Buzz
Recently, my social media feed has been flooded with advertisements praising showerhead water filters. At first, I was skeptical, but I couldn’t help but feel intrigued. A beauty product that requires minimal effort on my part yet promises to improve my hair and skin seemed almost too good to be true. However, Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City, believes showerhead filters can indeed be a smart investment.
Showerhead filters function similarly to those used for drinking water, effectively removing contaminants such as chlorine, chloramines (disinfectants), calcium, copper, magnesium, and more from municipal water supplies. Dr. Camp explained that these chemicals and minerals can potentially irritate or dry out hair and skin.
Dr. Brandon Kirsch, a board-certified dermatologist at Kirsch Dermatology in Naples, Florida, elaborated that water rich in calcium and magnesium is called “hard water.” While these minerals are generally safe to drink at the levels found in tap water, they can cause cosmetic and dermatological effects, such as dryness of hair and skin, or exacerbate conditions like eczema.
Both doctors agreed that using a shower filter can significantly improve the texture and quality of both skin and hair, and may even increase the effectiveness of hair care products. “Without these residues,” Dr. Camp stated, “products may penetrate hair and skin more effectively.”
If you're unsure whether a shower water filter is necessary, keep an eye out for signs that your water might be causing issues. Dr. Kirsch pointed out that if your skin feels unusually dry and itchy after a shower, it could be due to chlorine or hard water minerals. These minerals can also strip natural oils from your hair, leaving it dull, and chlorine can cause colored hair to fade more quickly.
Additionally, you can look for signs around your shower. Dr. Camp noted that mineral buildup (scaling) on showerheads or tiles could indicate high mineral content in your water. He also recommended doing some online research to determine whether the water in your area is known for higher mineral content or hard water before buying a showerhead filter.
If you're intrigued, read on! Below, discover four water filters handpicked by Camp and Kirsch. A fresh showerhead filter could be just what you need to elevate your beauty routine without disrupting your day-to-day habits.
1. Jolie Filtered showerhead filtration system
2. AquaHomeGroup 15-stage shower filter
3. Aquasana shower filtration system
4. Culligan S-H200-C portable showerhead
