"Newbie" wrote in message

I have a standard/low price shower head that has gotten stiff/difficult to
swivel.

Does anyone have suggested lubricants, such as the manufacturer may have
used, that won't wash away the first few uses?

Since none of us make these things, it's hard to tell what (if anything) is
used by the mfg to lubricate it. The thing may swivel originally, because
it's clean and polished. Shower heads are cheap - as you say.

If you want to, remove it, spray some WD-40 where you can and give it some
exercise. It should loosen it up. Vaseline may work too, but will not get
inside of it. These things are not made to be taken apart AFAIK.

Rich