This Showerhead Will Make Washing Your Hair the Highlight of Your Day

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Finding the best showerhead that meets both your functional and aesthetic needs is no easy feat. After all, the most stylish ones tend to fall a bit flat when it comes to their actual abilities (aside from simply releasing water), while a good deal of the most advanced ones can skew a bit too industrial. So we spent hours combing through the Internet's myriad of reviews to find the most impressive showerheads on the market, and we did not come up empty-handed. In fact, when we wrapped up our Internet search, we asked a few of the House Beautiful editors to share the showerheads they love and use.

If you're in the market to replace yours, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find 10 options worthy of any stylish bathroom. Before buying the one you may think you like best though, make sure to do some due diligence first. If you're not quite sure what to look for, we tapped three experts who know a thing or two about what makes for a good showerhead.

"Look for showerheads with advanced features, like thermostatic mixers and programmable spray patterns. These features are rising in popularity because they allow for a personalized shower experience, letting you adjust the temperature and flow exactly to your liking," says one of our bathroom design experts, Floss Kelly, co-founder of an Australia-based home renovation company called TileCloud. "They do cost a little more, but also provide that added value that can transform your shower experience. It's all about finding that perfect balance between functionality and luxury." This is just one shopping tip of many the experts share, so read on for more of their advice. Plus, shop several eco-friendly and cost-effective options that perform just as well as their pricier counterparts. This is a bathroom upgrade you definitely won't regret buying.

Oval Multifunction Showerhead

Not only does this showerhead look cooler than most, but it works better too. We expect nothing less from Kohler, which has been designing stunning kitchen and bathroom essentials since the brand's inception in 1873. You may not be able to tell from the photo, but this showerhead is shaped more like an oval than it is a traditional circle, which may not do much in terms of function, but it definitely makes the shower a bit more eye-catching than usual. Speaking of function, this Kohler masterpiece can do quite a lot, including personalize your shower experience. Your options? A drenching spray function, a super-fine luxuriously soft cloud spray experience, or a more focused, deep massage cross-streams specifically for sore muscles.

Mount Type: Wall and handheld | Finishes: One | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM

Hand Shower

Would you get a fire engine-red showerhead? What if it came with three spray settings and a pause button? If the answer is still no, the famed Sproos! hand showerhead is available in three other finishes, including bright yellow, black, and white. All of them come with an extra long (70 inches) and super flexible hose ideal for cleaning your hard-to-reach places, your pets, or the shower walls themselves. If you don't fancy yourself a plumber, you'll actually appreciate how easy this is to install because everything you'll need, including plumber's tape and pliers, is in the box. If you're not in love with your new showerhead, returns are free (within 60 days). "As an admitted clean freak, I love the silicone spray nozzles, which prevent mold and mildew. In case any dirt or dark spots do appear, the silicone is really easy to clean," tester Danielle Collins says. Did we mention that this nifty gadget won a 2022 Live Better Award?

Mount Type: Wall and handheld | Finishes: Four | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM

Kauai Rain Showerhead

Here's a rainfall showerhead that doesn't spray at an angle. That said, if you're looking for that more traditional feel, you can always use the handheld showerhead. One happy reviewer says, "Love that you can run both rain shower and handheld at same time. You lose some water pressure, but not too terribly much. Very happy with our purchase!" Sadly, the other three finishes have already sold out, so if you're intrigued and want to test out this American Standard showerhead, opt for the one available finish—brushed nickel—and order it before it's too late. Our favorite element is one you may not even notice, but definitely comes in handy: the attached wire soap dish.

Mount Type: Wall and handheld | Finishes: One | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM

Smart Shower System

The Hai smart shower system is an easy House Beautiful favorite. Not one but two editors—Deputy Managing Editor Olivia Hosken, SEO Editor Kate McGregor—have and love the famed Hai smart showerhead. "I dream of overhauling my '80s baby blue bathroom, but until then upgrading to Hai's smart showerhead is a mini makeover worth doing," Hosken says. "The smart spout only takes 30 minutes to install and can be preset to your perfect water temp via an app on your smart phone. A light will come on to tell you that your shower is ready and another when it's time to get out."

McGregor's favorite feature is its environmental approach. She says, "I'm always conscious about my water usage. This showerhead connects to an app on your phone and tracks your water usage for you. The light on the handle turns yellow then red when you've reached the specified limit (10 gallons, I think). I also love that it can be handheld for accessibility."

Mount Type: Wall or handheld | Finishes: Six | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM

Premium High Pressure Rainfall Showerhead

"The bathroom I use when staying at my parent's house had the same showerhead for over a decade, and the water felt like needles piercing my skin any time I visited home," Deputy Digital Editor Katelyn Lunders says. "After one too many painful showers, I decided to scour Amazon for a top-rated replacement. The positive reviews on this one are true: This showerhead ended up being the best gift I've given my parents—or rather myself. The water pressure from the main head gives luxe rain shower vibes despite the super-affordable price point. And as a bonus for pet owners, the hand-held showerhead speeds up dog baths. Trust me, your back will thank you."

Mount Type: Wall or handheld | Finishes: Four | Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM

Filtered Showerhead

"After using this showerhead for a week, my hair did feel slightly softer. I live in Manhattan where the water is moderately hard, and I felt like this did a good job of filtering out any lingering minerals—the kind that often cause buildup and leave my hair looking greasy the next day," says Senior Commerce Manager Mackenzie Dunn. "The bonus points are that it provides nice water pressure and looks very sleek," she adds.

Mount Type: Wall | Finishes: Three | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM

Single Function Solid Showerhead

"Our kitchen and bathroom designer Sally Ross picked out this showerhead for our three showers, and everyone who uses it raves about it—even the one on the third floor where we were concerned the water pressure would be low. My dad, an HVAC technician, plumber, and electrician who's obsessed with good water pressure, asked what brand it was because he liked it so much," says Senior Editor Elyse Moody. "My husband says it feels the way you expect and want a rainfall shower to feel. The force and distribution are excellent. We thought our water bill was going to be through the roof, but it has been shockingly low."

Mount Type: Wall | Finishes: 24 | Flow Rate: 2.0 GPM

Brewst Round Rain Showerhead

"This is one of the most realistic rainfall showerheads you'll ever use because rather than rain at an angle like most standard showerheads, the water comes straight down," says Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner. It's also made of corrosion-resistant antique brass, which makes it look and feel highly luxurious—like something you'd see at a renowned hotel. "My only complaint is that because it's not at an angle (and mounted pretty high up in my particular shower, it's hard to clean. I need to drag my step ladder into the shower, which I don't love doing."

Mount Type: Wall | Finishes: One | Flow Rate: 1.8 GPM

Universal Dual Showerhead

For anyone living in a space with a small bathroom—and an even smaller shower—this is the universal showerhead for you. It features a detachable handheld showerhead that can be used separately from or in tandem with the main head. Here's the cool part, though: There's a pause setting, which gives you more than enough time and space for shaving, lathering, and any other shower tasks you may have. When you're done, just press a button to restart the water with the temperature right where you left off. "Recently purchased this to replace the Zillow-installed contractor-grade basic showerhead in my master bath. It looks great and functions well!" one reviewer says, "The detachable hand nozzle is super helpful, and it's super simple to operate the flow changes with one hand. Install took all of three minutes, and we’ve had zero issues."

Mount Type: Wall and handheld | Finishes: Three | Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM

Artifacts Showerhead with Katalyst Spray

If there's one showerhead on our list that's backed by some serious brand recognition, it's this one from Kohler. This classically designed showerhead is one of our favorites, which is why we saved it for last. It comes in five finishes and features Katalyst, a new technology that intensifies water flow for a luxe shower experience. One reviewer says, "Excellent spray. 2nd one we have installed." Pro tip: Be sure to snag the matching Artifacts shower arm in addition to the showerhead.

Mount Type: Wall | Finishes: Five | Flow Rate: 2.5 GPM

Meet the Experts

Rassan Grant is a Harvard-educated seasoned executive with over 17 years of experience in the design and building industries. He's currently serving as the director at natural stone supplier Norstone's American headquarters in central Florida.

Floss Kelly is the co-founder of Sydney, Australia-based TileCloud, a home renovation company that kick-started with bathroom transformations back in 2017. Seven years later, TileCloud has expanded to cover all areas of the home, including the bathroom.

Emily LaMarque is a Los Angeles-based interior designer who runs her eponymous firm out of Southern California. After earning her BA in art history from The University of California, Santa Barbara, she completed UCLA's prestigious interior design ArcID program, and, before establishing her firm, became a NCIDQ accredited designer.

What to Look for When Buying a Showerhead

When it comes to snagging the best showerhead for your specific bathroom, there are a few factors to consider before clicking "add to cart."

Spray Patterns: "Look for models offering at least three distinct spray options, like rainfall, mist, and massage, for instance, to cater to different moods and needs," Grant explains. "Rainfall mimics a natural downpour, mist is perfect for a gentle soak, and massage jets target specific areas for muscle relaxation."

Coverage: Grant adds, "Choose a size and spray pattern that covers your entire shower area. For bigger showers, consider oversized rainfall heads or dual showerheads (overhead and handheld) for targeted cleaning."

Flow Control: "Opt for showerheads with flow restrictors or adjustable settings to manage water usage without compromising a satisfying shower experience," he continues. Plus, if you're not taking a full-body shower (hair washing included), you may not need to use as much water.

Ease of Use: Lastly, Grant suggests, "Look for simple yet effective controls. Single-lever or push-button adjustments are preferable to fiddly knobs or dials. For handheld showers, a magnetic dock or holder adds convenience."

What Materials Are Best for a Showerhead?

According to Kelly, the chief considerations for buying a showerhead include material, durability, and style. She says, "The material of a showerhead is crucial for its longevity and performance. Stainless steel and brass are popular choices for their look, durability, and resistance to corrosion. These materials mean your showerhead easily withstands daily use while remaining as beautiful as the day you unboxed it." She's not wrong. There are tons of options out there, but making sure you buy one that will last is key.

"The shape of the showerhead can transform your shower experience. Round showerheads offer a classic look and are known for providing a gentle, rain-like experience. Square or rectangular shapes offer a more modern, spa-like feel and often provide a wider spray coverage," she adds. You can't go wrong with either.

What Shapes, Types, and Styles Make for the Best Showerheads?

Plenty of people would argue that a rain showerhead is the best because they offer full and even coverage that doesn't require you to adjust the positions or angles. "When opting for a rain shower head, it's important to pick a large diameter head to ensure that you get adequate water flow and wider area coverage," LaMarque notes. "I also love a goose neck shower arm. It helps lift the shower head higher to create more of that rainfall effect, which is key to getting that incredible spa-like vibe."

Why Trust Us?

When it comes to picking out the best (and affordable) pieces for any space, Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner has been reviewing furniture, appliances, and home must-haves for nearly eight years, having access to more than a few stylish samples, and working with countless interior designers on what makes a product worthy in the home. Not to mention, she's been on a never-ending quest to decorate her own New York City apartment with a budget and size constraint in mind, so you can trust that she has done her homework to find the best and most beloved pieces on the market.

For this story, Cherner spent hours combing through reviews, ratings, and tapped her fellow editors to find the best shower heads on the market right now for House Beautiful readers. In addition, she tapped the aforementioned experts to provide further insights on the types of showerheads to buy and what to look for when buying one.

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