Experience Softer, Healthier Showers with these Water Softening Shower Heads

Do you cringe at the feeling of dry, frizzy hair and itchy skin after every shower? Hard water could be to blame. With high levels of calcium, magnesium and other minerals, hard water can wreak havoc on your hair, skin and plumbing.

Luckily, installing a water softening shower head can help filter out these problematic minerals for a softer, healthier shower experience. Keep reading to learn how water softening shower heads work and discover the best options for transforming your shower water.

What is Hard Water and Why Does it Cause Problems?

Hard water contains increased concentrations of calcium and magnesium minerals that standard water softening methods fail to filter out. As a result, these minerals accumulate and eventually cause a variety of problems:

• Scale buildup in pipes, shower heads and appliances
• Reduced lathering of soaps and shampoos
• Dry, frizzy hair due to mineral deposits
• Itchy, irritated skin

In contrast, soft water has been treated to remove calcium and magnesium, preventing scale buildup and other issues. While whole-house water softening systems fully remove these minerals, shower heads offer a more targeted approach.

How Do Water Softening Shower Heads Work?

Water softening shower heads contain a filter made with materials that help remove or neutralize certain minerals as water passes through. Popular filter types include:

• Activated carbon - Absorbs chlorine and other contaminants
• KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) - Removes heavy metals and chlorine
• Vitamin C - Helps neutralize chlorine smell and taste

While not a whole-house softening system, these handy shower heads can noticeably improve your shower water for softer hair and skin. Installation is also a breeze compared to professional installation of complex home water softeners.

Benefits of Using a Water Softening Shower Head

Installing a water softening shower head provides a range of benefits:

• Softer, more moisturized hair with less frizz
• Smoother, less itchy skin
• Improved lathering for soaps and shampoos
• Reduced mineral scale buildup on fixtures
• Filtered out chlorine for healthier hair and skin
• Extend lifespan of your shower head

By transforming your shower water, you'll wonder how you ever lived without one!

What to Look for When Buying a Water Softening Shower Head

Keep the following factors in mind when choosing a water softening shower head for your home:

• Look for NSF certification to ensure safety and performance
• Consider flow rate and spray patterns
• Check filter lifespan and replacement requirements
• Opt for easy, straightforward installation
• Read reviews to confirm durability and effectiveness
• Ensure compatibility with your existing plumbing

Top Water Softening Shower Heads to Consider

With many options on the market, we've rounded up some of the best water softening shower heads available:

Culligan WSH-C125 Wall-Mounted Filtered Showerhead

This popular shower head from Culligan provides a powerful spray while helping filter out chlorine, scale, bacteria and more. It easily installs onto any standard shower arm in minutes.

AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter

Featuring a five-stage filtration system, this shower head reduces chlorine, fluoride, bacteria, scale and other impurities for smoother skin and hair. Its removable filter cartridge is easy to replace.

Sprite Showers Chrome SHO-IL1CM Filter and Shower Head

The multifunctional Sprite shower head softens hard water while offering an invigorating spray pattern. Its filter reduces chlorine levels and limescale buildup.

AquaHomeGroup Luxury Filtered Shower Head

This combo shower head provides both a handheld and rainfall spray. It utilizes coconut shell carbon for effective chlorine and odor reduction.

Brita Rainfall Showerhead Filter System

Trusted brand Brita makes a shower head that filters out chlorine and minerals with an easy-turn cartridge replacement. It delivers an indulgent waterfall spray.

Pros and Cons of Water Softening Shower Heads

Here's a quick rundown of the advantages and potential drawbacks:

Pros:

• Healthier, softer hair and skin
• Prevents scale buildup in shower
• Simple installation with no tools
• More affordable than whole home systems

Cons:

• Don't remove all hard water minerals
• Filters require replacing every 6-12 months
• Can reduce water pressure and flow

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace the shower filter cartridge?

Most shower head filters need replacing every 6 to 12 months. Check your product instructions for the recommended replacement timeline.

Will a water softening shower head reduce water pressure?

Some shower heads, especially those with multiple filtration stages, can slightly reduce water flow. Opt for a product designed to minimize pressure loss.

Can I use a water softening shower head with a handheld unit?

Yes, many filter shower heads come as a combo unit with both overhead and handheld shower heads. Or you can purchase an adapter to add a handheld unit.

What tools do I need to install a water softening shower head?

Most softening shower heads don't require any tools for installation. You simply unscrew your current showerhead and screw on the new filtered unit by hand.

Where can I buy replacement filter cartridges?

You can purchase replacement shower head filter cartridges online from retailers like Amazon or directly from the shower head manufacturer's website.

If dry skin and lackluster hair have you singing the hard water blues, a water softening shower head can help restore your shower's glory. Installing one of these nifty gadgets helps filter out minerals, chlorine and other impurities that wreak havoc on your hair and skin. Just think - every morning you'll step into the shower excited for that blissful rush of clean, refreshed water.

Do yourself a favor and check out the top-rated options on the market. And be sure to look for key features like NSF certification, hassle-free installation and easy filter replacement. In no time, you'll be lathering up with your favorite products and noticing incredible improvements to the health and appearance of your hair. Give hard water the boot once and for all - your skin and hair will thank you!