Choosing a new shower head might seem straightforward until you start browsing and discover the sheer variety available. From luxurious ceiling-mounted rainfall heads to practical handheld units with massage settings, the options can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide breaks down the main types of shower heads, their advantages and disadvantages, and helps you understand which style best suits your bathroom and lifestyle.
Whether you're renovating, upgrading an outdated fixture, or simply curious about what's available, by the end of this guide you'll have the knowledge to make a confident decision.
Fixed Wall-Mount Shower Heads
The most common type of shower head in Australian homes, fixed wall-mount units attach directly to the shower arm protruding from the wall. They're reliable, straightforward to install, and available at every price point from budget to premium.
Standard Fixed Heads
Traditional fixed shower heads offer a single spray pattern and typically feature an adjustable ball joint that allows you to angle the spray direction. While they lack the bells and whistles of more advanced options, quality fixed heads provide consistent, reliable performance and are easy to maintain.
Modern fixed heads often incorporate multiple spray patterns, adjustable via a rotating dial or button. Common settings include full coverage spray, concentrated centre jet, mist, and massage pulse modes. This versatility makes them a practical choice for households where different family members have different preferences.
Fixed wall-mount heads suit households wanting reliable, low-maintenance showers. They're ideal for rentals (easy to swap back), simple renovations, and anyone who prefers a clean, minimalist bathroom aesthetic.
Rainfall Shower Heads
Designed to simulate the gentle experience of standing in warm rain, rainfall shower heads feature a large, flat face mounted overhead to deliver water straight down. They range from 200mm to over 400mm in diameter and create a spa-like atmosphere that many homeowners find deeply relaxing.
Ceiling-Mounted Rainfall
True overhead installation provides the most authentic rainfall experience, as water falls directly onto your head and shoulders from above. However, ceiling-mounted systems require more complex installation, including plumbing work within the ceiling cavity. They're typically chosen during major renovations rather than as simple upgrades.
Wall-Mounted Rainfall
A more practical alternative, wall-mounted rainfall heads use an angled arm to position the shower head over your body. While not quite as immersive as ceiling installation, they achieve a similar effect with standard plumbing connections, making them suitable for replacing existing shower heads.
Rainfall shower heads typically use more water due to their larger coverage area. Check the WELS rating and consider your water consumption goals before choosing this style.
Advantages and Considerations
The gentle, enveloping water coverage of rainfall heads creates a luxurious experience unmatched by traditional shower heads. They're particularly soothing for tired muscles and can transform your daily shower into a relaxing ritual.
However, the trade-offs are worth considering. Lower water pressure compared to focused spray patterns means they may not be ideal for those who prefer powerful, invigorating showers. Rinsing shampoo from long hair can take longer, and the larger head size may overwhelm smaller shower enclosures.
Handheld Shower Heads
Attached to a flexible hose rather than a fixed arm, handheld shower heads offer versatility that wall-mounted options can't match. They're mounted on a slide bar or bracket when not in use but can be removed for targeted rinsing and cleaning.
Practical Benefits
The ability to direct water exactly where needed makes handheld heads invaluable for many situations. They simplify bathing children and pets, make cleaning the shower recess much easier, and allow users with mobility limitations to shower while seated. Many people find washing long hair easier with a handheld unit.
Modern handheld shower heads rival fixed options for spray quality and pressure. Premium models offer multiple spray settings, ergonomic handles designed for wet hands, and hose lengths up to 2 metres or more for maximum reach.
Slide Bar Systems
The most versatile mounting option, slide bars allow the shower head height to be adjusted along a vertical rail. This accommodates different user heights within a household and allows the head to be positioned for optimal coverage. Look for slide bars with smooth, reliable mechanisms that won't stick or slip over time.
Handheld shower heads are highly recommended for accessible bathroom design. They allow users to shower from a seated position and provide greater control for those with limited mobility or strength.
Dual Shower Head Systems
Why choose when you can have both? Dual systems combine a fixed head with a handheld unit, often operated simultaneously or independently via a diverter valve. They represent the premium end of the shower head market but offer unparalleled flexibility.
Configuration Options
The most common dual setup pairs a fixed overhead unit with a handheld on a slide bar. Some systems use a Y-shaped diverter to split water between the two heads, while others incorporate separate controls. High-end options may include a rainfall head with a separate fixed or handheld unit positioned at body level.
Magnetic Docking Systems
Several manufacturers now offer dual systems where the handheld component magnetically docks into the fixed head position. This clever design provides the convenience of a handheld when needed while maintaining the clean lines of a fixed installation when docked.
The Moen Magnetix range and similar products have popularised this approach, offering a satisfying "click" when the handheld returns to its dock and reliable hold during use in fixed position.
Filtered Shower Heads
Designed to remove chlorine, sediment, and other impurities from your shower water, filtered shower heads address water quality concerns that go beyond simple performance. They're particularly popular in areas with heavily treated municipal water or bore water supplies.
How Filtration Works
Most filtered shower heads use a combination of filtration media contained in a replaceable cartridge. Common filtering materials include:
- KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion): Copper-zinc granules that reduce chlorine through a redox reaction
- Activated Carbon: Absorbs chlorine, volatile organic compounds, and some dissolved chemicals
- Calcium Sulfite: Effective at removing chlorine at any water temperature
- Vitamin C: Neutralises chlorine and chloramine through a chemical reaction
Benefits of Filtered Water
Users of filtered shower heads commonly report softer skin and hair, reduced dryness, and less irritation for those with sensitive skin conditions. While scientific evidence is still emerging, the removal of chlorine—a known skin irritant—provides a logical basis for these benefits.
Learn more about water filtration benefits in our detailed guide to filtered shower heads.
High-Pressure Shower Heads
Specifically engineered to boost water pressure, these shower heads are a practical solution for homes suffering from low water pressure. They achieve this through restricted water chambers and specialised nozzle designs that increase velocity without increasing flow rate.
Many high-pressure heads carry excellent WELS ratings despite their powerful feel, as they're actually using less water—it just feels like more because of the focused, high-velocity spray. This makes them an excellent choice for water-conscious households that don't want to sacrifice shower enjoyment.
Before buying a high-pressure shower head, determine whether low pressure affects your whole house or just the shower. Whole-house issues may require plumbing investigation, while shower-specific problems might be solved by cleaning your current head or replacing a flow restrictor.
Smart and LED Shower Heads
The latest trend in shower technology incorporates LED lighting and, in some cases, digital displays showing water temperature or consumption. LED shower heads typically power their lights using a small turbine driven by water flow, requiring no batteries or electrical connection.
Temperature-indicating LED heads change colour based on water temperature—typically blue for cold, green for comfortable, and red for hot. This provides a visual safety cue and adds a contemporary aesthetic to the bathroom.
Choosing the Right Type for You
With so many options available, how do you decide? Consider these factors:
- Your shower experience preference: Do you want relaxing rainfall, invigorating high pressure, or versatile flexibility?
- Household needs: Families with children, elderly members, or pets often benefit from handheld options.
- Water quality concerns: Hard water or high chlorine levels might warrant filtered options.
- Water pressure: Low-pressure homes should consider high-pressure designs.
- Installation complexity: Simple replacements suit wall-mount heads; renovations open up more possibilities.
- Budget: Prices range from under $30 for basic models to over $500 for premium systems.
Take our shower head quiz for personalised recommendations based on your specific needs and preferences.
Making Your Decision
Understanding the different shower head types is the first step toward a better shower experience. Each type offers distinct advantages, and the "best" choice depends entirely on your individual circumstances and priorities.
Consider testing different styles if possible—visiting bathroom showrooms often allows you to feel different spray patterns, even if the full shower experience isn't possible. Online reviews and our comparison tools can also provide valuable insights into real-world performance.
Whatever type you choose, upgrading your shower head is one of the easiest and most cost-effective bathroom improvements you can make. With the right selection, you'll enjoy every shower more than ever before.