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Showering is a ritual embraced by millions, a swift, invigorating cleanse. After a game or workout, it's imperative. Eager to unlock the secrets of showering? Keep reading! Or perhaps, subtly guide another toward the shower with this article!
Steps
Preparing for the Shower
Disrobe. Safeguard your worn attire in a laundry receptacle. Store your fresh garments or sleepwear in a dry location, shielded from shower spray.
- Remove spectacles and extricate contacts.
- Part ways with wristwear, necklaces, and any adornments.
Adjust the water temperature accordingly. Start the flow and wait for warmth. Verify the shower head angle to ensure downward spray. But beware of excessive heat. Your wrist provides a more accurate temperature read than your fingertips, so use it to gauge comfort.
- Consider occasional cold or cool showers, especially in hot, humid weather or post intense workouts.
Step into your shower cautiously once the temperature is just right. Hastening may lead to slips and falls, so a gradual entry is wise.
Water Conservation Tip: Step into the shower before achieving the perfect temperature, even if it's a tad chilly. Adjustments can be made while showering. Just ensure it's not icy cold or scalding hot upon entry!
Getting Clean
Moisten your entire body. Rotate beneath the stream a few times to ensure complete coverage. Wet everything, including intimate areas. For hair washing, ensure thorough saturation. Rinsing away surface grime is the initial step to cleanliness, and warm water aids muscle relaxation.
Massage a modest amount of shampoo into your hair. Gently work the lather down to your scalp, ensuring thorough coverage from root to tip. Avoid overuse of shampoo, as it can deplete natural oils. A quarter-sized dollop should suffice. Start small, add more if necessary.
Tip: Limit hair washing to every other day. Different hair types require varying levels of moisture—less frequent shampooing may be beneficial for those needing more moisture.
Rinse your hair thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo. Prevent soap residue from drying in your hair.
- To ensure complete rinsing, wet your hair and squeeze, observing the water color. If shampoo remains, continue rinsing.
- Opt for warm water to open the cuticles for better conditioner absorption.
Apply conditioner to your hair. Beyond cleansing, conditioner enhances hair appearance, texture, and health. Massage from scalp to ends until hair feels slick. Follow product instructions; some recommend leaving it in for a few minutes before rinsing, while others are post-shower treatments.
- Consider a 2-in-1 shampoo-conditioner for convenience.
- Rinse with cold water to seal cuticles and retain moisture.
Cleanse your face. Wet face and apply facial cleanser or exfoliating scrub using fingers or washcloth. Gently massage into skin for 30 seconds, covering cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead, and optionally neck and upper back for acne-prone areas. Avoid contact with eyes. For anti-acne wash, leave on for 30 seconds before rinsing thoroughly.
- Basic soap can be an alternative to specialized cleansers, although excessive use may dry or irritate skin.
Cleanse your body. Apply bar soap or body wash to a washcloth, loofah, body sponge, or hands. Begin at the neck and shoulders, working downwards. Ensure thorough cleaning under arms and in private areas. Women should also cleanse their breasts. Don't forget behind the ears, back of the neck, and between toes.
Rinse away the soap. Turn under the water, using hands to remove lingering soap and dirt. Rinse hair thoroughly. Address any missed areas now.
Shaving and Dental Hygiene
Consider shaving legs and underarms. Many opt to shave during shower time for convenience.
- Shaving legs and underarms is common but optional. Seek advice from trusted individuals and consider cultural norms. Exfoliating with a body scrub aids in a smoother shave.
- Apply shaving cream or conditioner to legs.
- Shave upward against hair growth, starting from ankles. Pay attention to knees and back of legs to prevent cuts.
- For underarms, lather and shave upward and downward as hair grows in both directions.
Shave. Some prefer shower shaving with a fog-free mirror. It's convenient and allows for longer hot water indulgence.
Trim or shave your bikini area or genitals if desired. Some opt to groom unwanted hair in the shower. Ensure adequate lighting and a stable stance to prevent mishaps.
Perform your dental hygiene. Brushing teeth in the shower offers convenience, allowing for thorough tongue cleaning without worry of toothpaste mishaps.
Wrapping Up
Conclude with a final rinse. Ensure complete removal of soap from your body. Verify absence of conditioner residue in your hair before proceeding.
Switch off the water. Ensure a tight closure to prevent water wastage. Prepare to exit the shower, gathering your belongings from within the stall.
Exit the shower cautiously. Stepping out carefully is crucial to avoid slipping on the bathroom floor.
Pat dry with a towel. Stand on the rug and use the towel to gently dry your head, face, torso, abdomen, pelvis, legs, intimate areas, and feet. Ensure the floor remains dry except for the shower mat or rug. When drying your face, remember to pat it gently with the towel rather than rubbing.
Apply additional hygiene products. Utilize this time to apply deodorant, lotion, aftershave, wet hair styling products, or any other necessary items that cannot be applied with clothes on.
Dress in clean clothes and repeat daily. Begin with clean undergarments, then proceed to dress in your other clothes. You are now refreshed and prepared for rest or the day ahead.
Viewer Submissions
Helpful Pointers
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Prior to showering, brush your hair to mitigate hair loss, preventing shower drain clogs.
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If you shaved in the shower, gently pat your skin dry instead of rubbing to minimize irritation and damage.
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Avoid brushing wet hair post-shower, as it is more prone to breakage.
The suggestions provided are gleaned from the experiences of Mytour readers like you. If you have a helpful tip to contribute, please share it with Mytour below.
- If your hair remains greasy after washing, try shampooing twice. Apply shampoo, rinse, then repeat with a smaller amount, avoiding the ends to prevent damage.
- Avoid tightly wrapping hair in a towel or frequent use of a hairdryer post-shower to minimize damage. Opt for gentle towel drying instead.
- While conditioning, use a hairbrush to smooth hair before rinsing for added silkiness, though expect more hair in the drain afterward.
- For evening showers, opt for lavender-scented body wash to promote relaxation; citrus scents are invigorating for morning showers.
- Consider drying off inside the shower instead of on the mat to contain water and maintain warmth.
Cautions
- Avoid getting shampoo or soap in your eyes to prevent stinging.
- Women should be cautious when washing intimate areas to avoid excessive soap, which can harm tissues.
- Avoid using electrical appliances like hair dryers or cell phones in the shower to prevent accidents. Safety first!
- Consider leaving the door unlocked in case of emergencies, but ensure privacy if you trust your housemates. Keep a key within easy reach outside if needed.
- Use a rubber or heavy-duty plastic shower mat with suction cups to prevent slipping. Keep it clean and dry to avoid mold growth underneath.
- Check for pets before starting the water, as they may be lurking in the shower stall. Safety for everyone!
Necessary Items
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Soap
- Facial cleanser
- Washcloth
- Body sponge, brush, or loofah (optional)
- Towel
- Bath mat
- Clean clothes
- Bathrobe (optional)
- Comb or brush (optional)
- Body lotion (optional)
- Razor (optional)
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush (optional)
- Body moisturizer (optional)
