Buzz
‘Everything showers’ have become a trend on TikTok. When I first heard of them, my initial thought was: 'Oh, like when I wash my hair and shave my legs.' That’s the concept, but it goes beyond that.
Just like with gym routines or smoothie recipes, each TikToker has their own unique everything shower routine. Some begin with dry brushing their skin or using a hair treatment that will be rinsed off. Then comes the show of various products: shampoos, conditioners, exfoliants, shave gels, body washes, and various skincare mixtures. To finish, the person moisturizes and typically adds a few more hair and skin treatments for good measure.
Many videos emphasize that an everything shower is not only long but also hot. After all, it’s self-care, and who doesn’t love a long, steamy shower?
The benefits of the everything shower
First: If something brings you joy, it’s obviously benefiting you in some way. Taking extra time for a ritual, whether monthly or weekly, can be a great way to unwind—no matter what the ritual entails. Hobbies are also beneficial. Collecting skincare products is a hobby. Setting up a tripod to film yourself squeezing body wash into a pouf to share on TikTok is also a hobby. I’m glad if this brings you happiness.
The everything shower gives us an opportunity to engage in personal care activities that we might not manage to do daily. Typically, everything showers are a monthly event, though some TikTokers do them weekly. Sometimes, you’re just looking to quickly freshen up for work, and the deep conditioning can wait until you have more time. Want to schedule an everything shower to catch up on those time-consuming tasks? Why not?
The drawbacks of the everything shower
Like many TikTok trends, the everything shower represents the fantasy of self-improvement or luxury—but that doesn’t necessarily mean that over-the-top routines are actually beneficial for your skin, hair, or mental health.
(Let’s not forget, many of us don’t have a water heater that can support an hour-long, hot shower—further proving that this trend is more aspirational than practical.)
Hot showers can irritate your skin
Here’s a skincare tip: Long, hot showers are actually harmful to your skin. Hot water can cause irritation, and the American Academy of Dermatology specifically advises using warm water instead, limiting showers to 10 minutes or less if you have dry skin. (It’s great that you moisturize afterward, though.)
If your skin isn’t dry and you don’t struggle with issues like eczema, rosacea, or keratosis pilaris (those bumps on the back of your arms), you may not need to follow this advice. But if you’re aiming to improve your skin health—the very reason behind using all those skincare products—cooler, shorter showers might be more beneficial. It may be more effective to space out your self-care routine across a week of 15-minute showers than try to tackle everything in one marathon session.
Hot showers can also damage your hair
Hot water also has negative effects on your hair care routine. Hot showers can irritate your scalp and strip moisture from your hair. The heat can cause the cuticle layer to swell, which might alter the texture of your hair (a swollen cuticle can lead to frizz or reduce shine).
Using too many products isn’t helping you
When it comes to cleansers, moisturizers, exfoliants, “actives,” and other skincare items, dermatologists are always emphasizing that less is more. (Or, more politely: “Using too many products, especially multiple anti-aging treatments, can irritate your skin. Stick to the essentials, like a gentle cleanser, sunscreen, and moisturizer.”)
The American Academy of Dermatology also advises using just enough product to do the job, rather than creating a rich lather. Fragrance-free cleansers are preferred, as fragrances can be irritating to sensitive skin.
Instead of overloading your shower routine with every product you can think of to make it longer or fancier, try simplifying it to focus on the essentials that work best for your skin and hair.
Looking to make your shower routine healthier? Here's how to improve your experience.
If you're happy with your long, hot, intricate showers and the way they treat your skin and hair, feel free to keep enjoying them. I'm not here to take away your enjoyment of life.
However, for many of us, the ‘everything’ shower trend is more about entertainment and shopping inspiration than real self-care. Use these videos to explore new products or add a new element to your routine.
For most people, the best shower is a quick one—aim for under 10 minutes, and choose warm or lukewarm water over hot. (On chilly days, I might indulge in a brief moment of hot water to start, then switch to a cooler temperature for the remainder.)
Stick to the essentials when it comes to products; as dermatologists always advise, less is more. A gentle cleanser and a moisturizing treatment after the shower are great foundational picks.
Have you considered taking a bath?
A key element of the everything shower trend is the idea of ‘me time.’ It's a moment when you're left alone to savor fragrances and textures you usually don't have the time to notice—like stopping to enjoy the scent of rose-scented body wash, for example.
If you’re in search of relaxation within a small, waterproof room with a door you can lock, how about a bath? Claire Lower has an extensive guide here to help you set up a bath that suits your needs. Perhaps you’ll add a sheet mask; or you could play a great playlist (one that won’t be drowned out by the shower’s roar).
While long, hot baths share the same skin-drying risks as long, hot showers, they do tend to cool down to a more comfortable lukewarm over time. Plus, your hair stays dry. If exfoliation is your goal, a soak can be more effective than a shower. And during your bath, you can multitask—read a book or sip on a cocktail while you relax.
