Tarek El Moussa Can't Stand This Trendy Shower Feature
Nowadays, it seems like every luxury hotel or short-term rental you step into has a rain showerhead. And for a while, it seemed like many homeowners were willing to believe the hype, as this feature became commonplace in homes everywhere. But Tarek and Heather El Moussa do not buy in. In an episode of their show, "The Flipping El Moussas," their contractor asks what they think about installing one in a primary bathroom. And both Tarek and Heather make it clear that isn't happening.
"Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of rain showers. I just start drowning — glug, glug," says Tarek. This sentiment isn't without merit, as rain showerheads typically aren't adjustable. As such, it's usually either a complete downpour or nothing.
"I don't like them either because they mess up my hair, like if I have my shower cap on," Heather adds. The El Moussas aren't the only ones who generally say no to this type of showerhead. If you're anything like roughly half of the population, you don't want to wash your hair every single day, so these are not a practical option for many homeowners. So what to do if you love the relaxing downpour, but it ruins your partner's blowout? Thankfully, there is a path to compromise.
Use a combo showerhead
The best way to find a compromise for a rain shower head is to install a dual shower head system. You'll basically be installing an overhead shower arm high on your shower wall and another handheld sprayer. On many models, in addition to a temperature control dial, you'll install a second dial that controls which head the water will flow through. However, these can be more difficult to implement than the alternative, which has a manual switch on the stem that can transfer water pressure from one head to the other. By installing a dual shower head, you can have a luxurious rainfall shower if you're in the mood to wash your hair. However, if you're just trying to get a quick shower in, you can use the detachable hose either while it's holstered at your desired angle, or by removing it to give yourself a more targeted rinse.
Best of all? You probably don't need to hire a professional if you choose a wall-mounted dual showerhead with a manual switch. And showerheads are generally pretty inexpensive, so this is an easy upgrade to make your bathroom more luxurious and functional.
Picking the right showerhead
While shopping for a new showerhead, there are a few things to consider: style, cost, and ease of installation. Thankfully, you can find a showerhead style that looks great in almost any finish, from stainless steel to brass or matte black, so this is probably the most straightforward factor. Next, decide on your budget. Showerhead prices vary drastically; a dual rain and handheld showerhead may range from $35 to $150.
Many models require an additional dial, so if you're renting and can't make drastic changes or don't have adequate DIY know-how, go for one with a manual switch. When deciding between different types of showerheads, you may also want to consider their modes; some will allow you to switch the pressure of the water to your preferred setting. Aerated showerheads are one of the best options for non-rain models because they use combined water and air to create the sensation of increased pressure without using more water – a great option for those of us making green home renovations.