I Used Canopy's Filtered Showerhead For 2 Months — Here's What Happened

Earlier this year I had a rude awakening: Unclean shower water was to blame for the bulk of my skin and hair concerns. 

Research shows the heavy metals and contaminants found in unclean or hard water can decrease hair strength, increase shedding1, and disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, leading to redness, irritation, and inflammation2.

After learning that 85% of the country has hard water and nearly half of U.S. tap water has "forever chemicals" (PFAS) in it3, I quickly installed a shower filter in my home. And let me tell you: The results left me floored. 

Just like the water in your sink, shower water can contain contaminants like nitrate, chlorine, arsenic, lead, mercury, and fluoride (many of which are on the World Health Organization's list of chemicals of public health concern4). And if you wouldn’t drink it, why would you want to bathe in it?

In addition to decreasing hair strength and increasing breakage1, hard water and chlorine have even been identified as risk factors for atopic dermatitis5. 

Chlorine and heavy metals found in most water can strip the skin and hair of their natural oils, causing dryness and irritation2. What’s more, heavy metals have been linked with redness and inflammation of the skin2. 

This sleek showerhead meets NSF standards (identified by experts as a must-have in any water filter), with a three-stage filtration system.

The filter uses granular activated carbon, KDF-55, and calcium sulfite to remove chlorine, magnesium, calcium carbonate, iron, mercury, chromium, and other harmful contaminants.

Unlike many traditional water filters, Canopy's Filtered Showerhead actually looks good in your shower. It’s available in four gorgeous colors: matte black, brass, polished chrome, and brushed nickel. 

If you're turned off by the idea of installing a new showerhead, fear not: This one is incredibly easy to set up. No tools are required (but it does come with a wrench just in case) and it was designed to fit all standard U.S. showers. 

One perk that really sets the Canopy Filtered Showerhead apart is the brand’s signature aromatherapy. It’s just a small extra touch, but the subtle aroma truly turns my showers from a task into a full experience. 

The shower filter comes with three felt diffusers to hang directly on the pipe behind the showerhead itself. You’ll also receive three aromas (one for each diffuser), which can be dropped directly on the felt to add a subtle scent to your shower.

There’s not much that disappoints me more than a shower that doesn’t feel like it’s fully raining down on me.

I was using another shower filter before the Canopy—and my biggest shock was how quickly I noticed the benefits. The water in my shower instantly felt smoother and cleaner, my shampoo and soap lathered up more, and I subsequently was using way less product than I used to.

We all have our skin sagas, and redness is the longest chapter in my book. I’ve tried a lot of products to reduce it, and some have helped more than others, but I truly think my water was to blame all along. 

I honestly thought the texture of my hair just was what it was. I tried extra strength conditioners, serums, and hair masks to soften it, but nothing made too much of a difference in the long run.

Hair loss and shedding are super common, but extremely frustrating. I went through a bout of excessive loss last year and used to cringe every time I’d see what fell out in the shower.

I believe in a holistic approach to hair care, but I can’t believe I had been missing this part of the puzzle for so long. Since I started filtering my shower water, I barely have anything to clean out of my drain!

The results are fairly similar when comparing the Canopy Filtered Showerhead to the Jolie Filtered Showerhead I tested previously (and still love!). 

Both make the water feel cleaner and I notice a huge difference in the health and appearance of my hair and skin, versus showering with no filter at all. 

That said, the Canopy sets itself apart by offering three shower settings, a slightly larger showerhead circumference, and a quick release valve for filter replacement. Plus, the aromatherapy option is an added bonus.

At $150 (or $125 with a subscription), the Canopy Filtered Showerhead is slightly less expensive than the Jolie, which costs $165 ($148 with subscription).

Riggs Eckelberry, founder and CEO of OriginClear, a clean water innovation hub, previously told mindbodygreen filtering your shower water has significant effects, like softening skin, improving hair, and reducing skin inflammation.

"On top of that, the less we're exposed to these toxins, the better our overall health can be," he added. "Skin absorbs water, so you want to make sure it's high quality."

Kyle Postmus, senior manager of residential water at NSF (National Sanitation Foundation), echoed this sentiment. "Many people choose to use a shower filter to [help] reduce irritation and damage to their skin and hair," he explained.