It’s Sunday night, and maybe you’re standing in front of the mirror thinking you need more than a quick rinse. You’re planning an everything shower, that long and slightly dramatic routine that TikTok made famous. It’s the kind of self-care habit that mixes beauty, hygiene, and a bit of therapy. The whole point isn’t only to get clean, it’s to feel good, grounded, and like you’ve pressed reset on life.
What Is an “Everything Shower”?
An everything shower is just what it sounds like, a shower where you do everything. Instead of a fast in-and-out, it’s more like a small event. You might deep condition your hair, scrub your body, shave, do a face mask, and finish with all the oils and creams you own.
The whole trend exploded on TikTok, with videos of people turning their bathrooms into little spas. You see candles, music, fluffy towels, and even color-coordinated products lined up. It’s part of the new wave of self-care content, but it also connects to something deeper. People want to slow down, to feel in control, to make normal routines feel meaningful again.
Some people spend half an hour, others go on for hours. It really depends on your mood, your energy, and how much time you can steal back from the week.
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Why the Trend Took Off
So why has this self-care routine become such a huge trend? We can think of a few reasons off the top of our heads.
A Moment to Slow Down
Life’s kind of fast and messy. We rush, we multitask, we scroll, and by the time we stop, it’s bedtime. This self-car act forces you to slow down and to be present. Even therapists have said that repetitive, simple actions like washing or massaging your scalp can calm your body.
With so much happening online, many people feel overstimulated most of the time. This self-care routine gives them an excuse to unplug, focus on sensations, and reconnect with themselves. For some, it’s almost meditative, like a reset button that tells your mind, “you’re safe now.”
Self-Care You Can See
There’s another reason the trend caught fire: it looks beautiful on camera. The TikTok shower trend turned an ordinary habit into something cinematic. Steam, candlelight, music, and product bottles lined up perfectly. It’s all visually soothing. People love watching it because it represents control and comfort, two things we don’t always have in daily life.
For younger users, especially Gen Z, this kind of self-care content is a way to show self-respect. It’s not vanity, it’s an act of care. Sharing the ritual on social media even builds community, where viewers comment, “same,” “I needed this,” or “doing mine tonight.” It’s a connection through calmness.
Efficient and Rewarding
It’s also efficient. Instead of spreading out your beauty routines, the everything shower lets you combine them. One long shower instead of five small ones. You end up feeling completely renewed. That full-body freshness can give you confidence and a sense of accomplishment, especially if the rest of your week feels chaotic.
Image credit: Shutterstock
The Feel-Good Factor
And maybe the biggest reason it stuck is that it works. The heat, touch, and scent combination triggers the body to release oxytocin and serotonin. Those are the same hormones linked to feeling comforted and happy. It’s not magic, it’s biology. People don’t just feel pampered after an everything shower, they feel genuinely calmer.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Everything Shower
There’s no one right way to do it, but here’s a simple plan. You can always mix things up depending on how you feel that day.
Step 1: Set the Scene
Turn your bathroom into your zone. Light a candle, play your favorite playlist, dim the lights, or just close the door and shut the world out. Collect what you’ll need, so you don’t have to run around looking for things.
Some people like to dry brush before starting, others prefer applying a hair oil or mask first. Both ways work. The goal is to relax even before the water hits you.
Image credit: Shutterstock
Step 2: Focus on Hair
Start with your hair. Shampoo, scrub your scalp if you like, and then add conditioner or a hair mask. Let it sit while you move on. If your hair tends to dry out, go for something rich. If it gets greasy fast, try a lightweight one.
Step 3: Exfoliate and Cleanse the Body
Use your body wash, but take your time with it. Focus on areas that tend to feel neglected. Then grab your scrub and exfoliate in circles. It helps with texture and makes your skin glow.
If you plan to shave, this is the moment. Use a clean razor and shaving cream; nothing fancy is needed. Just slow strokes and patience. Some people like to change the sequence, exfoliating first, then shave, and then body wash to end it off. The choice is up to you.
Step 4: Care for Your Face
Start with an oil cleanser if you wear makeup or sunscreen, then wash again with something gentle. A clay or hydrating mask can go on next. You can leave it on while you rinse your hair out later.
Image credit: Shutterstock
Step 5: Rinse and Refresh
Now rinse everything off, starting with your hair mask if you used one. A quick cold rinse at the end can make your skin feel firm and your hair shinier. Step out, take a breath, and grab a towel.
Step 6: Moisturize and Seal
Don’t rub yourself dry. Pat instead. When your skin’s still damp, slather on lotion or body oil. It helps keep all that moisture in. Do your usual face serum and moisturizer too.
If you’ve got long hair, a leave-in spray or serum keeps frizz away. Then, put on comfy clothes or PJ’s, maybe pour tea or just sit for a minute. The silence feels good after the water.
Product Types to Include
You really don’t need to spend a fortune on an everything shower. There are lots of options depending on your bank account, and we’re not expecting you to use every product under the sun. Here’s what usually shows up in one:
- Dry brush or loofah
- Hair oil or pre-wash treatment
- Clarifying shampoo
- Deep conditioner or mask
- Body wash
- Body scrub or exfoliator
- Facial cleanser
- Face mask
- Shaving cream or gel
- Moisturizer or body oil
- Leave-in conditioner
- Candle, playlist, or diffuser for mood
Pick products you already love. It’s more about the act than the brand names.
Variations to Fit Your Schedule
Not everyone has two hours to spare, and that’s okay. The beauty of this self-care routine is that it’s flexible. You can adapt it to fit your time, energy, and what your body needs that day.
Quick Reset (30 Minutes)
For busy days or nights when you’re running on fumes, a quick reset works wonders. Wash your hair and body, exfoliate the key areas like arms and legs, and moisturize right after. Light a candle or spray a mist to make it feel a bit special. Even half an hour can feel like a reset.
Hair-Focused
When your hair feels dull or oily, shift the focus there. Use a scalp scrub and a deep mask. Let the treatment soak while you wash your body and face. If your hair is curly or color-treated, this is the perfect moment to bring back shine and bounce.
Skin-Focused
If your skin feels rough or dry, skip the elaborate hair care and put your energy into exfoliating and moisturizing. Use a gentle scrub, shave if you like, and layer lotion and oil afterward. Add a hydrating face mask for balance.
Luxury Session
This one’s for weekends or self-care days. Go all out. Light candles, play slow music, use your favorite scrub and mask, shave, exfoliate, and moisturize in layers. Don’t rush. Treat it like a spa at home, not a checklist. If you’re crawling into bed afterwards, slip on those comfy PJs or put those new sheets on your bed for extra comfort.
Minimalist
Sometimes, the minimalist version hits just as hard. Focus on the feeling of the water, the smell of your products, and your breath. Even a short mindful shower can relax you. It’s proof you don’t need extravagance to feel better.
Seasonal Versions
Some people even adapt their shower to the season. In winter, they add thicker lotions and warm oils. In summer, they switch to lighter gels and cooling mists. Making it seasonal keeps the ritual fresh and tuned to your body’s needs.
Benefits Beyond Clean Skin
The everything shower does more than wash dirt away. It clears your head. The repetitive actions, the warm water, the scent, all of it signals your brain to calm down.
Touch releases hormones that help with stress, and finishing a full process gives your mind a little win. Plus, your skin and hair actually look better. Over time, it builds confidence and even helps you sleep better.
Image credit: Shutterstock
What to Be Careful Of
This trending routine might feel perfect, but it’s not without limits. There are some things worth watching out for if you plan to make it a regular habit.
Overdoing It
Too much of a good thing can backfire. Exfoliating daily or using hot water for long stretches can strip your skin’s natural barrier. That can leave it dry, irritated, or even inflamed. Try to keep the heavy-duty version to once a week. If you notice flaking or redness, scale back.
Hair can also suffer if you go overboard. Using masks too often can cause buildup, making your hair look greasy or heavy. Your scalp needs balance, not constant treatment.
Product Overload
Social media loves a long line of bottles, but your skin doesn’t need all that. Mixing too many active ingredients like acids, scrubs, and retinols can cause breakouts or sensitivity. Introduce products one at a time and see how your body reacts. Also, remember that “more expensive” doesn’t mean “better.” Even simple, gentle products work beautifully.
Environmental Concerns
A long shower can use over 100 liters of water, which adds up quickly if it becomes a weekly ritual. If you live in an area with droughts or restrictions, keep it shorter and mindful. Turn off the water while applying products or shaving, and try switching to low-flow showerheads. Even small changes like using cooler water or setting a timer can make a real difference.
Cost and Pressure
TikTok often turns simple routines into luxury performances, showing showers filled with designer products and endless steps. But don’t let that make you feel like you’re missing out if your products are basic or budget-friendly. The power of the everything shower comes from the experience, not the price tag. It’s about how it makes you feel, not how it looks online.
Even affordable soaps, oils, and lotions can make your skin feel amazing when used with intention. Self-care should never become a competition, and your bathroom doesn’t need to look like a spa for it to matter.
Mental Side of It
While it feels therapeutic, it’s not a cure for real mental or emotional pain. This trend can help support your well-being, but if you’re struggling, it’s okay to reach for more help. Think of it as one piece in a bigger picture of care, not the whole puzzle. A warm shower and quiet time can ease tension, but therapy, rest, and community still matter. If your sadness or anxiety lingers, talk to someone you trust. The shower may give relief, but deeper healing often comes from consistent care beyond the water.
Hygiene Tips
Don’t forget to clean your tools, such as brushes, loofahs, razors. These items should be swapped out often. A self-care routine isn’t very relaxing if bacteria come along for the ride. Replace razors every few uses to avoid irritation, and wash loofahs or exfoliating gloves weekly. Keep bottles dry to prevent mold or buildup around lids. It’s also smart to rinse product residue from drains and tiles so your space stays fresh and safe.
Read More: When Is the Best Time to Shower: In The Morning or Evening? There is Only One Right Answer.
How Often to Do It
There’s no fixed rule for how often to incorporate this routine into your schedule. Most people find that once a week works best. That gives enough time for skin and hair to benefit from exfoliation and deep conditioning without overdoing it. A weekly session helps clear buildup from sweat, products, and pollution while giving your body and mind a fresh start.
If you’re very active or live in a humid area, you might enjoy doing a lighter version twice a week. Just skip heavy scrubs or masks the second time. People with dry or sensitive skin should space them out more, since frequent exfoliation and hot water can irritate skin or damage hair.
Many like saving this ritual for Sunday night as a symbolic reset, while others prefer a midweek refresh. The best frequency is the one that feels natural and sustainable. If it starts feeling like a chore, scale back. It’s meant to restore, not overwhelm.
Why It Feels So Good
There’s real science behind it. The familiar motions, the smells, and the steam all calm your nervous system. The act of caring for yourself signals safety to your body.
Touching your skin with purpose lowers stress hormones. The smell of your shampoo or lotion might even bring comfort because your brain links scent to emotion. That’s why so many people say the everything shower feels like a reset, not just a rinse.
Closing Thoughts
This shower routine isn’t just a trend. It’s a reminder that everyday care matters. It’s one of those rare habits that’s both practical and emotional at the same time.
Keep it simple and let it be yours. Maybe you do the full version once a week, maybe it’s a quick 20 minutes. Either way, it counts.
So next time you’re tired or worn out, turn on the water, light that candle, and take your time. The steam, the quiet, the scent, all of it can remind you that you still deserve a pause.
Read More: Doctors Warn Against Very Common Shower Habit