Picking the right shower head for your bathroom

Choosing the right shower head is a great way of transforming your shower into a refreshing experience. The average person spends 6 – 8 minutes in the shower every day, which might seem like a lot, but for many, it’s the only time they forget about everyday life's stresses and reconnect with themselves. So, why not make it an invigorating experience?

Whether building a new home or completing your property renovations, investing in a good shower head will turn your shower experience into one you long for every day. But which shower head should you choose? With a wide range of available options, choosing the right shower head can be challenging.

Worry not! We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you find the best shower head for rushed mornings and lazy evenings. We’ll cover the most important points to take into account when shopping for a shower head so you can make an informed decision before buying.

The different shower head types

Shower heads come in a wide range of options. With many people willing to spend more money on the right shower head for the ultimate shower experience, manufacturers have gone the extra mile to ensure those desires are met. However, some shower heads share many similarities, so you may find options that fit into more than one category. Here are the most common types of shower heads.

Fixed shower heads

Fixed shower heads are the most common and affordable shower heads. They are attached to a shower arm that protrudes from the wall. Installing or replacing these shower heads is pretty straightforward, as it only involves unscrewing the old unit and screwing in the new one. Ensure you don't hold onto the shower arm when replacing the showerhead to avoid breaking it. Fixed shower heads allow you to adjust the direction of the spray; however, they have a limited spray range. You may also find models with multi-function sprayers, allowing you to choose from different spray patterns.

Handheld shower heads

This is another popular type of shower head. These shower heads are very similar to fixed shower heads in that they are installed high up at the front of the shower. The only difference is that handheld showers can be detached from their base. Their flexible tube allows for a range of motion, making it easier to clean different body parts. Handheld showers are also ideal for cleaning children, pets, and bathtubs. Some models have a water-saving pause option that conserves energy.

Rain shower heads

Typically larger than most shower heads and mounted on the wall, rain shower heads are designed to simulate the natural pattern of rainfall. This type can also be ceiling-mounted, although it's difficult and costly. The large head and mounting position of these shower heads allow water to fall straight down, providing a gentle and relaxing shower experience. Water pressure is also minimized, and the water covers more space, allowing you to enjoy a spa-like experience.

Dual shower heads

These shower heads consist of two shower heads: wall-mount and handheld. The primary shower head is mounted to the wall, and the second shower head is attached to a flexible hose, allowing you to detach it effortlessly. If you're late for work in the morning and want to prepare yourself fast, this shower head is a great option as it allows you to wash your body while rinsing your hair simultaneously.

What material should you choose for your shower head?

Another important point to keep in mind when shopping for a shower head is the material used to make it. This is because the material affects various aspects of the shower head, including quality, appearance, and durability. Here are the most common materials for shower heads.

Brass

Often used to make high-end shower heads, brass is known for its sustainable beauty and durability. The material is sturdy and can withstand many years of use without compromising performance. An alloy of copper and zinc, brass is resistant to rust and corrosion. In addition, shower heads made from brass can handle high temperatures. So, you can take that long hot bath after a hard day without fear of damaging it. Brass shower heads are also maintenance-free. Once you install it, you won't spend much time looking after it. However, brass is a highly expensive material. It's also heavier than other metals.

Stainless steel

Tough and durable stainless steel possesses high tensile strength, making it one of the best materials for shower heads. Stainless steel shower heads are also resistant to corrosion, rust, and heat. This enables them to last long without regular maintenance or replacement. Stainless steel is also an inexpensive material that still looks good. Furthermore, stainless steel showerheads come with strong thread and brackets, which not only allows for easy installation but also makes the setup sturdy for long-term use. The downside of stainless steel shower heads is that they require regular cleaning.

Plastic

A non-toxic type of plastic known as Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is often used to make shower heads. Plastic is also easy to mold, making it easier to manufacture shower heads in a wide range of designs and colors. Shower heads made from plastic are also inexpensive and durable. It can withstand heavy use without degradation. Since plastic is made from organic polymers, it's resistant to corrosion and rust. However, it does not have antibacterial features, so you must replace a plastic shower head after 6 – 8 months. In addition, plastic looks cheap and cannot withstand high temperatures.

Aluminum

Shower heads made from aluminum are lightweight and durable. It’s also resistant to rust, corrosion, and abrasion. Like stainless and brass, aluminum can withstand high temperatures. The downside of aluminum is that it may turn non-uniformly dark after years of use. This affects the look of your shower head.

What shower head size should you choose?

Besides material, you need to know what shower head size to choose. Otherwise, the shower head will not fit with the shower arm. Even if you manage to fit it, the water will not flow as it should. So, ensure you measure the diameter of the pipe and how it sticks out from the shower wall. Also, check whether the threads are inside or outside the pipe.

Is there a specific size for shower heads?

There is no one-size-fits-all for shower heads. However, it’s good to choose one that measures at least 13cm or above. This will give you enough room to direct the water where you want without turning the shower head. Generally, most shower heads come in small, medium, and large sizes.

Does shower head size matter?

The size of your shower head will affect your monthly water bill, water pressure, and shower experience.

• Body coverage – A large shower head has a larger surface area, thus providing better coverage of areas of body parts that are away from the center of the head.

• Water pressure – The water pressure varies depending on the size of the head and the number of nozzles. If you like heavy water pressure, go for a regular shower head. This doesn't mean you shouldn't buy a large shower head. However, ensure you have sufficient water pressure.

• Water bill – It’s also important to know how much water a shower head uses. Typically, an 8cm shower head uses 50% less water than a 16cm shower head.

What shower head styles are there to choose from?

You can also choose a shower head based on your design style. Choosing a shower head that matches your décor theme is a great way to create a cohesive and complete look. Below, we look at the various shower head styles you can choose from.

Modern shower heads

Most modern shower heads are simple in design. They are often sleek and ultra-slim and come in either square or circular shapes. The basic design of these shower heads makes them ideal for minimalistic-style bathrooms. Besides the more common chrome, other finishes, like mirrored and black, are increasingly becoming popular.

Traditional shower heads

Traditional shower heads are characterized by their almost bell-shaped or domed design and circular or oval shape. Thanks to the growing popularity of class brassware in the recent past, traditional shower heads are now available in different configurations. Traditional shower heads often feature heritage-inspired elements like ceramic or porcelain hands that enhance the look of your brassware and create a well-coordinated traditional bathroom.

Care tips for your shower head

If your shower head is not blasting as it used to, it might be time to clean it thoroughly. Here are a few cleaning tips for shower heads.

• Clean the nozzles

Most showerheads come with flexible rubber nozzles that can easily be cleaned by rubbing them with your finger or a toothbrush to dislodge the deposits. You can then run water for a few minutes to rinse the nozzles.

• Soak in vinegar

A deep soak in vinegar is a great way to remove any gunk that is hard to get rid of. Unscrew the showerhead and submerge it in a vinegar solution for two hours. Rinse in hot water and screw it back.

• Hanging soak

If you don't want to remove your shower head, you can still soak it in vinegar by filling a plastic bag halfway with vinegar and attaching it to the shower head using a rubber band or tape. Allow it to sit for a few hours and run hot water.

Shop shower heads at vidaXL

Here at vidaXL, we have a large collection of shower heads in different materials, shapes, and sizes. We only list products from leading manufacturers, so you're guaranteed to find shower heads that meet the highest standards. Whether you have a traditional or modern bathroom, we have something for you. Feel free to browse through our collection to find the perfect shower head for your bathroom.