The Best Shower Head Features for Tall People Over 6 Feet
For tall people over 6 feet, showering can be an uncomfortable experience. Standard shower heads installed at around 60 inches force you to crouch down just to wet your hair. This leads to sore necks, strained muscles, and overall dissatisfaction with what should be a relaxing part of your daily routine.
Luckily, with the right adjustable shower head features, you can customize your setup for a more comfortable shower without breaking your budget.
Problems With Low Shower Heads
To understand why tall people need shower heads installed higher, it helps to go over the main problems caused by standard low shower fixtures.
Difficulty Washing Hair and Body
Having to squat or hunch over results in inadequate spray coverage to properly rinse shampoo from your hair. It also makes it nearly impossible to fully wash your back, shoulders, and other hard-to-reach spots without straining.
Even if you can physically contort yourself to wet your whole body, the experience feels awkward and ruins the enjoyment of showering. The poor water pressure from angling the shower head to reach your head leads to incomplete rinsing.
Awkward Bending and Stretching
Tall people often have to bend down into uncomfortable positions just to fully wet their hair and head area. The unnatural stances required can cause muscle strain over time, especially in the neck and back.
Having to push your body to its limits daily to properly clean yourself defeats the purpose of showering being a relaxing and rejuvenating ritual.
Ruined Shower Experience
The hassle and physical discomfort of showering each day takes all the enjoyment out of it. Instead of feeling refreshed, you're left with sore, tired muscles.
Rather than a luxurious spa-like experience, showering becomes another inconvenient chore. Even if you love long hot showers, contorting yourself ruins the experience.
Height-Adjustable Features to Look For
Luckily, there are solutions. Seeking out shower fixtures with adjustable mounting positions and height extensions can give tall people the comfortable showering experience they desire. Here are some specific features to look for.
Extension Arms and Slide Bars
One easy way to lower a shower head within your existing setup is by installing an extension arm. Models like the Vida Alegria Reach can extend your shower head down by up to 18 inches.
This provides sufficient height adjustment for most tall people. Extension slide bars also allow easy repositioning. These affordable and easy-to-install options are great for renters who cannot alter permanent bathroom fixtures.
High Rise Flanges
Another option is to add a high rise flange between your current shower arm and shower head. These riser adapters insert directly into your existing setup to provide around 10 extra inches of height.
Flanges are inexpensive and a quick DIY upgrade. Just make sure the connection sizes match your plumbing.
Overhead Positioning
Instead of a standard horizontal shower arm, installing a longer vertically oriented arm lets you mount the shower head higher on the wall. This overhead positioning means no more crouching or squatting.
Water streams directly down over your head, allowing you to comfortably stand underneath. Overhead shower heads also provide better coverage.
Handheld Showerheads
Adjustable handheld shower wands with long, flexible hoses allow you to customize the shower head height each time you shower. You can find both wall-mounted and overhead handheld models.
The ability to easily maneuver the shower spray makes targeting all areas of your body simple. No more straining or bending into odd postures.
Shower Towers
All-in-one shower towers provide the ultimate adjustable showering experience for tall users. These floor-to-ceiling systems include multiple shower heads at varying heights, including convenient handheld options.
Luxurious overhead rainfall showerheads can be used for relaxing soaks, while side body sprays deliver targeted massages. The tower configuration means constant comfy access, even if multiple tall people use the shower.
Considerations for Installing Higher
If you decide to upgrade your shower setup, keep these tips in mind for proper installation:
Measure Your Needs
Consider your height, adding at least 6-12 inches over the standard 54-60 inch shower head mounting point. For tall people over 6'6", extending up to 18 inches higher provides enough range.
If you ever plan to sell your home, also factor in future users of different heights who may prefer lowering the shower head.
Check for Compatibility
Before purchasing any new shower head parts like extension arms, measure your existing setup. This ensures the thread sizes, connection types, and lengths will properly fit your plumbing.
Also inspect the wall strength. Heavier rainfall shower heads may require additional wall reinforcements.
Involve a Professional
While a simple slide bar or flange extender are easy DIY upgrades, consider hiring a licensed plumber for more complex installations. This reduces the risk of leaks or other problems from improper assembly.
Professionals can also advise on the best mounting height and make adjustments if the new position doesn't suit your needs.
Installing a shower head suited for taller people allows you to enjoy showering again. No more painful hunching or squatting just to wash your hair or body parts.
The ability to customize the height means you can relax and rejuvenate under the warm spray. Regain that luxurious feeling of a spa shower from the comfort of your own bathroom.