Improving your hair wash experience
The showerhead has come a long way from its basic origins. While its primary function remains unchanged, providing a refreshing and cleansing shower experience, it has evolved into a tool of comfort, luxury and sustainability. Showerheads have been part of human hygiene rituals for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations. Those early versions, excluding natural waterfalls, were rudimentary involving containers or animal bladders with small holes and the water was not necessarily heated. The concept of an overhead water source for showering gradually evolved but it wasn't until the late 18th century that modern showerheads began to emerge. A man named William Feetham patented a system which used a combination of nozzles and pumps to create a showering experience closer to what we have today. From there, advancements in materials, design, and water-saving technologies have continued to shape the evolution of the showerhead.
Constant innovation has led to an array of features and technologies that enhance the shower experience. Probably the most relevant for hairdressers are aerating technology and filter systems. Aerating mixes air with the water, resulting in larger, softer water droplets, it provides the sensation of a high-flow shower while using less water. Filter systems meanwhile remove impurities from the water, providing a cleaner and healthier shower experience.
Selecting the right showerhead depends on your way of working and priorities. Always consider the salon’s water pressure; some showerheads work better with lower pressure, while others require high pressure for optimal performance. Is water efficiency a factor for you? Lately more and more salons are monitoring water consumption. If you're eco-conscious or simply looking to save costs opt for a water-saving showerhead to reduce water consumption. An average hair wash will consume 11-15 litres so any saving will quickly mount up. Remember less water means energy to heat it too. Some showerheads offer a choice of jets which may adapt to how you like to work and offer your customers a more memorable experience.
Maintenance is something that can be overlooked. Whilst you may be tempted by a fancy looking showerhead you may discover, because of hard water for example, that those many holes quickly become pinpricks. Rubber surfaces rather than metal or plastic can simplify limescale removal. In the case of metal or plastic make sure the filter can’t clog up quickly. Finally ensure the showerhead is compatible with your existing plumbing and straightforward to install.
The showerhead has come a long way evolving into a versatile fixture that caters to various preferences and needs. To keep your showerheads running smoothly clean them regularly and consider changing the filter every few years. To reduce consumption, update the filter to flow reducer, you don’t necessarily need to change the complete showerhead to do this. Finally to introduce different water flows consider showerheads such as Pluie which can switch between types and have an integrated flow reducer too.