Having the perfect shower head can ultimately make or break the showering area. Different types of shower heads can change the overall feel and atmosphere of the shower. Shower heads vary massively from the size and shape to the way they are installed, and the technology stored within them. To help you better understand the shower heads available, we have broken them down in this guide explaining the main parts that you should consider when selecting a new or replacement showerhead.
Shower Head Installation
When first looking at a new shower head you need to consider how it will sit within your showering environment. You need to look at how it will be placed within the shower and from this where it will be best installed. This can either be on the wall or ceiling. Wall-mounted showerheads come with a range of arm choices and are often easily manoeuvred on ball joints. Ceiling-mounted shower heads are also available with a ball joint or fixed in the ceiling. Larger heads are the best choice for those wanting a cocooning showering experience. Recessed options installed within the ceiling are the perfect choice for those wanting a sleek uncluttered look within the bathroom.
Another consideration will be the water pressure within the bathroom. A larger shower head will require more water for you to experience a generous drenching, for this to be possible these larger shower heads require a high-pressure system for optimum performance.
Shower Head Design
The design of the showerhead can change the whole showering experience. In terms of shape, shower heads either come in either angular or rounded shapes; such as squares, circles and rectangles. You can decide on a shape for the aesthetic look, such as if you have other more angular elements within your bathroom that you want to compliment. Sizes tend not to vary between shapes of shower heads, with common sizes ranging between 200mm and 500mm.
What does differ significantly between shower heads is the placement of the nozzles. The nozzle design will be chosen to reflect how the designer wants water to flow out of the shower head. When evenly spread across the whole shower head, the user will get a more drenching showering experience. Whereas if positioned within the centre of a larger shower head, this will create the look of a larger showering space than is in fact being used. Concentrated nozzles in specific areas of the shower head will usually relate to a shower head that offers different spray pattern options.
The style of shower head can vary depending on whether you are wanting a modern or traditional look. Most modern-styled shower heads have an ultra slim flat design. This lends to the minimalistic look that is favoured in many modern bathrooms. For a more traditional look rosette shower heads, mimic the look of a rosebud. The shower head sits within a gently lipped surround which ensures the directionality of the water. This classic design adds a touch of class and intrigue to the showering space.
What Are the Different Shower Head Water Types?
While you may think that the water that comes out of your shower head is just standard water, this is in fact not true. Depending on the type of shower head you select the water can be slightly different. This can affect the feel of the water on the skin and thus how you use the shower.
The most common shower spray is simply water as it comes from the valve, delivered in the spray pattern chosen. With new technology comes new types of water. Air power is becoming widely used by all manufacturers and is often referred to by different names across brands. This type of water has air mixed with the water in the shower head to create fuller plumper water droplets. These larger water droplets gently explode on contact with the skin for a powerful yet softer showering experience. Hansgrohe’s latest spray pattern PowderRain is designed to envelop the whole body, cocooning it in a multitude of ultra-fine water droplets. The spray feels soft on the body but is in fact giving one of the most intense showering experiences available.
Shower Head Spray Patterns
The spray pattern of a shower head relates to the arrangement of the nozzles on the shower head. As previously discussed, this can change the way the water flows out of the shower head and in certain showers the water can be diverted into different patterns by manoeuvring a lever on the shower head or pushing a separate button. When considering the spray patterns of shower heads, you will want to look into the different brand specifications as each brand will name and class them differently. Hansgrohe offers possibly one of the most comprehensive ranges of patterns. Below is a brief description of some of the most commonly found spray patterns:
Normal Spray – In this pattern all the nozzles are used to give a thorough shower
Massage Spray – This is a pulsating spray pattern that gives the feeling that the water is massaging the body. Perfect for those who do a lot of exercises or those who want to thoroughly relax.
Mono Spray – With mono spray water exits from a singular nozzle, usually larger than the others. This offers a targeted showering experience.
Whirl Spray – With whirl, the water spins to create a more intense experience when hitting the skin.
Rainflow Spray – Similar to the waterfall style of taps, rainflow comes out of a singular long opening and offers a generous amount of water over a thin surface area. Providing a drenching experience, it is great for targeting certain areas of the body.
RainStream Spray – Similar to that feeling of standing outside in the summer rain. RainStream offers a large flow of soft water.
Caresse Air Spray – Specifically found in hand showers, this is air-enriched water that gently caresses the whole skin.
Shampoo Spray – When you want to fully cleanse and clean your hair, shampoo spray is intense water to deeply clean the head.
Mix Spray – A combination of different sprays, mix spray functions offers an option for everyone.
We hope this has helped you with the basics about what to consider when buying a shower head. For more in-depth information on selecting a shower check out our other shower buying guides.
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