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I’ll be the first to tell you I love beauty products of all kinds. They make phenomenal gifts, whether purchasing a new blow-dryer brush (one of my favorite products ever), a luxury shampoo, or a nourishing hair oil to use on your self-care Sundays — otherwise known as the time to take your “everything” shower.
However, don’t underestimate the power of a newly minted showerhead to help make your hair smooth. It seems like a not-so-exciting purchase you can find at The Home Depot or Lowe’s, but I’m not talking about doing a DIY inside-the-shower reno here.
Fittingly, the brand-new Act+Acre showerhead is a two-in-one showerhead and filter that, once installed, leaves you wanting to bow down to it (seriously, though, seriously).
Launching on Feb. 6, it’s the brand’s first foray into the broader landscape of haircare aside from its fruitful mix of shampoos and scalp health products.
According to T3 (one of my favorite haircare brands, especially for curling irons): “Filtering your shower water provides hair with a fresh start that can help protect its healthy hydration.” This is because “ridding water of chlorine protects the scalp and hair’s natural oils that deliver needed moisture to each strand.”
Moreover, these oils help protect your hair from dryness, brittleness, and breakage (not only a win-win but a win-win-win, in my book).
In so doing, Act+Acre receives the applause for being the first trichologist-approved filter solution to counter the harsh effects of hard water.
“The showerhead removes both physical and chemical debris from water without compromising shower pressure,” Helen Reavey, founder of Act+Acre, USTI board-certified trichologist, and celebrity hairstylist with more than 20 years of experience — with clients such as Sarah Snook, Marisa Tomei, Julia Schlaepfer, Melanie Lynskey and Bella Hadid — exclusively (and excitedly) told the New York Post.
Specifically, it features 12 different filtration systems, including a proprietary blend of KDF-55, calcium sulfite and charcoal.
The Act+Acre showerhead is simple to install, and you’ll undoubtedly notice a difference in your hair after only one shower. This elevated bathroom product is one to grab for both short-term and long-term hair health (especially considering you wash your hair at least once a week, likely more).
How is a shower filter beneficial to the health of your hair?
Here’s the TL;DR version, according to Reavey:
- Helps strengthen and hydrate the hair
- Helps restore bounce and shine
- Helps remove contaminants that cause scalp irritation and dryness
Our review
Pros:
- Effective at filtering your shower water without compromising water pressure
- Easy to install, with Act+Acre including all the tools you need to quickly set up the showerhead inside the box upon purchase
- Improves hair health in both the short-and-long-term
Cons:
- Price point is high, but not a dealbreaker as given its benefits
- It’s advised for the shower filter to be replaced every six months, with replacements retailing for $32
- Only comes in one exterior color, so it may not match all bathroom aesthetics
Before Act+Acre launched its showerhead, I’d been wanting to try a filter showerhead for quite some time. In essence, these pro-grade shower additions are akin to ones you’d find at a luxury spa hotel and resort, so, naturally, I wanted one for my personal bathroom.
And yes, I’m the girl who asked for a shower filter for Christmas (don’t judge; you’ll soon want one, too). My dad ended up purchasing a shower filter — one that is installed behind your shower head — but this one is ideal because it’s a two-in-one: an effective filter with an aesthetically pleasing and modern showerhead to match.
So, that shower filter ended up being returned and was shortly replaced by this hot new tool from Act+Acre.
I’ve been using the new showerhead for about one month, and I’ve already seen a noticeable difference in my hair. Of course, everyone’s hair is different, with different thickness levels and textures, but I believe everyone can gain noticeable, increased softness.
It makes my hair noticeably smooth
After only my first use, the Act+Acre showerhead did a positive number on my hair. I will say that I’ve been in a “good hair products” era (which means a whole lot of using Act+Acre, IGK, Kérastase and Redken these days, namely), but I’ve tested out this showerhead using a mix of drugstore and high-end shampoos alike.
Even using a shampoo that costs less than $10, this showerhead-filter combo made me feel like I just had a salon blowout.
The filtration system powers through my medium-thick hair to deliver impressive results. I feel like I’m receiving the best deep cleanse ever. This is a stark contrast to my former shower head that, while working with semi-high water pressure, didn’t make my hair nearly as smooth or hydrated.
As for Act+Acre’s product lineup, I can’t stop using the 3% Stem Cell Peptide Treatment ($120) or the Cold Processed Hair Cleanse ($32) and Cold Processed Hair Conditioner ($32) combo. If you end up grabbing a stockpile of the brand’s product assortment, your hair will be feeling *chef’s kiss* and oh-so-smooth.
Here’s the science behind the smoothness, as explained by Act+Acre itself. The showerhead features three key components to holistically improve hair health with each wash:
- Coconut-activated carbon: Efficiently filters out contaminants and accelerates the decomposition of chloramines and chlorine byproducts
- Calcium sulfite: Removes chlorine and impurities through a chemical reaction that converts it to chloride ions to positively balance water
- KDF-55: Removes chlorine and water-soluble heavy meals and diminishes the level of bacteria and algae, even in hot water
As you can notice, the showerhead is both consciously curated and backed by factors to help you have your best hair day every day (or, whenever you opt to wash your hair).
It’s simple to install
The Act+Acre showerhead wasn’t a chore to install, either, and the brand even provided a wrench as part of the purchase. As the saying goes, the devil is in the details, and this launch proved that to a T.
First, you remove your existing showerhead with the included wrench. Then, you’re going to wrap the plumber’s tape around the thread of your shower’s spout, once the showerhead is completely removed.
Next, install the water flow restrictor to the base of the Act+Acre showerhead.
Lastly, you’re going to twist on the new showerhead until it’s tight, and then use a wrench to tighten it fully. You’ll also want to flush with water for at least one minute to activate the showerhead.
It’s a wonderful value
Though $120 isn’t astoundingly affordable, the Act+Acre showerhead is offered at an incredible value in the short and long term. You can’t put a price on healthy hair, either, and frequent use of the showerhead — caring for your hair with each wash — may help you diminish the number of salon visits.
On that note, I’ve been having more good hair days than bad, so that has to count for something.
Be sure to note that the filters should be replaced every six months, with replacements retailing for $32. Personally, I’d rather spend $32 twice a year than that amount monthly on salon blowouts, so we’re already net-net winning with this new product.
Act+Acre’s go-to hair wash routine, listed
Ahead, Reavey shares an inside look at her haircare routine using Act+Acre products:
- Once a week, before the shower, use a gentle exfoliating treatment (such as the Scalp Detox ($48) to break down oil and remove product buildup from the scalp. Reavey recommends steering clear of scalp scrubs as the beads can create tears in the scalp, leading to an increased risk of inflammation or infection.
- Double cleanse with a sulfate and synthetic-free shampoo, such as the Cold Processed Hair Cleanse ($32) or Curl Cleanse ($32). Reavey always recommends double cleansing since the first cleanse removes product buildup while the second wash actually cleanses the scalp.
- Condition the hair with a moisture-rich conditioner that restores hydration in the hair strands or a hydrating hair mask that will add shine and moisture to the hair strands. Reavey’s favorite is the Restorative Hair Mask ($38); it’s light enough to be used daily, while still being deeply hydrating and moisturizing.
- Finish your routine with a restorative scalp serum, such as the Cold Processed Stem Cell Scalp Serum ($86), to hydrate the scalp and create the optimal environment for healthy hair follicle function.
- To your ends, add a moisturizing Hair Oil ($50) to repair dry and damaged hair, smooth frizz and mend split ends.
The bottom line
The Act+Acre showerhead reminds me of all the luxurious showerheads I’ve used at fancy hotels, but now, accessible in my bathroom. And while it’s a hefty investment, the results speak for themselves.
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