How to Do the “Everything Shower” Right

There’s a splash-and-dash shower for when your brain is on autopilot, and there’s the "everything shower." The TikTok obsession claims to make you feel a lot cleaner and more zen. What’s more, it’s said to be the ultimate glow-up routine. But what is an everything shower, anyway?

The "works wash," "Sunday shower," or whatever you want to call it, is a head-to-toe grooming session that covers the whole nine yards of self-care treats. Think scrubbing, massaging, oiling, masking, shaving, and other steps.

Since the "everything shower" can take hours (and lots of energy), it’s more of a weekly thing. More importantly, its execution requires a certain finesse. Here, we laid down the correct order to make the most out of your bathroom ritual.

Spending more than an hour in the bathroom without music would be unbearable. It’s your me time, so jazz it up with karaoke classics. Play tunes that make you want to sing your heart out or sway in the shower. Suggestions? ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” and Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” will pump your mood up. If you’re more into a spa-like vibe, go ahead and pop some Kenny G and Enya into the mix.

The TikTok self-care trend begins way before you’re even in the shower. For those with brittle hair or frizzy curls, you might want to start with a hot oil treatment. Section your hair and apply the oil of your choice to the scalp. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes before hopping into the shower. While waiting, you can brush your teeth, clip your nails, and perhaps do a quick meditation. No time wasted!

Like the double cleansing method for your skin, shampooing your hair twice helps remove excess oils and buildup from styling products. The first wash lifts surface impurities, and the second round preps your hair for the next step. To start, choose a clarifying formula and massage it into the scalp. If you’re dealing with flaky, itchy scalp, reach for an anti-fungal product instead. Then, follow it up with a hydrating and nourishing shampoo.

It might seem like a good idea to continue your "everything shower" while letting your hair mask work its magic. However, you should always finish your entire hair wash routine before cleansing the rest of your body. Residue from shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask can clog up your pores and lead to breakouts. So, apply the mask midway through your strands and wait until it sets in. After a few minutes, rinse your locks thoroughly.

Next on your to-do list is exfoliation. There’s a myriad of tools you can use, from body scrub to bamboo brush. If you have sensitive skin, opt for chemical exfoliants with ingredients like AHAs or BHAs. Gently rub your damp skin in circular motions to buff away dead skin cells. If shaving is a part of your routine, exfoliating also helps minimize the likelihood of ingrown hairs.

Some people prefer to keep their body hair, while others like the clean-shaven look. If you’re the latter, use shaving cream (a must!) and pick up a sharp razor. The steam in the shower dilates the pores and softens the hair follicles, which allows the blades to glide smoothly over your skin.

You’ve reached the climax of your "everything shower" at last. Step under the warm water and lather up with your favorite soap. Dove White Beauty Bar is an A+ option for a luxe pampering sesh. This soap combines Dove’s signature ¼ moisturizing cream with a gentle formula that helps the skin retain its natural moisture. After one wash, your skin will feel softer and plumper.

You can also try Dove Go Fresh Cucumber & Green Tea Body Wash and Dove Go Fresh Sakura Blossom Body Wash. The former has fresh cucumber to help purify the skin and the latter contains Sakura and sea salt extracts for glowing complexion. Plus, these two products are made with Microbiome Gentle formula, which helps replenish lost moisture and maintain the skin’s protective layer.

Once you’re out of the shower, pat your skin dry with a clean towel and apply a body lotion to seal in that post-wash glow. Next up is your skincare routine. Cleanse your skin before proceeding with serum and moisturizer. There’s no need to rush. Take your time to enjoy all the sensations. Perhaps do a little massage with a gua sha or slap on a sheet mask to melt the stress away.

By the time you’re done with your skincare routine, your hair should be partly dry. This would be the right time to apply a leave-in conditioner or hair serum to your strands. Pay extra attention to the ends since they tend to be the driest. Finally, detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb.

Congrats on finishing your “everything shower”! Reward yourself for all your hard work with a cup of tea or a movie night. When next week comes around, restart the whole process. You’ll feel (and look) more radiant than ever.