Get to know this wellness phenomenon and how you can effortlessly recreate it at home
If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok, chances are you’ve come across a new beauty trend going viral: the ‘everything shower. It’s the latest self-care craze, making waves alongside iconic trends such as slugging and the glass skin obsession. Although, to be fair, women have been having ‘everything showers’ all along without even realising it had a name! While some trending beauty movements can leave you wondering “What were they thinking?”, the everything shower is one that stands the test of time — and for good reason. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind and squeeze in some much-needed `me time’ So, are you ready to elevate your shower game and turn your daily rinse into a luxurious hour (or more)? Here’s everything you need to know to make your next shower unforgettable.
What is the everything shower?
It’s an extended, multi-step routine where you give yourself extra TLC. Think of it as a weekly reset or deep clean, pampering your body from head to toe. The intensity varies, but it usually includes pre-shower, in-shower and post-shower steps. Typically lasting for one to four hours, this indulgent ritual transforms an ordinary hygiene routine into a luxurious, spa-like experience, leaving you feeling pampered and refreshed.
And the benefits?
Incorporating the everything shower into your self-care routine goes beyond just cleansing — it’s a holistic approach to physical and emotional well-being. The process exfoliates, deeply moisturises and improves circulation, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth. Your hair receives a nourishing boost with hydration, strength and shine from treatments such as deep conditioners and masks. Beyond the physical benefits, the ritual helps you unwind, reduce stress and uplift your mood, offering an emotional reset and a welcome escape from daily pressures.
How often should you have one?
While it may be tempting to indulge in an everything shower every day, it’s best to reserve it for once a week. These showers involve multiple treatments — such as deep exfoliation
and hair masks — that aren’t intended for daily use. Doing this weekly allows you to reap the full benefits of the routine while preventing your skin and hair from being overwhelmed. Many people choose Sundays as the perfect day to unwind with an everything shower — it’s the perfect way to prepare for the week ahead.
The ultimate everything shower routine
The best part about an indulgent shower is that it’s entirely customisable to your needs. You can adjust each step based on what you want to focus on, whether it’s hair treatments or body scrubs. Experts suggest creating a calming atmosphere and using fresh, soft towels afterwards to maximise the benefits, leaving you feeling relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated.
Pre-shower treatments time: 35 to 60 minutes
With an everything shower, there are several key pre-shower steps that elevate your routine and make it feel extra indulgent. Start by applying a pre-shampoo treatment like a nourishing oil or hair mask.
Next, dry-brush your body to boost circulation and exfoliate your skin. Focus on legs, arms and back, with upward sweeps moving towards your heart. This simple but impactful step preps your skin for upcoming treatments and enhances product absorption.
Apply a face mask suited to your skin’s needs and allow the steam from the shower to work its magic. Though optional (as you’ll cleanse your face in the shower), applying a mask enhances the pampering experience.
In-shower routine time: 30 to 40 minutes
Start with a double shampoo to remove any buildup from the hair mask or oils you applied earlier, ensuring a clean scalp and hair. Follow with nourishing conditioner to hydrate your strands. Or for added indulgence, use a post-shampoo hair mask and cover it with a shower cap to prevent it from rinsing out while you continue with the rest of your routine.
If you did not dry-brush earlier or want to exfoliate further, now’s the time to reach for your favourite body scrub. In an effort to save water, turn the tap off when water is not essential.
If you’re shaving, exfoliating beforehand is essential for a closer, smoother shave and to prevent ingrown hairs. After shaving, wash your body with your preferred body wash to rinse away any residue.
Finish your shower by cleansing your face. If you applied a mask earlier, now’s the time to rinse it off to ensure your skin is fresh and ready for post-shower care. If you used a post-wash hair mask, rinse it off to complete your haircare routine.
Post-shower pampering time: 30 to 40 minutes
As you’ve probably been in the shower longer than usual, it’s important to give your skin some extra love. The first step is to add moisture back by applying a rich body cream or oil (or even layer the two), which will help lock in hydration and leave your skin feeling soft.
To extend the TLC you gave your hair during your shower routine, apply a nourishing hair serum to your scalp or a leave-in conditioner to your ends. This will help keep your hair hydrated and smooth.
Next, focus on skincare. Apply a hydrating serum to your face for an extra moisture boost, followed by a barrier-boosting moisturiser. Take your time to massage the products into your skin for a relaxing finish.
While the ‘everything shower’ is meant to be a luxurious, time-consuming experience, here are ways to streamline the process if you’re short on time.
- Prep first:Apply your hair treatment and face mask while dry-brushing, before stepping into the shower.
- Use a 2-in-1 product: Look for a shampoo and conditioner combo or a body scrub that doubles as a mask to simplify your routine.
- Rinse and repeat: Ifyou’re not applying a full hair mask, you can skip the first cleansing shampoo and use a rich conditioner instead.
- Shorten exfoliation: Instead of exfoliating your entire body, focus on the areas that need it most (elbows, knees, feet) or use a more efficient scrub with chemical exfoliants for quicker results.
“Think of it as the ultimate shower experience —one where you don’t hold back on self-care”
By: Leila Petersen
Photography by: Pexels, Supplied
Text courtesy of Club X magazine
