Do I Need a Filtered Showerhead?

In recent months, countless TikTokers (and dermatologists!) have taken to social media to sing the praises of showerhead filters. Proponents claim that showering in standard water can dull your skin and hair, and switching to a filtered showerhead could put those concerns to rest. It may sound far-fetched, but according to Houston Medspa founder and board-certified dermatology PA-C Simone Hopes, there may be truth to the claim. 

“Filtered showerheads can make a big difference if you’re dealing with hard water,” she says. “They help ‘soften’ the water by removing chlorine and heavy metals,” as well as other compounds, such as calcium and magnesium, that can leave your skin and hair dry, dull, and lackluster. 

Not everybody has hard water, so before investing in a filtered showerhead, it’s a good idea to evaluate your water and how you feel after showering it. Bathing in hard water can leave your skin feeling dry and itchy, exacerbating concerns such as eczema. It’s also harsh on your hair, making your strands brittle, dull, and more prone to color fading. If your skin and hair woes seemingly disappear when you’re on vacation, then there’s a chance hard water is to blame. But if you want to be sure before taking the plunge, consider testing your water with an at-home testing kit — they’ll show you exactly what’s in your water. City water utility providers also have info about how hard the local water supply is.

If you decide to spring for a shower filter, Hopes suggests opting for a multistage option that targets a range of impurities. We like the HydroViv Shower Filter, which removes heavy metals, lead, and microplastics. The budget-friendly Cobbe Filtered Showerhead is also a great option (it boasts nearly 8,200 five-star reviews on Amazon). And if you want to turn your shower into a spa, Canopy’s Filtered Showerhead comes with the brand’s signature aromas and felt diffuser. In all cases, installation is simple and the benefits are immediate, but you will have to replace the filter regularly to keep the skin and hair benefits going strong.