7 Reasons to Buy a Hand-Held Shower Head for Your Bathroom
A hand-held shower head gives you more flexibility, better control, and easier cleaning. This guide breaks down 7 reasons to make the switch and what to look for when buying one.
A hand-held shower head might be the smartest upgrade you make if you’re looking for more flexibility in your shower routine. From cleaning awkward corners to washing pets or rinsing your hair with precision, a hand-held shower gives you control that a fixed head just can’t. Here are 7 reasons to upgrade to a hand-held shower head, including some of our top hand-held shower recommendations for modern Australian bathrooms.
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You’ll Want a Hand-Held Shower if….
1. You Want More Water Control
A fixed shower head is great for overhead rinsing, but a hand-held shower lets you direct the water exactly where you want it. That means no more awkward bending or spinning in circles to wash your back or rinse shampoo from your hair. Buildmat’s hand-held shower collection includes styles with smooth, flexible hoses and ergonomic handles for easy everyday use.
2. You Have Kids (and Pets)
Got little ones? Or furry ones? A hand-held shower makes bath time faster and less stressful – no need to dump buckets or wrestle with rinsing. You can keep the spray gentle and targeted, and stay in full control of the water direction.
Tip: Look for a model with spray settings so you can switch to a softer stream when needed.
3. You Want to Clean the Shower Faster
Forget trying to rinse off soap scum or cleaning products using a cup. A hand shower makes cleaning tiled walls, glass screens and shower floors so much quicker. Just spray and go. It’s especially handy in walk-in showers or larger enclosures.
4. You Need Better Accessibility
If someone in your household has reduced mobility, or you're designing a future-proof bathroom, a hand-held shower is a must. It allows you to shower while seated or use grab rails safely, and can be height-adjusted on a rail if needed. Pair it with a dual shower setup to switch between fixed and hand-held with ease.
5. You Have a Bathtub
Hand showers aren’t just for showers. They’re brilliant when installed over bathtubs, especially if you need to rinse your hair while soaking or want to top up warm water without getting out. Explore bath taps with hose or wall-mounted options for a clean setup that still gives you the flexibility of a hand-held.
6. You Want More Styles & More Finishes
Hand showers now come in just about every finish, so you don’t have to compromise on looks. Whether you’re building new or renovating, it’s easy to find one that matches your existing tapware or gives your bathroom a quick style refresh.
Popular options include:
- Matte black hand showers for modern and industrial bathrooms
- Brushed brass for warmth and contrast against white tiles
- Brushed nickel for a soft, neutral look
- Gunmetal hand showers for a sleek, contemporary edge
We have over 25 unique hand held shower colours at Buildmat, so you can find the perfect fit for your bathroom.
7. You Want an Easy Bathroom Upgrade
You don’t need a full bathroom renovation to install a hand shower. Many models can be added to your existing plumbing setup with minimal work. You can mount them to the wall, use a rail system, or choose a dual shower head for a combo setup. Just make sure your hose length is long enough (1.5–2 metres is a good starting point), and talk to a plumber about placement if you're unsure.
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What to Look for in a Hand-Held Shower
Before you buy, consider:
- Material quality: Look for solid brass or stainless steel construction with a durable finish (e.g. brushed nickel or matte black).
- Hose length: Standard hoses are 1.5m, but go longer if you need more reach.
- Spray modes: Adjustable spray settings are handy for different tasks.
- Mounting system: Do you want a rail set (height adjustable) or a fixed bracket?
- Water efficiency: Check for WELS ratings – many Buildmat options are 3-star or higher.
How to Use a Hand Shower
Using a hand-held shower is simple:
- Leave it in the wall bracket when you want a normal overhead-style shower.
- Detach it from the mount to rinse specific body areas, clean the shower, or fill a bucket.
- Switch spray modes if your model allows – many hand showers have multiple settings, from soft rain to more powerful jet streams.
Tip: Look for models with a flexible hose and smooth rotation at the base so it doesn’t kink or twist while you use it.
Can You Add a Hand Shower to Any Bathroom?
Usually, yes – especially if you’re replacing an existing wall-mounted shower. You can:
- Install a combination shower rail (with both a hand and rain shower)
- Replace your fixed head with a bracket + hose kit
- Add a hand shower to a bath outlet with a diverter
If you’re renovating from scratch, chat with your plumber or builder about placement and access, especially if you're aiming for a clean, modern look with concealed plumbing.
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Hand Shower Combos (The Best of Both Worlds)
Not ready to give up your rain shower? You don’t have to. Dual shower heads combine the best of both:
- A fixed overhead rain shower for that spa-like experience
- A detachable hand shower for targeted use
It’s the perfect shower set up for couples or families with different preferences.
Best-Selling Hand Shower Styles from Buildmat
Alma Mira Shower Rail Twin Set
The Mira Shower Rail Twin Set makes everyday showers easier. Switch between the overhead and hand shower with one simple turn, and slide the hand piece up or down to suit whoever’s using it. It’s great for families, shared bathrooms, or anyone who just wants a bit more flexibility. Clean look, smooth feel, and it comes in finishes that match the rest of your tapware.
- Easy to use
- Adjustable height
- Water-efficient (4-Star WELS)
- Durable stainless steel hose
Alma Mira Hand Shower and Hose
Clean, modern, and made to move with you. The Mira Hand Shower and Hose gives you flexibility where it counts, whether you're rinsing off, washing the kids, or giving the tub a quick clean. The brushed gunmetal finish adds a sleek, understated touch that works in almost any bathroom.
- Flexible stainless steel hose
- Easy, comfortable grip
- 3-Star WELS (8.5L/min)
- Brushed gunmetal finish that pairs well with black or chrome tapware
Caroma Urbane II Rail Shower with 300mm Overhead
The Urbane II Shower Set is made for bathrooms that do more, combining a wide 300mm rain head with an adjustable hand shower so you can switch between soft and strong sprays. The slim design suits any modern space, and the top inlet makes it easy to retrofit into existing setups.
- 300mm overhead rain shower
- Easy slide rail height adjustment
- Smooth silverflex hose
- Water efficient: 3-Star (overhead), 4-Star (hand shower)
- Available in chrome, matte black, brushed nickel, brushed brass, and gunmetal
- Backed by a 20-year warranty
Pair it with other pieces from the Urbane II Bathroom Collection for a clean, coordinated finish.
Explore the full Caroma Shower Tap Range.
Nero Serenity Progressive Shower System
Style meets substance with this luxury shower setup. The Nero Serenity Shower System pairs a minimalist gunmetal finish with a unique Carrara marble handle, blending natural texture with modern brass hardware. The progressive mixer lets you control temperature and flow in one smooth motion, while the matching hand shower keeps things flexible.
- Brass construction with Carrara marble detail
- Progressive mixer for easy temperature control
- 4-Star WELS rated
- Sleek gunmetal finish
- Includes hand shower for added versatility
Ideal for bathrooms that lean modern, textured, or bold.
Phoenix Vivid Slimline Microphone Hand Shower Brushed Carbon
A sleek, modern update for any bathroom. The Vivid Slimline Microphone Hand Shower in Brushed Carbon brings clean lines and practical design together. Its slim profile fits comfortably in your hand, while the drill-free installation makes it easy to upgrade without reworking your plumbing.
- Slim, ergonomic design
- Fits existing ½" plumbing
- Brushed carbon finish for a soft, modern look
- Easy to install
Great for adding style and flexibility to showers of all sizes. Explore the full Phoenix Shower Tap Range.
Shop Hand Held Showers at Buildmat
Looking for your perfect fit? Browse the full range of hand-held shower heads, dual shower sets, and matching tapware collections at Buildmat.
Looking for more shower options and styles?
If a hand-held shower isn’t quite what you need — or you want to mix and match — here are some other categories worth exploring:
- Shower Heads & Arms – Mix and match styles and placements.
- Shower Roses – Clean, simple, wall-mounted heads for a focused flow.
- Rain Shower Heads – Wide, overhead coverage for that spa-like rainfall feel.
- Dual Shower Heads – Combine a fixed head and a hand-held in one sleek system.
- Wall-Mounted Shower Heads – Great for minimal, no-fuss installs.
- Ceiling Shower Heads & Arms – Best for open showers and clean lines.
- Shower Sets – Everything in one box: rail, hose, mixer, and head.
- Shower Rails – Height-adjustable mounting for hand showers.
- Shower Hoses – Match your hose finish to your tapware.
- Compact Twin Showers – Save space without giving up dual function.
- Shower Wall Mixers – Control water flow and temp in style.
Each collection offers a range of colours and finishes, so you can match your look down to the smallest detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a hand shower myself?
If you’re just replacing the hand piece or hose, yes — it’s usually as easy as unscrewing and reattaching. But for new plumbing or wall brackets, get a licensed plumber.
Are hand showers suitable for renters?
Yes! You can install a rail shower over existing plumbing or use suction-cup brackets (though they’re less secure). Always check with your landlord first.
What’s the best finish for avoiding water spots?
Brushed finishes like brushed nickel or brushed brass tend to hide fingerprints and watermarks better than glossy chrome or matte black.
Can I use a hand shower in the bath?
Absolutely — just make sure the model is compatible with your bath spout or diverter setup. Great for rinsing kids, cleaning the tub, or topping up water.
Do hand showers reduce water pressure?
Not necessarily. Most modern hand showers are designed to maintain strong pressure, even in water-efficient models. If your pressure is low, look for one with fewer spray modes or a narrower spray pattern to concentrate the flow. Always check the WELS rating and your home’s water pressure setup.
What’s the difference between a hand shower and a rail shower?
A hand shower is just the head and hose. A rail shower includes a sliding vertical rail, so you can adjust the height of the shower head — great for households with people of different heights or mobility needs.
Can I use any hose with a hand shower?
You’ll want to use a hose that’s compatible with your shower mixer and hand piece — especially if you’re trying to match the finish (e.g. matte black or brushed brass). Many models come with a matching hose included, but you can always find separate shower hoses if you’re doing a mix-and-match setup.
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