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The best shower filters that transformed our testers’ skin and hair
If you live in a hard water area, you need to try one of these – and there’s money off this week!
Tested by Blossom Boothroyd, Gemma Dawson and Marcus Strong
If your hair often feels dull, dry or prone to tangles, the culprit might not be your hair products after all – it could be the water you’re showering in. So, before you invest in another leave-in conditioner that promises Claudia Winkleman-level shine and gloss, you might want to consider swapping to a filtered shower head instead.
The best shower head water filters help to reduce chlorine and heavy metals in your water as well as minimising the effects of hard water minerals. And it’s not just your hair that’s impacted – these impurities can also exacerbate skin conditions, trigger breakouts and contribute to general dryness.
With the help of our panel, the Good Housekeeping Institute has tested four of the market-leading filtered shower heads to see how effective they are and will continue to review new launches to the market in this relatively new category.
Already convinced? You can shop our top-rated picks below, but keep reading for our expert verdicts, and all the information you need to know before buying.
The best shower filters to buy in 2026
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- 2
Best for water hardness and best flow rate
PICKI NIKI Filtered Shower Head with Vitamin C
Read review - 3
- 4
- 5
Best Deal
How we test shower filters
To find the best water filter shower heads, we conduct a mix of tests in the Good Housekeeping Institute lab, and we also send them out to our panel members to install and use at home for a minimum of three weeks.
These are the factors we look at:
Unboxing and installation: We start by unboxing the shower head and laying out all the parts, checking that everything listed in the instructions is in the box. We then install the shower heads, following the manufacturer’s instructions, noting how tricky they are to follow (or not) and how secure the attachment is when in place.
Flow rate and pressure: We check if the water runs smoothly through the shower head and make sure there are no leaks. We measure the flow rate by timing how long it takes to fill a one-litre container and then calculate the pressure in litres per minute. These figures are then compared with the baseline readings from the basic shower head at the Institute.
Filtration: We dip chemically treated strips into the water and use them to analyse what contaminants are in there, primarily looking for water hardness and chlorine. We compare this to the water from the standard shower head, measure any reduction in levels of contaminants and award marks for improvement in quality.
Panel feedback: The shower head filters are used by our panel of readers in the home for a minimum of three weeks before we ask them to fill in a detailed feedback report. They answer questions on the installation process, ease of use and the overall design. We also ask them to note any changes to their skin and hair during and after the test period.
Finally, we compile and assess all the data and feedback to award a final score. These are the ones to shop for your bathroom.
Jolie Skin Co The Filtered showerhead
Jolie Skin Co The Filtered showerhead
Pros
- Filter housing opens and closes easily
- Nozzle is easy to wipe clean
- Comes with a mini wrench and plumber’s tape to help with set-up
Cons
- Quite a small diameter compared to standard shower heads
- Expensive
Score: 84/100
Scoring near-perfect marks for ease of installation, this shower head filter shouldn’t pose any challenge – even for those with minimal DIY skills. It also improved flow rate by a huge 102% when compared to the standard shower head in our wet room, and it delivered an invigorating spray (although there was no choice of spray patterns).
It reduced water hardness by 60% and iron (40%) and copper levels (50%), providing an almost instant change in how the water felt. “My hair felt softer and my eczema improved,” one tested told us, while others reported less brittleness and more shine.
On the downside, changing the angle of the head was tricky as it was a little stiff and it doesn’t look as sleek or premium as some of the other options out there. But if you’re more worried about what’s in your water than aesthetics, this is good buy.
Key specifications
| Shower head type | Fixed |
|---|---|
| Colour options | Modern chrome, brushed steel, jet black, brushed gold, vibrant red |
| Filter | KDF-55 and calcium sulphite |
| Filter replacement | Every 3 months, costing £29 |
| Dimensions | 13.5 x 13.5 x 13.7cm |
| Guarantee | 60 days |
| Flow rate as measured in lab | 4.39L/min |
PICKI NIKI Filtered Shower Head with Vitamin C
PICKI NIKI Filtered Shower Head with Vitamin C
Pros
- Easy to replace the filters
- Scented gel filter improves your shower experience
- High flow rate
- Improved hair health
Cons
- Weightier than a normal head so might not be stable in your existing holder
- Filter replacements are quite expensive (£15 every 2-4 weeks)
Score: 83/100
Panellists told us their hair felt softer and healthier after using this shower filter for the trial period. Unlike others in this list, it relies on a sediment filter to capture larger particles, as well as a vitamin C gel to reduce chlorine levels and water hardness. In the lab, we found it reduced hardness by 88% and also reduced the levels of chlorine, iron, lead and copper.
The gel filter doesn’t just transform your water, though. It can also turn your daily shower into a spa-like experience as it comes in two scents: tea tree or baby powder. Our panel found it refreshing and invigorating, but there’s also an unscented option if you prefer.
Overall, panellists didn’t notice much improvement in their skin, with only a few noticing it looked more hydrated. That said, almost everyone said they’d continue using the shower filter after testing, rating it highly for easy installation and the modern, quality design.
Key specifications
| Shower head type | Handheld |
|---|---|
| Colour options | Black, white |
| Filter | Vitamin C, glycerin, sediment filter |
| Filter replacement | Vitamin C: every 2-4 weeks, at £15; every 1-3 months for sediment filter, at £25 for three |
| Dimensions | 4 x 7 x 24cm |
| Guarantee | 1 year on main unit + 60 day trial |
| Flow rate as measured in lab | 5L/min |
MyHalos Filtered Shower Head
MyHalos Filtered Shower Head
Pros
- Very easy to install, aligning and attaching smoothly
- Instructions on how to replace the filter are clear and straightforward
- Great value
Cons
- Filter housing was a little stiff to open
- Spray lacked force, which might make hair-rinsing more time consuming
Score: 82/100
“My skin feels more hydrated, especially my face,” said one of our panellists after testing. “I don’t wash my face in the sink anymore, instead opting for the water from this shower head.” In fact, almost all our panellists reported noticeably softer hair, with one also noting less hair loss.
In the lab, the flow rate improved by 108% when compared with the standard shower head and, while finer than expected, the spray pattern was even and consistent. It reduced levels of chlorine, copper and iron to zero, while hardness levels dropped by 60%, contributing to the fantastic skin and hair benefits.
That said, panellists did notice a slight hum when the water was running, and the shower head’s bulkier design may reduce head space for taller people.
Key specifications
| Shower head type | Fixed |
|---|---|
| Colour options | Brushed metal, chrome, black |
| Filter | KDF-55, activated charcoal, and calcium sulphite |
| Filter replacement | Every 3 months, costing £24.99 |
| Dimensions | 8 x 8 x 13cm |
| Guarantee | Unspecified |
| Flow rate as measured in lab | 4.5L/min |
Curo Skin Filtered Shower Head
Pros
- Clear, straightforward instructions
- Premium, good-quality build
Cons
- Only one spray pattern
- Recommended to use the brand’s own shower head holder
Score: 82/100
This sleek-looking shower head was a hit with our panellists for both style and performance. “I was surprised by how quickly I saw results,” said one, while another noticed that they needed to use less shampoo, yet their hair felt softer and bouncier.
The main drawback was its weight – panellists found their shower holder couldn’t fully support the head, causing it to drop down at times, so we’d consider buying the brand’s shower holder, too. There wasn’t a massive improvement in flow rate either – it only increased by 18% in the lab – however, our panel said it was strong enough for a comfortable showering experience.
Overall filtration was good too, with chlorine, iron, copper, lead and hardness levels dropping across the board.
Key specifications
| Shower head type | Handheld |
|---|---|
| Colour options | Chrome, brushed gold, midnight black |
| Filter | KDF-55, activated charcoal, and calcium sulphite |
| Filter replacement | Every 90 days, costing £40 |
| Dimensions | 9 x 9 x 27cm |
| Guarantee | Lifetime |
| Flow rate as measured in lab | 3.16L/min |
Tappwater Shower Diamond Starter Pack
Tappwater Shower Diamond Starter Pack
Pros
- Very easy to change the filter
- Very good at reducing water hardness
- Quick to install
Cons
- Few noticeable improvements in skin or hair quality
- Flow rate decreased slightly
Score: 82/100
Unlike the other models in this list, Tappwater’s shower filter doesn’t replace your existing shower head. Instead, it screws into the space between the shower hose and head. Both our experts and at-home panellists said installation was smooth, with clear instructions to help you through the short process.
Once set up, the shower’s spray was even and consistent; however, we noticed a decrease in the flow rate when compared to our standard shower head at the Institute. That said, most of our panellists didn’t feel a noticeable difference in pressure when showering.
Of all the shower heads we’ve tested, this was one of the most effective at tackling water hardness, reducing it by 88%. Chlorine dropped by 100% too, and the shower filter maintained safe levels for pH, lead and iron.
In the real world though, most panellists didn’t notice any changes to their hair or skin, but they all reported seeing less limescale build-up on the head, tiles, and shower screens.
Key specifications
| Shower head type | For handheld |
|---|---|
| Colour options | Chrome |
| Filter | Cotton mesh, calcium sulphite, KDF-55, activated carbon |
| Filter replacement | Every 6 months, costing £35 |
| Dimensions | 8.2 x 12.2cm |
| Guarantee | 1 year |
| Flow rate as measured in lab | 3L/min |
Pros
- High-quality, sleek-looking design
- Slides easily into the shower head holder and is well-supported
Cons
- Only one spray pattern
- We noticed a few drips from the shower head once the water was turned off
Score: 81/100
All our testers agreed that fitting this shower head was straightforward. Thanks to the clear instructions and helpful diagrams, it was a quick, fuss-free swap – no scary tools or plumbing know-how required.
We saw strong results in our filtration tests, with all contaminants reduced to within ideal ranges. This was one of the more effective shower heads at reducing water hardness - dropping by an impressive 88%.
That said, there were mixed opinions from our panellists when it came to real world benefits, which pulled the mark down. Half of the panel said they’d noticed softer hair and skin, while the other half saw no noticeable changes during the test period.
Even so, the even, consistent pressure and overall shower experience meant most testers said they’d happily recommend the product to a friend. It comes in three chic colourways, too.
Key specifications
| Shower head type | Handheld |
|---|---|
| Colour options | Chrome, black, cream |
| Filter | Activated charcoal, copper and zinc, amino acid granules |
| Filter replacement | Every 3 to 4 months, costing £40 |
| Dimensions | 9 x 9 x 27cm |
| Guarantee | Unspecified |
| Flow rate as measured in lab | 3.16L/min |
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
We’ve been reviewing products at the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 100 years now, so it’s safe to say we know a thing or two about how to analyse a new launch against its claims. We don’t just test products in standardised lab conditions though. We also consider how you’ll use them in your home and replicate real-life scenarios, and we send them out to our panel to see how they perform day in, day out.
For our shower head water filter review, our protocol manager, Blossom Boothroyd, designed a special set of tests for our team of experts to follow. We set each shower head up in our wet room at the Good Housekeeping Institute, taking note of everything that matters to shoppers from flow rate (no one likes a trickling shower!) to how easy they were to install because we don’t want you to throw in the towel straight away.
Most importantly, we measured how effectively they reduced hard water and filtered out the minerals that can dull your skin and hair. We also spent time creating a detailed feedback form for our panel members, ensuring we asked the right questions to really interrogate each product’s claims.
Once we had all the data and feedback, the results were then passed to our senior homes and lifestyle writer, Megan Geall. She’s written hundreds of reviews for products throughout the home and trialled one of these shower filters herself so knows all the ins and outs. She compiles everything into these easy-read reviews, highlighting the need-to-knows, so you can make a purchase with confidence.
What do I need to consider before buying a shower filter?
These are the things we’d consider before shopping.
Type of shower head: You need a shower head that will fit your set up. You’ll find both fixed, wall-mounted shower heads in our list as well as handheld models that sit in a holder and are attached to a flexible hose. Make sure you’re buying the right type, depending on what you already have at home.
Type of filter: Not all filters remove everything. In fact, it’s likely that you’ll find a few different filters inside your new shower head that tackle different contaminants. In our list, you’ll find shower heads with KDF-55 filters, and ones containing activated charcoal, calcium sulphite and amino acid granules. Here’s what they each do.
- KDF-55 filters use a copper-zinc alloy to remove chlorine and heavy metals (like lead, mercury, and copper), and control bacteria, algae and fungi in water.
- Activated charcoal traps impurities that affect the smell of water.
- Calcium sulphite removes chlorine by converting it into salts but doesn’t reduce heavy metals or water hardness.
- Amino acid granules help keep natural oils intact which promotes healthy, hydrated hair and skin
Do filtered shower heads really make a difference?
Water filter shower heads will make the biggest difference in areas that have hard water which, in the UK, is mainly the south and southeast.
“Hard water essentially dries out your hair and skin because of its calcium and magnesium content,” explains our senior beauty writer, Florence Reeves-White. “These minerals end up blocking your follicles and preventing your lovely shower products from giving you all the benefits they're formulated to deliver. Softer water is free of these minerals and essentially just makes your hair shinier and lusher.”
We used panellists from across the UK, and opinions have generally been mixed. One who used the MyHalos shower head said: “I felt the difference in my hair immediately,” while another who trialled the Curo Skin model noted they had “no more hard water marks on the shower screen.” On average, more panellists noticed the benefits than didn’t, so it could be worth giving one a go if you live in a hard water area and have noticed the impact it's had on your skin and hair.
Most shower heads on our list offer a guarantee or even a trial period so you can try it out at home before committing. Just check the terms and conditions before purchasing.
Are shower head filters easy to install?
Don’t panic! You really don’t need to be a DIY pro to install one of these shower heads. In fact, every model we’ve tested scored above 9 out of 10 for assembly and set-up, often taking just a few minutes.
How often do the filters need replacing?
Filter replacement will depend on the shower head you pick, but all the ones on our list include information on how often you should change the filter. Across the board, it’s most commonly between three and four months, with replacements costing between £25 and £40.
The verdict: What is the best shower filter to buy?
Our experts’ and panellists’ favourite shower head filter is the Jolie Skin The Filtered Showerhead. It was praised across the board for ease of installation, good water flow rate and performance, even helping to improve one panellist’s eczema.
It is, however, the most expensive option on our list, so for a lower-budget pick, we recommend the MyHalos Filtered Shower Head, which can come in under £40 when on offer and it also reduced water hardness and produced noticeable results for our panellists.
Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.
When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between.
Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
Gemma brings a unique blend of skills to the Good Housekeeping Institute's homes testing team, with a degree in physical product design and experience working in UX research and product management at NBCUniversal’s Hayu. She played a key role in platform projects, including supporting the launch of The Real Housewives of London (the streaming platform's first original show), so she knows a thing or two about efficiency and detail.
Passionate about making shopping smoother and more intuitive, she's on a mission to help consumers feel confident in their purchases, because let’s be honest, no one has time to scroll forever!
Marcus Strong is the Homes Operations Manager at the Good Housekeeping Institute, overseeing product testing programmes and helping ensure readers receive trusted, evidence-based buying advice. With experience at leading retailers including Marks & Spencer Home and IKEA, he brings extensive expertise in home products, quality assessment and consumer needs.
Marcus works closely with testing and editorial teams to deliver rigorous evaluations across a wide range of household categories, combining operational excellence with a passion for helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
