I Transformed My Dry Hair by Using Showerhead Filters, But These Are the Only 4 I'd Recommend
For the longest time, I mainly relied on my haircare routine to get softer curls. I made sure to stay on track with my hair masks, styling creams, hair oils… the list goes on. And while I'm very happy with the progress that I've made in developing a routine that works well for my hair, there was one additional step that I was leaving out. It wasn't until I realized that my shower water could have been a contributing factor to the dryness and dullness I was experiencing that I decided to look into showerhead filters.
Naturally, I did some digging and became eager to test a few out to see if it was actually worth the investment. In case you didn't know, showerhead filters can be relatively budget-friendly, but the ceiling (as far as price goes) can be pretty high. Two years of testing and a few showerhead filters later, I now have a pretty good idea of which ones are worth the money in order to achieve softer, shinier hair.
Of course, the science around this can be a lot to understand, so to help break things down, I spoke with board-certified dermatologist Maryam Safaee, MD, FAAD, to break down all the details in addition to my list of the top four showerhead filters to try in 2026. Read on for the full scoop!
Best Showerheads Filters, at a Glance
- Best Overall: Canopy Filtered Showerhead
- Best Design: Jolie Filtered Showerhead
- Best Budget: Weddell Duo Shower Filter
- Best High-Tech: Higherdose Red Light Showerhead Filter
Best Showerheads Filters in 2026
Best Overall: Canopy Filtered Showerhead
The Canopy showerhead takes our top spot for a few reasons, with the first being the price point. While it's definitely more expensive than the majority of showerhead filters you can find on Amazon, this one sits right in the middle of luxury and affordability. You can also pay $125 for a subscription that will provide you with one filter and a three-piece aroma kit every 90 days.
Personally, I loved the water pressure I was getting out of this showerhead more than others I've tried. I also found it incredibly easy to install and remove, which isn't always the case across the board. I appreciate that the brand provides you with an aroma sample to create a soothing experience, even if you don't get the subscription as well. Changing the spray settings is effortless by using the small nob that can be moved from left to right. The filtration system consists of activated carbon to reduce chlorine, copper and zinc to chemically reduce contaminants in the water, and calcium sulfite to reduce chlorine by trapping small particles.
Aesthetically, it is slightly on the bulkier side, but not to the point that it looks clunky or awkward. If anything, it gave my shower an upgraded look. The only thing I'd note is that it was initially tricky to angle it so that the water stream wasn't hitting the far end of my shower, but once we got that figured out, it was smooth sailing.
Pros: Easy to put on, great pressure
Cons: On the bigger side, may need adjustments
Color options: 4
Spray settings: 3
Filter life: 90 days
Filter material: Activated carbon, copper, zinc, and calcium sulfite
Best Design: Jolie Filtered Showerhead
If you're looking for a less intense water pressure, I would opt for something like the Jolie Filtered Showerhead, which uses a blend of KDF-55 and calcium sulfite for softer hair and skin. I've had this shower filter on in my apartment for a few months now and absolutely love it. Of all the shower filters I've tried, I genuinely think this one looks the best from an aesthetic standpoint. You have five colors to choose from, including modern chrome, brushed steel, jet black, brushed gold, and vibrant red.
I appreciate that this option wasn't as heavy as the Canopy, and something that really stood out to me was that the box it came in didn't contain any wasteful packaging, which is a huge pet peeve of mine. Jolie is incredibly environmentally friendly, making it perfect for any shopper who prioritizes sustainability.
Still, there have been a few hiccups with Jolie. In the past, I've found it a bit difficult to replace the filter, mainly because it comes with tape and a wrench to secure it in place, so removing that can be a bit of a hassle. I also wish there were more than one stream setting, but otherwise, I've been happy with my experience so far.
Pros: Aesthetically chic, multiple colors to choose from
Cons: Can be difficult to change the filter or remove it from the shower
Color options: 5
Spray settings: 1
Filter life: 90 days
Filter material: KDF-55 and calcium sulfite
Best Budget: Weddell Duo Shower Filter
I spent a few months last year testing out this shower filter, and as you can see, it doesn't look quite like the other options we feature on this list. Rather than it being a showerhead, this is just a filtration system that is mounted sideways. This should be placed between the showerhead you already own and the base that's connected to your wall, so you're not actually changing the showerhead itself. Instead, this filter works as the middleman.
This can last a few months, depending on how often you shower (8000 gallons is listed as the limit before you would need to replace the filter). Plus, it's not nearly as costly as the other options we recommend. It allows for a relatively neutral water pressure and combines activated carbon and multi-stage condensed layers to remove chlorine, PFAS, particulates, and odors from your water.
Since I was already testing one showerhead at home, I decided to test this one in my partner's apartment in the city. If you live in a big city, odds are you may notice your water has a specific scent to it, but the first thing he noticed was how well the Weddell filter eliminated that odor. Personally, I thought the design was simplistic and didn't notice a major change in water pressure until later in the testing process.
Pro: Removes water odor, affordable
Cons: Water pressure may decrease over time
Color options: 2
Filter life: Up to 8000 gallons
Filter material: ABS and activated carbon
Best High-Tech: Higherdose Red Light Showerhead Filter
I haven't tried this showerhead filter myself, but Who What Wear Senior Beauty Editor Jamie Schneider tested this firsthand for over a month to see if it could actually improve her hair and skin. This splurge-worthy filter comes with a 10-stage filtration system, a remote control timer, a charging dock, a charger, and eye shields. It has 100 minutes of battery life and comes in three colors, including chrome, aged brass, and matte black.
In case you didn't know, LED therapy allows certain wavelengths of light to enter the skin’s layers to stimulate cellular activity, targeting everything from inflammation to muscle recovery and hair growth. "'Seamless' is actually the exact word I'd use to describe the whole experience," says Schneider. "The installation process couldn't be easier (simply unscrew your old showerhead, wrap the provided plumber's tape around the opening a few times, then twist on the HigherDose replacement), and you don't need any special screws or tools to slide the ring light attachment on and off. She adds that you'll basically get ten 10-minute showers out of the battery life, but you can use it as a desktop red light device while it's charging, and it'll still look just as chic.
Pros: Promotes hair growth, lowers inflammation, easy to install
Cons: Expensive, needs to be charged after 10 showers (if used in 10-minute increments)
Color options: 3
Spray settings: 1
Filter life: 75 days
Filter material: KDF-55, activated carbon, and calcium sulfite
How does hard water affect hair and skin?
There's a lot of info out there about how hard water affects hair and skin, and Safaee calls out that those with sensitive skin can benefit from the improvements in water quality that come with using a filter. "Hard water leads to compromising of the skin barrier, and in those who already suffer from sensitive skin, even the slightest change in skin barrier protection can lead to a drastic worsening of conditions," she says.
As for hair, a 2018 study showed that using hard water actually decreased the strength of hair and led to more breakage. "There is some interesting evidence to help support hair texture changes and mineral deposition from hard water," says Safaee. "Some studies have found that the increase in calcium and magnesium deposition from hard water can lead to a ruffled texture to the hair cuticle and decrease in hair thickness when compared to hair that was washed with distilled water."
Do showerhead filters really make a difference?
Technically, yes. Shower filters reduce the amount of chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants in your water. That said, it's important to keep in mind that while it does help, it's not the top solution to dry hair or skin. "All things considered, I would say that if you struggle with sensitive skin or notice hair texture changes, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to trial a water filter," says Safaee. "However, relying on this one change to dramatically improve your condition would be insufficient for your overall care." To get the results you truly want, you'll have to incorporate a good hair and skincare routine. You can always reach out to your derm or hairstylist to determine which products are best for you to reap the maximum benefits.
Are there any downsides to using a showerhead filter?
There are a few downsides to using a showerhead filter, with the main one being the cost of maintenance and replacing filters. "Depending on the concentration of chemicals and minerals in your tap water, the filter typically needs replacement every three to six months," says Safaee. "For instance, in areas with highly chlorinated tap water, such as California, it's advised to change the filter quarterly (every three months)." Over time, that cost adds up, depending on how expensive it is to buy new filters. But the best way to get your money's worth is getting a system that pairs well with your shower setup and making sure it has all the features you want.
How We Chose
As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best showerhead filters, we leaned heavily on expert insight, firsthand testing, and our knowledge as beauty experts. We also considered several factors, including color options, spray settings, filter life, and filter material. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.
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