I’ve been bleaching my hair for over four years now, and with this chemical stressing comes a great deal of haircare to keep it feeling soft and healthy-looking. It’s naturally drier post-dyeing, so my cupboards are brimming with moisturising hair masks, nourishing conditioners, colour-safe shampoos, and an arsenal of nutrient-rich oils, creams, and heat-protection products. But there was a crucial factor I wasn’t considering. Why was I not paying attention to the water I use?
Harsh water not only strips colour from hair and degrades hair quality, but also compromises the skin barrier. So, if, like me, either concerns you, a filtered shower head is an essential – and Hello Klean has just launched the Shower Head+. This is my first introduction to a Hello Klean shower head, so read on for my honest review.
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I should start by mentioning that the previous colour and finish restrictions of Hello Klean shower heads had once left me with reservations. It felt like much more of a commitment going against your standard bathroom fittings, and although I was keen to try the filtration system everyone is talking about, it was a barrier to execution.
I was therefore delighted to find that the new and improved Shower Head+ is available to buy in three brushed finishes (Brushed Chrome, Brushed Bronze and Brushed Brass), which will no doubt complement many bathrooms perfectly. As a bonus, this clever finish resists fingerprints and repels water, meaning no unwanted residue post shower, and less maintenance. I opted for the Brushed Chrome, which fits in almost seamlessly with the rest of my silver bathroom fittings.
A newbie to the Hello Klean world, I was so impressed with the ease of installing the shower head. It really is as simple as screwing it onto your existing shower fittings and switching the water on. End of.
As a household mildly obsessed with water pressure (after being scarred by a dripping shower head experience in the past), it definitely took some convincing for my boyfriend to make the switch. But while the Hello Klean Shower Head+ doesn’t promise to improve the water pressure by any means, it definitely didn’t decrease our water pressure enough to be a problem. We both agreed that knowing the water quality is at its best felt more important. Once you see the results and dive into the newly visible water insights on the Hello Klean app, which pairs with this smart shower head, there is no turning back.
I'll be the first to admit this; my before and after doesn’t quite do the Shower Head+ justice, as the real proof of the water quality is the super soft feeling that I was left with. After just one wash, sticking to my usual roster of products, my hair feels notably softer, with an almost featherweight quality.
Those who have washed their hair in places like Scotland and Devon – locations famed for their water quality – will recognise that with softer, cleaner water, their chosen products lather much more, making for a more effective hair and body wash. Products also go further, and therefore last longer, which is always a bonus for those who like to invest in the best for their skin and hair. I was delighted to find the Shower Head+’s advanced three-stage filtration elicits the same effect, producing a strong lather from all shower gels, cleansers and shampoos in my current rotation. And an extremely satisfying wash all round.
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One notable upgrade to the shower head is the addition of filtration technology designed to address scale more precisely. While this addition doesn’t promise to “soften” water per se, it works hard to manage mineral scale by coating them on their way through the filter, before they bond, therefore reducing limescale residue that would usually appear on hair, skin and bathroom surfaces.
Arguably, the most impressive and groundbreaking addition to this new model is its smart nature. The first of its kind, the Shower Head+ is complete with a chip hidden deep inside the head that works behind the scenes to track your filter status, water usage and temperature. Once synced (by hovering your phone with the app open next to the shower head, taking no more than two seconds), all data is transmitted to the app, giving you more insight into your showers than ever before. If you’re a data girl like me, the Hello Klean app will slowly but surely become your favourite place for an evening scroll.
This new feature is great for anyone conscious of their water usage in general, as it encourages you to consider shower length and water temperature. There are informative buttons in both hot and cold shower sections to help improve knowledge on the impact of both. For example, Hello Klean advise that after five minutes in a shower above 42 degrees, your skin’s natural oils begin to strip and your skin barrier becomes compromised. I tend to crank the temperature up when I’m in the shower, which is not the best practice. So, the Shower Head+’s built-in temperature alert (a small flash of light) for anything over 42 degrees is another great addition to protect skin and hair health.
The app also shares insights into cold water exposure for skin health. A personal favourite feature, it encourages you to end each shower with 30 seconds of cold water to feel the benefits over time. Tracking your cold exposure as “streaks” in the app. Because who doesn’t want the instant gratification, if you’re going to freeze yourself in cold water every morning?
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On a more practical note, this new smart technology helps to remove the guessing games when it comes to the lifespan of your filter, not only giving you visibility on the filter status but even providing an opt-in subscription that will automatically order your new filter based on the live data, as you approach your bespoke refill date. Different households, different people and different areas alter how often it requires replacement, so this levelled-up subscription service will avoid unnecessary filters arriving at your door, whilst simultaneously meaning you’re never without. A win-win if you ask me.
So, if you’re looking to step up your beauty and wellness routine this year, elevating your water quality should be your first port of call.