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7 BEST SHOWER FILTERS FOR SHINIER HAIR AND SOFTER SKIN WITH MINIMAL EFFORT

 

Plus, it can help save some $$$.

As our beauty editor, I've tried my fair share of haircare products, ranging from fine hair shampoos to deep conditioners for curly hair. But one overlooked haircare tool worth upgrading is a shower filter. Experts adore them because having access to clean, chlorine-free water is one of the best and relatively affordable ways to improve our skin and hair.

I spoke with a few experts about shower filters, including how water impacts our skin and hair, the various types of shower filters, and how to install them. The pros also shared their favorite shower filters, and I fully vetted everything else featured on our list to ensure they’re worth your hard-earned money.

What to Consider

HAIR BENEFITS

Shower filters remove chlorine, a chemical that strips the natural oils from the scalp and hair, from the water before it flows out of the showerhead. Tina Deeke, a colorist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, says, “By having filtered water, your hair and skin will feel substantially less dry. Your hair will also be less frizzy and much shinier as natural oils remain to protect hair and skin.”

Deeke, who has 18 years of hair coloring experience, argues that everyone who dyes or highlights their hair should install a shower filter regardless of their hair color.

“Certain colored hair, like redheads, has a tendency to fade faster, and unfiltered chlorinated water can speed up the process. Highlighted hair is typically more porous, so adding a filter reduces exposure to the water’s harsh effects, thus helping the condition of hair and scalp,” she says.

SKIN BENEFITS

And a new shower filter does wonders for the skin too. According to clinical dermatologist Dr. Enrizza Factor, M.D., shower filters help prevent allergies and irritations caused by chlorine inhalation. “Chlorine-free bath water can also help make hair and skin healthier because you’re putting less strain on your skin to keep itself healthy,” she says.

Need further proof? Our senior editor Eunice Lucero-Lee recently tested the Jolie Showerhead and found it helped clear up eczema on her forehead.

SHOWERHEAD TYPES

Before ordering a shower filter, Thumbtack home expert David Steckel, advises examining which type of showerhead is in your home. Here are the different possible types:

• Handheld showerheads are showerheads on the end of a flexible hose and they are sometimes an accessory you can install alongside a rain or fixed showerhead. Keep in mind that most shower filters don't accommodate handheld showerheads.
• Fixed showerheads are mounted on the shower wall and only come off the wall a few inches and angle down. They're standard showerheads with multiple functions to change the pressure type, and range in price from affordable to high-end.
• Rain showerheads are two to three times the diameter of a fixed showerhead, provide softer water distribution, and are usually installed from the ceiling or out from a wall.

How We Chose

To ensure everyone can achieve the softest hair and best skin of their life, I carefully researched and found seven impressive shower filters I’d be willing to buy. These selections vary in capabilities and price, but they all passed my vetting process, which includes investigating the filter materials, what ingredients it adds or removes from water, and reading through thousands of product reviews to ensure the overall product value.

Our experts also recommended some of these models, while others boast impressive key specs and glowing online reviews.

I also considered price, because not everyone wants to splurge. The majority of these picks are under $50. For example, Deeke shared the shower filter that’s been part of her routine for years, and it’s on sale for just under $23 on Amazon RN. Talk about an early Amazon Prime Day beauty deal too good to pass up.

After exploring these top-rated shower filters, keep scrolling for Steckel's no-fail guide to installing your new purchase. I also included access to a free resource for anyone interested in learning more about their local water sources.

BEST OVERALL

AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter

 

PROS

• Reviewers say it’s incredibly easy to install
• Infuses water with vitamins and minerals

CONS

• Skip if you prefer handheld showerheads

With glowing reviews from more than 35,400 reviewers on Amazon, you can’t be too surprised this number-one best-seller earned the top spot on our list. AquaBliss achieved the best overall distinction because reviewers say it’s effortless to install on all types of showerheads, including handheld, rain, and fixed.

This AquaBliss shower filter also helps neutralize unpleasant odors and reduces harmful chemicals, so your hard tap water is softened. (Hundreds of 5-star reviews say the chlorine smell in their water immediately disappeared after installing the shower filter.)

It’s a shower filter that can truly do wonders for your hair. One city-dwelling Amazon reviewer noticed their water supply was hard and heavily chlorinated, leaving their curly hair dry and skin itchy. However, they saw an immediate difference after installing this shower filter.

“I don’t remember the last time my hair didn’t feel like a bale of hay in the shower, even after conditioner. But [after] one shower with the Aqua Bliss, my hair feels clean, soft, and has volume now. My skin doesn’t feel stripped and itchy,” they say.

Key Specs

• Showerhead Type Rain and fixed
• Filters Out Chlorine and its by-products
• Adds Skin-brightening vitamin C, oxygen, and other minerals

THE RUNNER-UP

AquaHomeGroup Luxury Filtered Shower Head Set

 

PROS

• Includes a showerhead, filter, shower caps, and teflon tape
• Reviewers praise the water pressure

CONS

• Only available in a chrome finish

Don’t let the similar-sounding brand names confuse you. Both AquaHomeGroup and AquaBliss shower filters are impressive, but AquaHomeGroup gets our runner-up title because it’s not compatible with rain or handheld showerheads. The good news: After it’s installed, the filter will create a high-pressure, rain shower-inspired effect.

What we’re most impressed about is that it utilizes a filter with 15 stages of purification from chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals and other sediments found in well and city water.

Like AquaBliss, this one infuses the hair with vitamin C and also adds vitamin E. The filter is also equipped with a layer of coconut-activated carbon to improve the smell, taste, and color of your water.

Key Specs

• Showerhead Type Fixed
• Filters Out Chlorine, fluoride, calcium, magnesium, and heavy metals
• Adds Vitamins C and E

FOR AN AWARD-WINNING FILTER

Jolie The Filtered Showerhead

 

PROS

• Available in 3 finishes
• Comes in relatively compact packaging

CONS

• When the shower is on, it emits an “ever-so-slight whistle” caused by water pressure

As previously mentioned, Lucero-Lee recently reviewed the Jolie shower filter and promised it is an excellent fit for anyone who prefers a strong, hotel-like jet stream.

For starters, she highlights that the setup is a breeze. It’s easy to screw on, tighten with the included wrench, and seal with a few layers of plumber’s tape.

She also considers the larger shower filter ideal for a rainfall effect — and let’s be real, who doesn’t love that? “Thrillingly, it increased the water pressure from my shower to an impressive level,” she says.

And here’s the best part: Lucero-Lee, who has 20 years of beauty writing experience, tested the water from her main bathroom with the Jolie shower filter and the one in the filter-less guest bathroom. “The chart results showed a distinct change in the hardness of the water: The water from the Jolie showerhead was softer than the water in my other bathroom, as shown by the difference in color,” she says.

Key Specs

• Showerhead Type Rain
• Filters Out Chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants
• Adds N/A

FOR COLOR-TREATED HAIR

Sprite SL2-CM Slim-Line 2 Universal Shower Filter

 

PROS

• Fantastic for swimmers
• Helps prevent blonde hair from yellowing

CONS

• Reviewers say it's cumbersome to replace the filter

When Deeke is shopping for a shower filter, her main concern is removing chlorine so her hair color remains on point and her skin stays soft. She’s found her shower filter match in Sprite, a brand she’s been loyal to for a few years because the filter is effective and it’s easy to install.

Amazon reviewers are also keen on using this shower filter. Beyond its 4.4-star average rating from nearly 1,400 reviews, shoppers say the inexpensive shower filter helps soften their skin, prevents itching, and improves the overall shower experience.

For around $32, you're getting a filter that removes chlorine which is the top beauty concern for Deeke. And TBH, shoppers can't get too upset that it doesn't infuse extra ingredients like vitamins, minerals, and oxygen since this is one of the most affordable yet highly rated models on the market.

Need another reason to purchase this shower filter? Most models on this list require the filter to be replaced at least quarterly, but this cheaper model can be switched out every 6 months.

Key Specs

• Showerhead Type Fixed, handheld, and rainfall
• Filters Out Chlorine
• Adds Nothing

BEST BUDGET BUY

Aqua Earth 15-Stage Shower Filter with Vitamin C

 

PROS

• An impressive 15-stage filtration system
• Purifies up to 10,000 gallons of hard water

CONS

• Some reviewers note it drips, but that can easily be fixed with plumbers tape

I promise you that Aqua Earth and AquaHomeGroup and AquaBliss are all different companies. With that being said, this shower filter also earned high marks from Amazon reviewers. (A 4.5-star average rating from 10,175 reviews.)

Like our runner-up, this uses a 15-stage filter to remove questionable components in the water for almost half the price of AquaHomeGroup's shower filter.

The biggest reason for the price drop is that Aqua Earth needs to be replaced more often. Amazon reviewers suggest replacing this shower filter every few months for optimal results. And unlike other options on this list, the shower filter only infuses your water with a single ingredient: vitamin C.

One reviewer loves the filter but notes it starts to rust after 6 months, a minor issue that hasn’t impacted the water’s quality. Remember, you buy a shower filter to clean up your local water. If you don’t mind the slight possibility of a little rusting and don’t need anything beyond vitamin C in your water, then this is an excellent option for the price.

Key Specs

• Showerhead Type Fixed, handheld, and rainfall
• Filters Out Chlorine
• Adds Vitamin C

MOST ECO-FRIENDLY

Aquasana Shower Water Filter System

 

PROS

• WaterSense Certified
• Filters more than 90% of chlorine

CONS

• Moderately priced, but skip if you're looking to spend less

Swapping out an old, non-efficient shower filter for this Aquasana model is an effortless way to be more eco-friendly. This Aquasana filter is the only product on our list that earned a label from WaterSense, a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

According to the EPA, “WaterSense-labeled products and services are certified to use at least 20% less water, save energy, and perform as well as or better than regular models.” The government agency adds that using WaterSense-labeled showerhead filters will save 4 gallons of water during each shower.

With a moderate price tag, impressive key specs, and a 4.4-star average from nearly 2,900 Amazon reviews, this model is a safe purchase. Reviewers appreciate the cost-effective and long-lasting filtration system that can last for 6 months before needing a new filter. They also consider the easy, four-step installation setup a significant win because anyone can install it on their own.

An Amazon reviewer says they were “blown away by the results” of this shower filter because it helped remove the sulphuric odor from their apartment water. “This filter completely got rid of the ‘eggy’ smell and even made a noticeable visual difference in the water if I pour it into a cup and compare [it] to the non-filtered,” says their 5-star review.

Key Specs

• Showerhead Type Fixed
• Filters Out Chlorine
• Adds N/A

FOR A HANDHELD SHOWERHEAD

T3 Source Hand-Held Mineral Water Filter

 

PROS

• Created by an award-winning, celeb hairstylist-loved brand
• Long cord makes it easy to wash hard-to-reach areas

CONS

• Will spend around $100 yearly on replacement filters

T3 is a power player in the haircare industry, and its shower filter earned impressive reviews across Sephora, Amazon, and Dermstore.

Your kit comes with a brand-new handheld showerhead, hose, plumbers tape, and pre-installed filter for your convenience — all you have to do is a quick installation. You can replace the $25 filter once the indicator turns black, which is typically after 3 or 4 months.

The shower filter uses a mineral mixture of calcium sulfide, copper, and zinc to help remove sediment, dirt, hydrogen sulfide, and iron oxide from the water. A reviewer gave this filter 5 stars because it helped soften their strands and eliminated frizz to the point where they cut down the number of products they needed to clean and style their hair.

Even trained pros can see a difference when using this filter, with one reviewer boasting that their hairstylist was amazed by how dramatically softer their frizz-prone, wavy hair feels.

Key Specs

• Showerhead Type Handheld
• Filters Out Chlorine
• Adds Nothing

Learn About Local Water

Depending on where you live, you could be dealing with different water issues. City water typically has a high chlorine level, and well water is usually filled with minerals that cause buildup on hair, notes Deeke.

Curious about the quality of water at home? The Environmental Working Group created a free online database that only needs your ZIP code before sharing information about potential containments in your local tap water source. The organization also provides a numerical grade based on the overall quality of your local water.

How to Install

Good news: Steckel promises that installing a shower filter is quick and very simple — the entire process should take newbies around 10 minutes. The only tools you'll need are pliers, a handy rag to avoid stripping and scratching your new fixture, and plumber’s tape, which is typically included with shower filter purchases.

“All that you need to do to install a filter for a rain or fixed showerhead is unscrew the fixture, screw on the filter with plumber’s tape, ensure it is tight, but not too tight, and then screw back on the fixture head with some plumber’s tape,” explains Steckel.