What Is An “Everything Shower”? A Full Guide To The Viral TikTok Trend, Per Experts

So you’ve been scrolling on TikTok and have come across yet another viral beauty trend – what else is new? First there was the slugging trend, then glass skin was the thing, and now, the “everything shower” hashtag is racking up millions of views. Cue eye roll, but wait: Believe it or not, it’s actually become one of our favourites to originate on the app.

For the uninitiated, an everything shower is basically a shower in which you take care of, well, everything. There’s something very satisfying and productive about going through all the steps of your routine and handling all of your beauty needs – cleansing, shaving, washing your hair – in one long shower sesh.

Meet the experts: Dr. Lauren Penzi, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. Dr. Monnica Williams is a board-certified, licensed clinical psychologist, specialising in cognitive-behavioural therapies. Laurabeth Cabott is a celebrity hairstylist and salon owner of ArtistryByLB. Lauren Mildice is a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.

While this may just sound like a trend that’s bound to jack up your water bill, it turns out that there are actually myriad benefits that you’ll definitely want to get in on. Ahead, see what experts have to say about everything showers, along with details on how to take one and the best products to incorporate.

What is an “everything shower”?

An everything shower is an extended shower that consists of several steps to leave you feeling super fresh afterwards. Think of it as a deep clean for your hair and skin. For example, it may consist of exfoliating, shaving, applying a hair mask or oil, and a scalp scrub in addition to your usual shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. People often take everything showers on a day during the week where they have a little extra time to give themselves some TLC. It’s basically an at-home spa day.

What are the benefits of taking an “everything shower”?

Aside from getting the super-clean feel you’re after, an everything shower is basically an extension of your self-care routine just like… well, any other shower you take. And that’s an important way it benefits your overall wellbeing “Self-care is critical for recovery from all types of physical and emotional challenges, and is required for sustained wellbeing,” says Dr. Monnica Williams, a board-certified, licensed clinical psychologist, specialising in cognitive-behavioural therapies.

And it’s not essential to go out and spend a ton of money on products. In fact, you can get a mental booster from the act of showering in itself just by adjusting the temperature. For example, Williams points out that long hot showers can improve your mood, but opting for a cooler shower has been shown to relieve depression.

Still, it’s important to note that staying in the shower for too long can actually strip the hair and skin of natural oils. “It seems counterintuitive, but the more water that hits your skin the dryer you’re going to get, especially if it’s too hot,” says Dr. Lauren Penzi, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. “Generally, you don’t really want your shower to take more than ten minutes.” She adds that because everything showers may take longer, it’s key to use your time as efficiently as possible.

How to take an “everything shower”

At the end of the day, what goes into your everything shower should be totally catered to your needs. Not everyone needs a 12-step routine, and that’s okay! But if you’re curious to know what a step-by-step process might look like, read on for all the details.

Pre-shower

1. Wash your face: Whether you just got back from a long day at work or an intense session at the gym, make sure that you’re removing any dirt or makeup from your face before getting in the shower with a good cleanse. Taking this step prevents clogged pores and potential acne flare ups.

2. Exfoliate (optional): While some people prefer to do this in the shower, others prefer to dry brush beforehand. Note: There is no need to dry brush your skin and then exfoliate again in the shower. (And, yes, loofahs are also physical exfoliators.) So pick which kind of exfoliator you’d like to use and plan accordingly.

3. Hair mask (optional): There are some formulas that are meant to be applied to dry hair to help detangle or soften your strands before you get in the shower. When you decide to do your hair mask is ultimately your preference. Just make sure you’re using it as instructed.

In the shower

Hair

The first thing to start with is your hair. “Washing your hair first is a good thing to do because a lot of times it can prevent an acne outbreak,” says Dr. Penzi. “Sometimes these things could be somewhat occlusive and clog pores or cause irritation. So if you don’t fully wash it off with your soap thereafter, it can stay on the skin.”

1. Shampoo:

Once you’re in the shower, start by going in with your favourite shampoo. It’s important to remember that some shampoos add moisture while others are clarifying. “A clarifying shampoo is going to dry out your hair if it’s already dry,” says Lauren Mildice, a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. “It can be helpful if you have a lot of buildup or your hair feels weighed down.” In other words, figure out what you hair needs are for your wash day and pick the kind of shampoo that is going to give your hair what it needs.

Double shampooing seems to be a common step in this trend, but you only need to do it when using a clarifying shampoo, says celebrity hairstylist Laurabeth Cabott. One of her go-to shampoos for compromised hair is the Oribe Hair Alchemy Resilience Shampoo (Cult Beauty ships to South Africa). You can also use a scalp massager to stimulate blood flow and really work the product in.

2. Conditioner:

If you’re skipping on a mask, you can keep conditioner in your hair for a few minutes before rinsing. Otherwise, you can wash as usual, working the product from roots (not scalp!) to tips.

Pro tip: Don’t forget your baby hairs! They often get overlooked during the conditioning process, so make sure to show them some extra love. “They’re so easy to break off when you’re pulling your hair back or wearing headbands,” says Mildice.

3. Mask:

Masks can give your hair the extra oomph you’re looking for. You can use a protein mask to restore hair that’s been dyed, has high porosity, or has lost elasticity. A moisturising mask can add moisture, smoothness, and shine.

4. Hair oil:

Once you’re out the shower and your hair is dry, add some hydration and shine with a hair oil. However, if you have very fine hair, you may want to skip the oil. “Either way, your scalp is building oil,” says Mildice. “If anything, I would be more [consider] using Oribe’s Serene Scalp – something that’s going to be hydrating the scalp instead of just oil.”

Shop the best hair products for your everything shower:

Oribe Hair Alchemy Resilience Shampoo

Sure, you’ll have to order this from overseas but there’s a reason it’s a firm favourite of beauty experts and novices alike.

From Cult Beauty

Christophe Robin Night Recovery Cream

Damaged hair is no match for this mask. Apply and leave overnight and you’ll be in awe of the magic that happens while you sleep.

From Skin Cosmetics

Moyoko Professional Scalp Exfoliating Brush

26 gentle silicone pins give your hair and scalp a gentle and thorough deep clean, removing dirt and product build up.

From Superbalist

Body

1. Exfoliate:

As previously mentioned, you can exfoliate using a dry brush before you get in the shower. However, if you’d prefer to use a product that’s meant to be used on wet skin, you can do it as the first step after washing your hair.

“In general, if you have pretty normal standard skin, exfoliating once a week is fine,” says Dr. Penzi. “If you are way more sensitive, eczema-prone, or allergy-prone, I would back off and do it once every other week.” She adds that if you plan on shaving, exfoliating will help eliminate dead skin cells and create a smoother shave minus the friction.

2. Shave:

To get a good shave, Dr. Penzi suggests using a fragrance-free shaving cream or gel that lathers up well. She adds that you should use a generally new razor since one with dull blades is more likely to tug on your hair and cause irritation post-shave.

3. Wash:

Going in with your favourite body wash after exfoliating and shaving will clear your skin of any remaining dead skin cells, hairs, or hair product that needs to be washed off. This should technically be your last in-shower step before moisturising.

Post-shower

1. Moisturise:

Once you’ve done your full in-shower routine, seal in moisture using your go-to body lotion. Dr. Penzi recommends a moisturiser like the La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturising Cream for it’s ceramides. It also provides hydration and seals your skin barrier. If you want to use a body oil instead, she suggests Bio-Oil, which is non-greasy and non-comedogenic. Afterwards, you can follow that up with your favourite face cream, serums, oils, or even a sleeping mask (like the Huxley Good Night Sleep Mask).

2. Apply hair cream, leave-ins, or oils:

If your hair needs some more TLC, feel free to either style as you normally would or go for a less-is-more-approach. Everyone’s hair is different, so do what you know works best for you.