The Surprising Health Benefits of Using a Filtered Shower Head
Most of us don’t think twice about the water in our daily shower. But did you know that what’s coming out of your shower head could be affecting your skin, hair, and even your lungs? Enter the filtered shower head: a simple device that can remove or reduce chemicals and minerals in your water. The benefits of using one go beyond just cleaner water. They can dramatically improve your skin and hair health, and even provide respiratory relief, in some important ways.
What’s in Your Shower Water (and Why It Matters)
Municipal tap water is often treated with chlorine or chloramines (a combination of chlorine and ammonia) to kill bacteria. While this makes the water safe to drink, these disinfectants aren’t so friendly to your body’s largest organ: your skin. Chlorine can strip away natural oils from skin and hair, leaving them dry and irritated. In fact, dermatologists note that chlorine in shower water is “drying and can lead to a rash on the skin known as contact dermatitis (a type of eczema)”. Chloramines have a similar effect, and sensitive individuals (especially those with eczema or psoriasis) may experience flare-ups when exposed to these chemicals in the shower.
Another common issue is hard water, water high in minerals like calcium and magnesium. Hard water is extremely common (affecting an estimated 85% of U.S. households) and can “take a toll on hair and skin”. Those minerals prevent soap and shampoo from lathering well and rinsing off completely, leaving a residue that “can affect your skin and hair health and may lead to irritation and dryness”. Over time, mineral buildup can clog pores (contributing to body acne) and make skin feel rough. Hard water has even been linked to higher rates of atopic dermatitis (eczema) in both infants and adults. And let’s not forget heavy metals or other impurities that might be in your water. While shower filters aren’t a cure-all for every contaminant, many are designed to reduce traces of lead, copper, and other metals that could be present in aging pipes or local water supplies.
The bottom line? Unfiltered shower water often contains chemicals and minerals that can dry out your skin, weaken your hair, and even cause irritation. A high-quality shower filter helps by removing many of these unwanted substances, giving you softer water that is gentler on your body.
If showers leave your skin feeling dry and itchy like you just stepped out of a swimming pool, it might be time to try a shower filter.
Skin Benefits: Softer, Hydrated, and Less Irritated Skin
One of the most noticeable benefits of using a shower head filter is how much softer and less itchy your skin can feel. Chlorine is a harsh chemical (it’s essentially bleach) and when it contacts your skin in the shower, it can cause redness, itchiness, and dryness. By filtering out chlorine, you’re preventing that daily chemical assault on your skin’s moisture barrier. In fact, reducing chlorine can lead to less skin irritation in general. Your skin retains more of its natural oils, helping it stay hydrated and supple instead of tight and flaky.
Key skin benefits of filtered shower water include:
Reduced dryness and irritation: Unfiltered water with chlorine and other chemicals “can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to visible dryness”. A shower filter removes these irritants, so your skin doesn’t get as dried out. Many people report that their skin feels softer and less itchy after just a few weeks of using filtered water. If you’ve ever felt tight, scaly skin after a hot shower, a filter can be a game-changer.
Fewer skin breakouts and issues: The water coming through your shower could contain impurities like bacteria, fungi, or rust particles (from pipes). Filtering them out means cleaner water on your body, which may translate to fewer clogged pores and body acne. As board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dendy Engelman explains, “filtering out these harmful microbes... can help reduce clogged pores and acne”. By removing harsh minerals that clog pores and cause inflammation, a shower filter may even help calm down conditions like eczema or rosacea. Those with sensitive skin or dermatitis often see improvements when they switch to filtered water.
Preserved skin barrier and pH balance: Hard water’s high mineral content can raise the pH of your skin and weaken its protective barrier. This contributes to irritation and eczema. Filtered (softer) water, on the other hand, is closer to skin’s natural, slightly acidic pH. This supports your skin barrier function. Dermatologists note that when your water isn’t so harsh, it’s easier for your regular moisturizers and cleansers to work effectively, since your skin isn’t battling mineral residue or chlorine every shower. The result is skin that looks and feels healthier and better hydrated.
In short, by using a shower head filter, you’re treating your skin to gentler water that’s more like fresh rain than a chlorinated pool. Many users find they experience less itching, reduced redness, and an overall improvement in skin comfort and glow after making the switch.
Hair Benefits: Stronger, Shinier, and Healthier Hair
If your hair has been feeling dry, brittle, or frizzy, your shower water could be the culprit. Chlorine and hard water minerals are notoriously bad for hair. They can strip away the natural sebum that protects your hair shafts, leading to dullness and breakage. Over time, chlorine exposure also weakens the protein structure of hair. One study found that washing in hard, chlorinated water caused hair strands to become thinner and more fragile compared to soft water.
Here’s how a filtered shower head can rescue your hair:
Less dryness and breakage: By removing chlorine, filtered water keeps your hair’s natural oils intact. This means your hair stays more moisturized. Likewise, filtering out heavy minerals (like calcium and magnesium) prevents the buildup that can make hair feel straw-like and prone to snapping. Healthier, hydrated hair is less likely to split or break off, so you may notice fuller hair with fewer split ends after switching to a shower filter.
Improved shine and texture: Ever notice how hair washed in “soft” water (or rinsed in distilled water) feels silkier? That’s because soft, filtered water leaves behind less residue. Hard water minerals create a film on hair that can make it look dull and feel rough. Removing those minerals allows your conditioner to penetrate better and your hair’s true shine to come through. Users of shower filters often report shinier, bouncier hair and better manageability. Even salons often recommend rinsing with filtered or distilled water for clients with color-treated hair to maintain luster. In fact, chlorine can unintentionally alter the color of dyed hair (ever see blonde hair take on a greenish tinge from pool water?). A filter protects your costly dye job by keeping chlorine out of your shower.
Healthier scalp and hair growth: Your scalp is skin, too, and it benefits from cleaner water. Chlorine and irritants in unfiltered water can inflame the scalp, potentially aggravating dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. By filtering them out, you create a gentler environment for your scalp. A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair growth. In other words, you might find that your hair not only looks better but also grows a bit more robustly once you start using filtered water. At the very least, you’ll probably shed less hair due to breakage, which can make your mane appear thicker.
Finally, another nice perk: with softer, filtered water you may need less shampoo and conditioner. Hard water makes it difficult to get a good lather, often causing you to use more product and still feel like there’s a film left in your hair. Filtered water, by removing those soap-scumming minerals, lets your hair products work more effectively, saving your hair from excess washing and saving you money on shampoo in the long run.
Respiratory Benefits: Breathe Easier with Less Chlorine in the Air
It’s not just your skin and hair: your lungs appreciate filtered water too! When you take a hot shower, chlorine in the water can vaporize into the air. That means you might be inhaling small amounts of chlorine gas (and chloramine compounds) in the steamy mist. Inhaling chlorinated water vapor can irritate sensitive airways, much like breathing in pool air. This is especially relevant if you have asthma or allergies. The chlorine smell that sometimes wafts off hot shower water is more than just an unpleasant odor. It can cause real discomfort, like coughing or throat irritation in sensitive people.
Using a shower filter that removes chlorine leads to immediate respiratory improvements for many individuals. You’ll notice that the strong “swimming pool” smell disappears from your shower steam. Without chlorine in the air, your bathroom becomes a mini-sauna instead of a chlorinated spa. Breathing in the shower becomes easier and gentler. If you’ve ever felt a slight burn in your eyes or throat during a hot shower, that was likely the chlorine. A filter fixes that.
For people with asthma or other respiratory issues, this benefit can be a game-changer. In fact, some doctors specifically recommend chlorine-focused shower filters for those with asthma or eczema, because taking chlorine out of shower water can help prevent triggering skin or lung irritation. Even if you don’t have a diagnosed condition, many people simply report that showering with filtered water “feels” better on their breathing, with no more chemical fumes, just clean steam. It’s a surprising health benefit that you might not anticipate until you experience it.
Tip: If you live in an area where chloramine (which is more stable than chlorine) is used in the water, look for a shower filter that specifically mentions chloramine removal or neutralization. These often use vitamin C or specialized filter media. Removing chloramine can similarly improve air quality in your shower and reduce any potential irritation to your lungs.
Other Advantages and Surprising Perks
We’ve covered the big three (skin, hair, lungs), but the benefits of a filtered shower head don’t end there. Here are a few more “bonus” advantages worth noting.
Using a shower filter to remove minerals from shower water can help prevent hard water build up on bathroom surfaces like shower doors and tiles.
If you or a family member has eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, switching to a filtered shower head can help manage flare-ups. By removing chlorine and minerals that aggravate skin, you create a gentler bathing environment. Dermatologists note that people with these conditions are especially sensitive to chemicals in shower water, so filtering them out often reduces irritation. Research even suggests that communities with very hard water see higher rates of childhood eczema, a sign that softer, filtered water is kinder to compromised skin.
While mostly a home benefit, a shower filter also supports your health routine. By reducing mineral deposits, it prevents the scale that clogs showerheads and tiles, creating a cleaner environment with less mildew and bacteria. It also helps maintain strong water flow for effective rinsing. With fewer minerals in the water, soap washes off more completely, leaving skin free of residue. Many people notice their skin feels cleaner and fresher after filtering, since they’re not coated in mineral film.
Many users describe filtered water as “silkier” or “softer,” since it lacks chlorine and heavy minerals. Showers feel gentler and more relaxing, free of chemical odors. Instead of chlorine, you’ll smell your soap or shampoo more clearly, creating a more luxurious, spa-like experience that can lift your mood and reduce stress.
Choosing the Right Filter (and Final Thoughts)
Think a shower filter might be worth trying? The good news is that installing one is usually a quick DIY task. Most filtered shower heads or in-line filters screw on just like a regular shower head. Before you rush out to buy one, here are a few tips on how to choose the best option for you.
Look for Tested and Certified Filters
Not all shower filters are equal. Some brands make big claims about removing a laundry list of contaminants without evidence. Reputable filters will often have certifications (like NSF/ANSI 177 for chlorine reduction) or third-party test results. The CDC recommends checking that a filter is NSF-certified and seeing exactly which contaminants it’s rated to reduce. For example, if your main concern is chlorine, a filter certified for chlorine removal is a must. If you’re worried about lead or chloramines, you’ll want a specialized filter designed for those. Transparency is key: trust brands that share their lab results.
Consider Your Water Issues
If you know your home has very hard water, you might prioritize a filter that targets mineral content (some use ion-exchange resin or KDF media to tackle hardness). If you’re on city water with a strong chlorine smell, focus on a carbon or vitamin C filter known for chlorine removal. There are even filters that infuse beneficial elements (like vitamin C or essential oils). Just remember that basic filtration performance matters more than gimmicks.
Maintenance Matters
Shower filters typically need cartridge replacements every few months (anywhere from 3 to 6 months is common). Make sure you’re prepared to maintain it; an old, spent filter won’t do much good. Mark your calendar or set reminders to change filters as recommended. The cost of replacement cartridges is usually modest, but it’s part of the long-term investment in your health and should be factored in. Fortunately, even with regular replacements, using a shower filter is quite affordable compared to whole-house systems, and well worth it for the benefits.
In summary, a filtered shower head is a small upgrade with surprisingly big health payoffs. It’s an easy way to turn your daily shower into a cleaner, more skin-friendly, and health-conscious ritual. From preventing dry skin and brittle hair to reducing exposure to chlorine fumes, the advantages are clear. Once you start showering in filtered water, you may wonder how you ever went without it!
If you’re ready to make the switch, be sure to choose a quality filter that fits your needs. For a head start, check out my guide to the best shower head water filters. Here’s to happier skin, healthier hair, and fresher air every time you shower. Your body will thank you for it!
Sources
Dermatology Times: Hard Water Linked to Infant Eczema
Good Housekeeping: Best shower filters overview
Health.com: Filtered Showerheads Overview
EPA: Basic Information about Chloramines and Drinking Water Disinfection