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What to look for in a shower head

Everything you ever wanted to know about the most important part of showering

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By AD Clever | May 24, 2021 | Bathroom

Shower heads are one of the most important home items in your daily routine. Think about it: You probably either start or end your day with a shower. That being said, maybe you haven’t quite thought about how an amazing shower head can change your life. Whether you rent or have your own place, there are plenty of options; water savers, luxe-looking versions, and easy-to-install varieties are all available. But how do you choose the right one for you? We chatted with a few experts to get all the details on finding the perfect shower head for any scenario.

Consider the pattern

A lot comes down to personal preference. “When choosing a shower head, you’ll want to consider factors like spray pattern, warm coverage, and the amount of the water spray’s pressure,” says Philip Winter, cofounder, CMO, and president of Nebia. “The most important aspect of a great shower is the spray and the experience that creates on and around your body—so evaluate the pattern of the shower head.” Of course, there’s everything from narrow, concentrated options like this handheld shower head with hose set to wide, diffused sprays such as the Nebia Spa Shower.

Think about the purpose

The first rule of choosing a shower head? “Determine the type of shower head that suits your needs,” explains Laurie Birko of Moen. “There are several kinds that include standard wall mount, handheld, rain shower, or a combination of a handheld with a wall mount or rain shower.” But it all really depends on your own unique lifestyle. Do you have small children? Pets? “The combination of a rain shower and handheld shower head maximizes surface area for the spray and offers flexibility for tasks like cleaning the shower and washing pets or children.”

Image: Pexels

Rethink colour

Today’s shower heads come in colours you may not have ever considered. Use it to your advantage when giving your bathroom a makeover. “Once you’ve aligned on the type of shower head, consider style and finish,” says Laurie. “Finishes like brushed gold and matte black really make a statement. For a subtle look, chrome and brushed nickel are elegant choices.”

Try a shower system

“Shower systems have become more popular in recent years, following a trend in Europe,” explains Philip. If you’re unfamiliar, a shower system is a shower head with a sliding rail and optional handheld shower head. “They have the added benefit of making it easier to keep your hair dry.” Overall, a shower system just gives you more variety. One day you might want a high-pressure handheld nozzle for washing your hair, whereas another day you might prefer a rainfall effect.

Get environmentally friendly

In today’s world, it’s important to try to make an effort to be as environmentally conscious as possible. Nebia is in the process of launching its third-generation eco shower, which reportedly will use 45% less water and 41% less heating energy compared to more traditional showers. However, there are also lots of eco-friendly shower heads that save water, and they’re available at all price points.

Feature image: Unsplash

This originally appeared on AD CLEVER | Kristen Bateman