The quality of water in your shower can impact the appearance of your hair after a shower. The way water reacts with your hair and skin can be affected by a number of factors, including chlorine, sediment, metals and hard water minerals.
If your hair feels coarse, dull, dry or hard to manage after showering, you may want to consider changing your water setup. Whether you're looking for the best shower filter for chlorine, hard water build up hair, or comparing the lucinn pro filtered showerhead handheld, it's essential to know what a shower filter can and can't do.
Chlorine Filtration Media & Hair Lipid Impact
How to Select the Most Appropriate Shower Filter for Chlorine
The main thing to remember is that not every shower filter with chlorine is the same, so it's important to consider the specific media used for the filtration process.
One of the primary motivations for people to entertain filtered showerheads is the chlorine reduction. Lucinn's Pro line includes filtration media such as KDF-55 and calcium sulfite as well as other filtration layers to decrease sediment and other impurities.
According to Lucinn, its fixed Pro showerhead has a 20-stage filter and the filter cartridge is planned to be changed every 90 days.
When evaluating products, review the manufacturer's performance data and, if possible, seek independent testing.
The Impact Chlorine Has on Hair
Chlorinated water may be damaging to hair. The American Academy of Dermatology states that chlorine strips away the protective lipids, which can lead to dryness, split ends and breakage, especially over time.
This isn't to imply that normal treated shower water will harm all people's hair. Those who experience dryness or roughness, however, may consider avoiding unnecessary exposures, if possible.
Appropriate shampoo and conditioner, as well as gentle handling, are equally important in a hair-care regimen and comprise a part of a filtered showerhead.
Hard Water Minerals vs. Filtration & Water Softening
How to Understand Hard Water Build Up Hair
Hard water build up hair typically means the residue from the minerals in hard water. Hard water is water that has more mineral salts present including calcium and magnesium. According to EPA, these minerals can cause scaling, and they may also cause soap residue.
When mineral residue builds up, hair can be feel sticky, unmanageable, or difficult to rinse.
But there is a crucial difference between the two types of treatment – filtration and water softening. It is possible for a typical shower filter to lower the level of chlorine, sediment, or some metals but it won't necessarily decrease the calcium and magnesium that cause hardness in the water.
If you're looking for a high level of hardness, a suitable water-softening system might be a better option.
What Is Hard Water and How to Select a Filter for It
If you suffer from hard water, do not presume that a shower filter is going to end your hard water woes.
Determine if your water is hard or not first. A local water report or appropriate water-hardness test may be used.
Now what else is in your water? While a whole-home softener may not be the solution if chlorine, rust, sediment, or metals are also problems, a filtered showerhead can offer a helpful addition.
Lucinn specifically states that its Pro series products is recommended for hard-water applications and that its filtration removes chlorine, heavy metals, rust, dirt, odors and other impurities.
Lucinn Pro Filtered Systems: Handheld vs. Fixed Units
How Do You Know Which Lucinn Pro Filtered Showerhead Handheld to Select?
For those who prefer to have control over filtered water usage, the lucinn pro filtered showerhead handheld is designed for.
Lucinn's Pro Handheld features a 12-stage cartridge containing different filtration media. Its filtration components include KDF, calcium sulfite, PP cotton, carbon and other media.
The handheld has become very convenient for rinsing long hair, targeting water to the scalp, cleaning kids and pets etc.
A filter cartridge, leak proof washer and installation manual are included with the product. The handheld can be attached to a ½" shower hose, and the hose and holder are separately sold, says Lucinn.
Stationary Showerhead vs. Handheld
The choice is yours: Is it better to have a stationary showerhead or a handheld one?
If you're looking for an easy showerhead replacement, a fixed filtered showerhead could be a better option.
The fixed Pro model is equipped with 20-stage filtration and Pro Handheld has 12-stage filtration.
If aimed rinsing is a high priority for you, go for a handheld. It could be beneficial for long or thick strands as it lets you control where the water goes.
For those who require overhead coverage as well as handheld mobility, Lucinn also has an Ultimate Duo Bundle that combines the two.
Cartridge Maintenance, Scale Care, & Complete Hair Regimens
How to Maintain Your Shower Filter
To function as a filter, the filter cartridge has to be properly maintained.
If used regularly, Lucinn's filter cartridges should be replaced every 90 days. The company also claims that users of water in more challenging regions and those who have treated their water heavily might consider changing cartridges more often.
Check for scale and deposits on the showerhead as well. EPA suggests replacing and scrubbing showerheads to remove scale every so often.
Properly cleaning the showerhead can help ensure the water flows and the overall performance.
Developing a Better Hair Care Routine
A filtered showerhead should be considered as a component of your showering routine, not a standalone solution for all your hair woes.
Apply conditioner after shampooing and be gentle with wet hair. The AAD suggests conditioner following each shampoo and other mild measures to help minimize hair damage.
If mineral buildup is a problem, you may want to think about using an occasional clarifying shampoo or one made specifically for mineral residue.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts on Shower Filtration & Hair Protection
The first step to finding the best shower filter for chlorine is to know what you want to remove the chlorine from your showers. Some metals, chlorine and sediment may be issues distinct from the calcium and magnesium that cause hard water.
For hard water build up hair, remember that a shower filter is not necessarily a water softener. If there is significant hardness then a softening system may have to be provided.
For filtered rinsing you can get targeted, the lucinn pro filtered showerhead handheld features a 12-stage filter and is flexible enough to be handheld. Lucinn also has the fixed 20-stage showerheads and replacement shower cartridges available.
When purchasing, make sure to check the types of filtration media, when they need to be replaced, if the cartridge fits the unit, and the specific properties of the water you use. This can aid you in selecting a shower system that suits your everyday requirements and hair-care regimen.