerous shower styles and does not reduce or affect existing water pressure. It is a great option for people with sensitive skin.
Promising reviews: “Absolutely amazing for hair and skin. As a professional hairstylist and blonde haired, I have noticed how hard water can affect the hair/skin in general. This was SO easy to install and has made the biggest difference in my hair! I recommend it to all my clients” — Katie Spicer
“Amazing product. This filter was so easy to install. I can’t believe the difference in my skin in just a month. If you live in the city and have hard water, this is a must!” — Jeff
$30+ at Amazon
Culligan S-H200-C hand shower head
Amazon
Culligan S-H200-C hand shower head
If you prefer a handheld shower, Camp recommended this Culligan option. It is unique in that it has a magnetic docking mechanism that can be securely clicked on and off the base. It has a brushed chrome stainless steel finish that is aesthetically pleasing and will look great with the rest of your shower fixtures.
Promising reviews: “I love it! Nice quality. Doesn’t look cheap. Easy to assemble. I’m so happy I have this. So many great features! I definitely recommend you buy this product!!!” – Janet
“I love this shower head, I love the filters, they really help soften my hair and skin. The different settings are great and the magnet is strong and makes for easy positioning.” – Keianna Wilbur
$95.40 at Amazon (regularly $111.01)
