If you’ve been anywhere near TikTok or Instagram, you’ve probably seen the buzz around the “everything shower.” This trend has risen in the past couple of years and it’s not budging any time soon, because it’s quite literally what self-care dreams are made of. I’m not kidding — it’s both genius and an absolute must-do ritual. PERIOD!
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What exactly is the “everything shower?”
One things for certain, it isn’t your average rinse-and-go! An everything shower is an all-out, head-to-toe self-care extravaganza (as I like to call it). Think deep-cleaning, exfoliating, shaving, moisturizing—the full works, with the goal of making you feel squeaky clean, refreshed and renewed.
The trend took off in popularity because it simply combines pampering with practicality, making it the ultimate rejuvenating spa-like experience for a full body cleanse like no other.
FYI, the everything shower isn’t a daily kind of thing. It’s usually reserved for self-care Sundays, prep for a night out, or at-home spa days. It’s recommended to do it once a week as part of your self-care ritual when you need to deep-cleanse, or to unwind and recharge.
The process itself seems like a lot (because, well … it is). So I’m breaking it down step-by-step in my version of the ultimate everything shower routine. From the pre-shower prep and in-shower ritual to the post-shower glow up. This post has you fully covered (literally)!
Pre-shower prep
The key to a successful everything shower starts before you even turn on the water. Here’s how I prep:
1 | Set the mood
Though it’s not necessary, I like to start off by setting the mood, nothing over dramatic (or so I think) but just a touch of spa vibes. I’m talking a scented candle and an essential oil diffuser (this one is my absolute fav) just to create a calmer environment.
2 | Gather all your products and tools
There’s nothing worse than having to scramble mid-shower to get your products. Don’t be that person who comes out dripping wet, it’s not a good look! I prefer to get all my tools ready from the get go. That usually means the post-shower products by the sink and the in-shower products by the bath, but wherever suits you best is good enough.
3 | Pre-hair treatment
Before anything, I like to tackle my hair first and foremost. This means combing through the knots with both a wide tooth comb followed by the Tangle Teezer hairbrush which (may I add) is an absolute savour! Than, I go in with oiling my scalp and my ends, and, if i’m feeling really fancy (which is all the time), I do a 5 minute scalp message to stimulate hair growth. Next, I let my hair marinate under a shower cap for 10 – 20 minutes whilst I move on to the next step.
4 | First face wash: oil cleanse
Personally, this is the time I go in for my first cleanse using an oil based cleanser to get rid of any product build-up, SPF or makeup etc etc. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this hydromelting cleansing balm, it really gets into every pore and makes my face feel super fresh. After rubbing it in for a 1 minute, I use a little water to emulsify it, wash it off and pat dry with an anti-bacterial face cloth. Useful tip if you use this too, don’t throw it away just yet if it’s still somewhat dry or, cut it in half, to reuse that half for later on.
5 | Dry brush
Next comes the dry brushing to help boost my blood circulation. I tend to think of this step as my first exfoliator in my everything shower routine. I strongly suggest using a detachable brush handle like this one, that way you can just slip your hand in the brush only for easy to use places and attach the handle back on for hard to reach places like the back.
In-shower ritual
1 | Double-cleanse hair
Now it’s finally time to dive into the main event and actually get in the shower! As usual, I start off with the hair and I always go in with a double cleanse. Firstly, I use a scalp scrub shampoo (my current fav is the Cedred clarifying shampoo and scalp scrub but I’ve heard great stuff about the OUAI detox shampoo too) to remove build-up on my scalp before moving onto a hydrating shampoo to add moisture into my hair.
2 | Conditioner or hair mask
Once I’ve finished shampooing and washed it off, I like to go in with the Shea Moisture Intensive Hydration Masque. Believe me when I tell you, this stuff is powerful! I let that sit under my shower cap for about 20 minutes whilst I move on to the next step.
3 | Body scrub time
Now is the best time to go in for my second body exfoliation. I tend to use a gentler body scrub for my acne prone skin or sometimes I skip the grit and go ahead with my body wash paired with the Kitsch exfoliating glove which pretty much still counts (right?)
4 | Shave time (if it’s your thing)
I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I like my skin smooth and hair free. So after exfoliation I go right in with my full body shaving routine (legs, pits and intimates to be precise). I’m still testing out a razor that works for me so I can’t comment on my best recommendations, but if you choose to shave, just make sure you go for a 5 blade razor, please!
5 | Body wash
Okay, so time to wash it all off (from head to toe, nooks and crannies). I like to keep my body wash simple and adapted to my skin needs (acne babe), so I alternate between body washes that contain salicylic acid and glycolic acid.
6 | Second face wash: water cleanse
Because I’m so acne prone, I wash my face with a water based cleanser last just incase there are any remaining product residues left over from my shower. Once, I’ve thoroughly cleansed my face, I pat it dry with the other half of the anti-bacterial face cloth from earlier on.
7 | Wrap up
Pretty self-explanatory but it goes with out saying, I like to wrap up in comfort to give my self-care shower a little extra je ne sais quoi. Nothing OTT, just a comfy towel or bathrobe and this micro-fibre towel to keep my hair as frizz free as possible.
Post-shower glow up
1 | Skincare routine
Now it’s time to lock in all the moisture and get that after shower glow up. First up, skincare. I’ll keep this short. Toner, serum, moisturiser and SPF (only if the suns still out), and finishing it off with an eye cream and some lip balm.
2 | Body care
Almost there! I usually start of with the Truly Glazed Donut aftershave oil on all my shaved areas. Than, after a little deodorant, I simply moisturize the rest of my body with cream and finish off with a body oil to give my skin that silky shine.
3 | Haircare routine
After I take of my hair towel and leave my hair to dry a little longer, I go in with my wide tooth comb and Tangle Teezer again along with a spritz of leave in conditioner and moisturizer. Once my hair has dried (sometimes I use a heat brush or hair diffuser), I like to seal in all the moisture with a hair oil and give my locks a shine boost.
4 | Finishing touches
And there you have it, the home stretch! I’ve (finally) reached the end of my mega self-care shower routine. A quick spray of perfume and I call it a day. If I’m not headed out (which is never really after such a marathon), to keep the chill vibes flowing I like to simply relax. For me, that means putting on a cute pj set, lighting a candle and unwinding with a movie or book to set the stage for a peaceful nights sleep!
Extra steps (I sometimes include) in my everything shower routine
Face mask: Most everything shower routines do include a face mask, but for me, depending on whether I’ve fulfilled my weekly mask rituals, I sometimes give it a miss. When I do do it, It usually happens after my second face wash and I adjust my routine so I do all my face washing in the pre-shower prep.
Eye mask treatment: I usually do an eye mask treatment as an extra luxury prior to my skincare routine if I want to go all out. If this is your thing, give Grace and Stella a try, you won’t be disappointed!
Lip scrub: This isn’t a usual step in an everything shower routine but I like to go the extra mile sometimes and a little lip scrubbing never hurt any one! I usually do this step along with my skincare routine before applying lip balm.
Final thoughts
The everything shower isn’t just about hygiene; it’s about carving out time for yourself, indulging in self-care, and stepping out feeling like the best version of you. So light that candle, cue up your favorite playlist, and treat yourself. You deserve it!
