How to Enjoy an Everything Shower, the Latest Trend Taking Over Gen-Z (Hint: It’s a 4-Hour Ritual)

Some TikTok beauty fads can be a little off the mark—or even downright dangerous—but others are actually smart and fun. One that fits into the latter category is my favorite: the ‘everything shower.’ This wellness ritual is exactly what it sounds like—an all-encompassing shower routine that includes, well, everything.

I’m not alone in my love for it. As of the latest data, #everythingshower has amassed over 200 million views on TikTok, with users proudly sharing their marathon self-care routines.

What exactly is an everything shower? Usually lasting between one and four hours, this weekly ritual is a thorough cleaning session designed to leave you feeling completely revitalized and rejuvenated.

Often associated with self-care Sundays, spa days at home, and pre-date routines, the whole process can feel overwhelming at times. But don’t worry—I’ll guide you through my weekly everything-shower regimen, from setting the right ambiance before the shower to snuggling into bed afterward.

Pre-Shower

1. Begin with the First Cleanse

I begin my all-encompassing shower routine even before I turn on the water. First, I massage a cleansing oil onto my dry skin to dissolve and lift away makeup, sunscreen, and other impurities. After about a minute of gentle massaging, I rinse it off with water. Lately, I've been really enjoying the Peach & Lily’s Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser—it’s super gentle and doesn’t leave any residue like some other oil cleansers can.

2. Hair Mask Before the Shower

Next, I treat my hair and scalp with an oil treatment and a pre-wash deep conditioning mask for the ends. Typically, I massage a dropper of the Fable & Mane HoliRoots Hair Treatment Oil into my scalp and apply Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Deep-Conditioning Treatment to my dampened mid-lengths and ends. I let both treatments sit for about 15 to 20 minutes as I continue prepping for my shower.

3. Dry Brushing

After that, I dry brush my skin to enhance circulation. I prefer a dry brush with a handle, like the Goop G.Tox Ultimate Dry Brush, as it makes it easier to reach difficult spots on my body.

4. Set the Atmosphere

Before stepping into the shower, I love creating the perfect atmosphere. I usually dim the lights, light a candle—Nette’s Pearl Dust Candle is a wonderfully woodsy, warm scent with a hint of spice that has great throw—and, to be honest, I also cue up a true crime podcast on my waterproof speakers (it might not scream relaxation, but feel free to switch to Taylor Swift or spa music if that’s your vibe).

Shower

1. Exfoliate

Four steps in, and it’s finally time to hop in the shower. For an everything shower, a thorough full-body cleanse is essential, so I start with a body scrub. I prefer something with a gritty texture that combines both physical and chemical exfoliants for maximum benefit. Recently, I finished a tube of Naturium KP Body Scrub & Mask and highly recommend it.

2. Purifying Shampoo

After rinsing out the scalp oil and hair treatment, I reach for a purifying shampoo to cleanse any remaining product, dirt, and buildup. I personally prefer a purifying shampoo over a scalp scrub, but feel free to choose whatever works best for you. I alternate between Virtue Purifying Shampoo and Ouai Detox Shampoo—both have lightweight formulas that cleanse the scalp without over-drying it.

3. Conditioner or Deep Mask

An everything shower is all about personalization, and the next step is deciding between a conditioner or a deep hair mask. This often depends on how my hair feels at the moment, but I usually go for a conditioner, especially since I have finer hair with an oily scalp. If I’m conditioning, I choose a light, hydrating option like Pureology Hydrate Sheer Conditioner. If my hair needs extra love, I’ll turn to a luxurious mask like Oribe Gold Lust Transformative Hair Mask.

4. Double Cleanse

While your hair mask or conditioner soaks in, it’s time for your second round of facial cleansing. I have some very specific criteria for in-shower face cleansers: I prefer a simple gel formula in a plastic pump bottle that’s hydrating enough to leave my skin feeling balanced. I’m currently using the last pump of The Outset’s Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser in my shower, and I’ve already got a new bottle on the way.

5. Facial Mask

Although I know better, I love my showers almost too hot. So I indulge for a couple of minutes, cranking up the heat. (Just a heads-up, hot water can irritate and dry out skin, so I take this time to step away from the water, staying in the shower.) I apply Tatcha’s Clarifying Clay Mask (or any clay mask, really), and let the steamy air open my pores to let the mask work its magic. After a few minutes, I lower the water temperature to rinse off both my face and hair.

6. Shave (If Desired)

What you choose to do with your body hair is entirely your decision, but I personally like to shave. Once my hair and pores (yes, you have pores on your body!) have had plenty of time to soak and steam, I’ll shave my legs, bikini line, and underarms using the Billie Razor and Whipped Shave Cream. I’ve tested a lot of shaving products, but Billie’s products remain my absolute favorites—trust me, they’re the best.

7. Body Wash

To finish off my routine, I ensure there’s no trace of shaving cream or dirt left on my skin. I reach for either the Necessaire Body Wash in Eucalyptus, which envelops the entire shower in a calming spa-like fragrance, or one of Saltair’s Body Washes. Their lineup offers a variety of luxurious scents, and they even have a fragrance-free option that’s become a personal favorite.

Post-Shower

1. Body Serum or Moisturizer, Body Oil

After such an intense shower, I’m usually a bit drained, but I’m determined to end on a pampered note. I throw on a cozy robe and towel my hair, then quickly grab a hydrating body product. Lately, I’ve been reaching for two favorites: the Sidia Body Serum, which makes moisturizing effortless with its convenient spray bottle, or Josie Maran’s Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter, a rich formula that leaves skin nourished and soft for over 24 hours. To lock it all in, I use OSEA’s Undaria Algae Body Oil for an extra layer of silky hydration.

2. Hair Serum and Leave-In Conditioner

After slipping into my comfiest PJs, it's time for my hair routine. I start by massaging a scalp serum, like Vegamour GRO Hair Serum, into my scalp, then follow up by distributing a leave-in conditioner through my ends. The Crown Affair Leave-In Conditioner is a go-to of mine, as it hydrates and softens my hair without leaving it heavy or greasy.

3. Hydrating Serum

I'll admit, by the time I’m ready to tend to my face, I’m often half-asleep, so I keep it simple with a trusty hydrating serum. I’ve used the Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief Serum so many times that I’ve lost count, and I’ve even turned a bunch of friends onto it. No matter what skin issue you’re dealing with, GBR is likely to work wonders.

4. Moisturizer

To wrap up, treat your skin to a barrier-repairing facial moisturizer like the Dieux Instant Angel. I take this moment to slow down, gently massaging my face with the moisturizer or a face oil to give my skin a little extra love.

Keep that self-care vibe going even after finishing your routine. Brew yourself a warm cup of tea, get into bed a bit earlier than usual, and take some quiet time to read or journal. Your body—and mind—will appreciate it.