The article reviews various shower filters and their effectiveness in removing contaminants and improving hair and skin health. The filters were tested by the Guardian for several months and evaluated based on factors such as chlorine reduction, sediment removal, flow rate, and customer feedback.
**Top 5 Shower Filters:**
1. **Weddell Duo**: This filter is highly effective at reducing chlorine and other contaminants from water. It uses a combination of coconut shell carbon and KDF to remove up to 99% of chlorine. The filter also has a built-in flow regulator that adjusts the spray between more concentrated and needle-y ones.
2. **Aquasana Shower Filter**: This filter is another top contender, using activated carbon and KDF to reduce chlorine and other contaminants. It also has a built-in flow regulator and a long-lasting filter that lasts for 10,000 gallons.
3. **Kohler Cinq**: This filter uses KDF-55 to remove chlorine and other contaminants from water. While it's not as effective at removing sediment as some other filters, it does a great job of reducing chlorine levels.
**Honorable Mentions:**
* **Kohler AquaCinque**: This filter also uses KDF-55 and is highly effective at reducing chlorine and other contaminants.
* **WaterSticks**: While this filter can't soften water, it's still effective at removing contaminants from the showerhead. It uses a combination of coconut shell carbon and KDF to reduce chlorine.
**What to Consider When Choosing a Shower Filter:**
* Chlorine reduction: Look for filters that use KDF-55 or activated carbon, which are highly effective at removing chlorine.
* Sediment removal: If you want to remove sediment from your shower water, look for filters with built-in sediment catchers.
* Flow rate: Some filters can be slow to adjust the spray settings, so look for ones with built-in flow regulators.
* Customer feedback: Read reviews and ask friends about their experiences with different shower filters.
**Can Shower Filters Really Improve Hair and Skin?**
While shower filters can't completely eliminate dryness and irritation of hair and skin caused by chlorine, they can reduce the effects. Chlorine can strip essential oils from hair and skin, leading to dryness and brittleness. Using a shower filter can help reduce this effect, but it's not a guarantee.
**About Third-Party Testing:**
Many filters claim to have been tested to various standards, but do not provide documentation or disclose the test results. Look for filters that use third-party testing organizations like ANSI/NSF-177, which verifies chlorine reduction.
In conclusion, the best shower filter is one that meets your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as chlorine reduction, sediment removal, flow rate, and customer feedback when choosing a shower filter. While shower filters can't completely eliminate dryness and irritation of hair and skin caused by chlorine, they can reduce the effects.
**Top 5 Shower Filters:**
1. **Weddell Duo**: This filter is highly effective at reducing chlorine and other contaminants from water. It uses a combination of coconut shell carbon and KDF to remove up to 99% of chlorine. The filter also has a built-in flow regulator that adjusts the spray between more concentrated and needle-y ones.
2. **Aquasana Shower Filter**: This filter is another top contender, using activated carbon and KDF to reduce chlorine and other contaminants. It also has a built-in flow regulator and a long-lasting filter that lasts for 10,000 gallons.
3. **Kohler Cinq**: This filter uses KDF-55 to remove chlorine and other contaminants from water. While it's not as effective at removing sediment as some other filters, it does a great job of reducing chlorine levels.
**Honorable Mentions:**
* **Kohler AquaCinque**: This filter also uses KDF-55 and is highly effective at reducing chlorine and other contaminants.
* **WaterSticks**: While this filter can't soften water, it's still effective at removing contaminants from the showerhead. It uses a combination of coconut shell carbon and KDF to reduce chlorine.
**What to Consider When Choosing a Shower Filter:**
* Chlorine reduction: Look for filters that use KDF-55 or activated carbon, which are highly effective at removing chlorine.
* Sediment removal: If you want to remove sediment from your shower water, look for filters with built-in sediment catchers.
* Flow rate: Some filters can be slow to adjust the spray settings, so look for ones with built-in flow regulators.
* Customer feedback: Read reviews and ask friends about their experiences with different shower filters.
**Can Shower Filters Really Improve Hair and Skin?**
While shower filters can't completely eliminate dryness and irritation of hair and skin caused by chlorine, they can reduce the effects. Chlorine can strip essential oils from hair and skin, leading to dryness and brittleness. Using a shower filter can help reduce this effect, but it's not a guarantee.
**About Third-Party Testing:**
Many filters claim to have been tested to various standards, but do not provide documentation or disclose the test results. Look for filters that use third-party testing organizations like ANSI/NSF-177, which verifies chlorine reduction.
In conclusion, the best shower filter is one that meets your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as chlorine reduction, sediment removal, flow rate, and customer feedback when choosing a shower filter. While shower filters can't completely eliminate dryness and irritation of hair and skin caused by chlorine, they can reduce the effects.