You’ve probably nailed your skincare routine, from cleansers to serums, moisturizers, and everything in between. Chances are, your haircare routine is just as solid, complete with go-to products and signature styling tricks. But let’s talk about something more basic—your shower routine.
Sure, it may seem like the most straightforward part of your day, but there’s a good chance your in-shower habits could use a little touch-up. An effective shower routine goes beyond the basics of remembering to scrub behind your ears. And even if you consider yourself a shower pro, it never hurts to refresh your routine.
If you’re ready to level up, here are simple skincare and haircare tips to upgrade your shower routine.
What is an Everything Shower?
While some TikTok trends might raise eyebrows—or worse, safety concerns—others have proven helpful. One such trend is the everything shower.
As the name suggests, an everything shower is an extensive self-care process that covers everything from deep-cleansing, exfoliating, shaving, masking, and moisturizing. It’s meant to leave you feeling refreshed inside and out.
Typically reserved for self-care weekends, pre-date prep, or at-home spa days, this indulgent routine can stretch anywhere from one to four hours—which can be overwhelming. Thankfully, you don’t have to commit to the entire process to see results. Borrowing a few key elements from the trend can elevate your regular shower routine.
How to Upgrade Your Shower Routine: 9 Essential Tips
1. Remove Makeup Before Showering
Removing makeup beforehand prevents unnecessary scrubbing and allows your cleanser to do a deeper clean.
Recommended products:
2. Avoid Hot Water to Protect Skin and Hair
Hot water strips natural oils from skin and weakens hair strands. Switch to lukewarm water for healthier results.
3. Use a Cleansing Oil First
Cleansing oils remove stubborn makeup and impurities.
Cleansing oil options:
Follow with a gentle foaming cleanser:
4. Wash Hair First, Face Last
Haircare products can drip onto the skin, so wash your face last to avoid irritation.
Shampoo options:
Conditioner options:
5. Skip Loofahs and Washcloths
Loofahs and washcloths can harbor bacteria, potentially causing skin issues.
Alternatives:
- Use your hands for cleansing
- If using a loofah, rinse well, let it dry, and replace frequently
6. Exfoliate Your Body and Scalp
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and improves product absorption.
Body scrubs by skin type:
- Sensitive skin:
- Dry skin: C & The Moon Malibu Made Body Scrub
Scalp scrubs (1–2x/week):
7. Keep Showers Short
Aim for 5–10 minutes per shower to prevent dryness and conserve water.
8. Shave the Right Way
Proper shaving prevents irritation and keeps skin smooth.
Shaving tips:
- Prep skin with shaving cream
- Rinse the blade after every stroke
- Replace razors every 5–7 shaves
9. Moisturize While Skin is Damp
Lock in hydration by applying moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp.
Moisturizers by skin type:
- Oily/acne-prone:
- Normal/combination:
- Dry:
Final Thoughts on Upgrading Your Shower Routine
Upgrading your shower routine doesn’t mean adding hours to your self-care schedule; it’s about making smarter choices that care for your skin and hair from the first step. With a few simple adjustments, you can turn a basic rinse-and-repeat into a truly refreshing routine.
