Hard water is a common problem across much of the UK, and shoppers are increasingly turning to filtered shower heads to combat its effects on skin and hair. London, the south-east, Lincolnshire, East Anglia and parts of the East Midlands have the hardest water in the country, full of chlorine and heavy metals, leaving limescale on sinks and baths. The impurities can also dry out or irritate skin, and may worsen conditions like eczema, while hair can feel fragile and look dull.
How hard water filters work
Hard water shower filters are designed to catch impurities in unfiltered water, so showers use the cleanest possible water. They screw onto an existing shower hose with no plumbing qualification needed, and filters typically need changing every couple of months to keep the shower head working properly.
There are dozens of options across price ranges. Here are six of the best worth the investment.
Top picks for every budget
Curo Skin Filter Showerhead – Available in metallic colours and matte black, this filter removes 99% of hard water impurities and hard metals. Filters need changing every three months, working out to around 88p per wash. The shower head with one replacement filter costs £80, with quarterly or annual filter subscriptions available. A rainfall-style filter is also launching.
Water2skin Handheld Shower Head – A new launch with handheld and rainfall options in three finishes. It uses a two-stage filtration system without affecting water pressure, and its square head offers more surface area for faster showers. Customers report better hydrated skin and shinier, frizz-free hair. After installation, run water through it for two minutes. Price: £75.
Hello Klean Shower Head 2.0 – Around since 2019, this brand has become a cult favourite. The Shower Head 2.0 costs £60 and uses a multi-stage filter to remove chlorine, mineral deposits and heavy metals. A pricier Shower Head+ at £96 pairs with an app for filter tracking.
JML 3 Function Pure Shower Head – A budget option at £14.99 using Maifan stone pebbles for filtration. It offers three massage jet modes – wellness, massage and rain – but the head is smaller than others and it won't work with electric showers.
PICKI NIKI Filtered Shower Head with Vitamin C – Featured on This Morning, this £89 option uses a Vitamin C gel in its filtration process to neutralise chlorine. It comes in black or white and includes a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Aisoso Shower Head – Priced at £15.99, this highly rated Amazon option uses stone beads and an additional filtration layer. Customers praise improved water pressure, quick installation, and a noticeable difference to hair, skin and nails.
