What Is an Everything Shower? The Simple Routine Most People Get Wrong

An everything shower is a full head-to-toe routine where you take care of all the steps you usually skip in a quick shower, like exfoliating, shaving, deep conditioning, and moisturizing.

It sounds simple, but it often turns into a routine that’s too long, too complicated, or easy to skip altogether.

The version you see online is often overdone, overloaded with products, and built to look impressive rather than actually work. What should be a helpful reset turns into a long list of steps that feel like too much effort to repeat.

A good everything shower is not about doing more. It is about doing what matters, in the right order, so you walk out feeling clean, pulled together, and taken care of without wasting time or energy.

IIf you remember one thing, it’s this: a few good products you’re excited to use, that feel a little luxurious, will always beat a long list you won’t stick to.

What Is an Everything Shower? (Quick Answer)

An everything shower is a full-body routine where you wash your hair, exfoliate your skin, shave, and moisturize in one session. It’s typically done once a week as a more thorough version of your daily shower.

What an Everything Shower Actually Includes

At its core, this is a maintenance routine.

You are not trying to transform anything. You are taking care of the details that make a difference in how you feel day to day.

That includes:

• Treating your hair
• Washing and conditioning
• Exfoliating your skin
• Shaving or grooming
• Cleansing your body
• Moisturizing afterward

That’s enough.

Most versions you see online layer in extra steps that don’t add much value. The more complicated it becomes, the less likely you are to stick with it. Often, there are so many products involved they’re literally getting washed down the drain before they have a chance to work.

The Simple Everything Shower Routine That Actually Works

Most people don’t get this wrong because of the order. They get it wrong because they try to do too much.

Too many products, too many steps, and suddenly something that should feel simple turns into a routine you don’t have time for.

A good everything shower is more edited than that.

You’re using a few products that work, moving through the steps without overthinking it, and getting the benefits without turning it into a project..

Step 1: Start Before You Get In

If you dry brush, this is where it goes.

A dry brush helps remove dead skin, boost circulation, and makes your skin smoother before you even turn the water on. It takes less than a minute, but it makes everything that follows more effective.

If you prefer one, the goop G.Tox Ultimate Dry Brush is a solid option.

If you’re new to it, here’s the benefits of dry brushing and how to do it properly.

Step 2: Get In and Let the Water Do the Work

Once you get in, let warm water run over your skin and hair for a few minutes.

This softens everything and makes each step that follows easier and more effective.

Do not rush this part.

If you want to make this feel a little more intentional, something as simple as a eucalyptus shower spray can shift the entire experience. I’ve been using this one from European Spa Source after coming across it at a spa in Las Vegas, and it’s an easy way to create that same clean, calming scent at home. It’s lighter and more natural than most shower steamers, and it makes those first few minutes feel like a reset instead of something you’re rushing through.

Step 3: Treat Your Hair Before Shampoo

Before you shampoo, apply a treatment to your hair.

The Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector is a pre-shampoo treatment that helps repair damage and strengthen your hair over time, not just make it feel softer for the day. You apply it to damp hair, let it sit while you move through the next step, and then wash as usual.

Step 4: Wash Your Hair

Shampoo your scalp well, especially if you use dry shampoo or styling products during the week.

If your hair tends to hold onto buildup, washing twice can make a noticeable difference. The first wash removes residue. The second actually cleans.

If you want something that goes a step further, a scalp-focused shampoo can help give your scalp a deeper clean.

The goop Himalayan Salt Scalp Scrub Shampoo works well if you like a more physical exfoliation—it helps break up buildup and leaves your scalp feeling especially clean.

If you prefer something a little gentler, the LolaVie Exfoliate & Detox Scalp Shampoo gives you that same refreshed feeling in a way that’s easier to use regularly.

You don’t need both—just pick the one that fits how often you wash your hair.

If you’re using a scalp scrub shampoo, you don’t need a separate shampoo. It’s designed to cleanse and exfoliate at the same time, so one wash is usually enough. If you’re not using a scalp scrub, your regular shampoo here is fine.

Step 5: Condition and Detangle

After you rinse out your shampoo, apply your conditioner and let it sit for a few minutes.

You don’t need another heavy treatment here if you already used one before shampoo. This step is about restoring moisture and making your hair easier to manage.

This is also the best time to gently detangle your hair.

The Crown Affair Comb No. 002 is designed to be used in the shower and helps work through knots without pulling or causing unnecessary breakage.

Clip your hair up and let it sit while you move on.

Step 6: Cleanse and Exfoliate

This is where everything comes together.

Wash your entire body, and use this step to exfoliate where you need it. You don’t have to treat every area the same. Focus a little more attention on spots that tend to feel dry or rough, like arms, legs, and the back of your thighs.

A gentle, hydrating body wash makes a difference here, especially if your skin leans dry. The Hanni Rich Rinse Hydrating Body Wash works more like a serum than a traditional wash, so your skin feels soft even before you step out.

For exfoliation, a tool like an African net sponge makes this easy. It exfoliates while you cleanse, so you’re not adding an extra step or overthinking it. The Omas Cosmetics African Net Sponge is a great option. It’s effective without being harsh, easy to use, and I like supporting the small, woman-owned brand behind it.

Use a light hand. You can do this regularly, even daily, as long as you’re not being aggressive. The goal is smoother, healthier skin, not irritation.

If your skin starts to feel tight or sensitive, pull back and focus on hydration instead.

Step 7: Shave When Your Skin Is Ready

Shave after exfoliating, when your skin is soft and prepped.

This helps reduce irritation and gives a smoother result. If you skip exfoliation or rush this step, it usually shows.

A product like the Tree Hut Santal Haze Moisturizing Shave Oil helps the razor glide easily while keeping skin hydrated, which makes a noticeable difference in preventing irritation and ingrown hairs.

Step 8: Wash Your Face Last

Always cleanse your face at the end.

Hair products, conditioner, and even body wash can leave residue on your skin, especially around your hairline, back, and shoulders. Washing your face last helps remove all of that and cuts down on breakouts and irritation.

It’s also one of the easiest ways to stay consistent. Keep a bottle of your regular cleanser in the shower so you’re not skipping this step at the sink later.

Step 9: Rinse and Finish

Rinse everything thoroughly and finish your shower.

If you want the easiest way to lock in moisture before you step out, use the Hanni Splash Salve. You smooth it on in the shower, rinse lightly, and it leaves your skin soft and hydrated without needing a separate lotion step.

At this point, your skin should feel clean, comfortable, and moisturized, not tight or stripped.

For both Hanni products, you can use code TWDL15 for 15% off.

What to Do After an Everything Shower

At this point, you’re done.

If your skin is still slightly damp:

• Apply body lotion or oil if you didn’t use an in-shower moisturizer
• Use any leave-in hair products you rely on
• Follow your regular skincare routine

What you use to dry your hair matters more than people think. Instead of a traditional towel, something designed for wet hair, like the Crown Affair The Towel, helps reduce friction, minimize breakage, and speeds up drying time.

The Version Most People Get Wrong

Most everything shower routines fall into one of two extremes.

We either overcomplicate them to the point that they feel like a chore, with too many steps, too many products, and not enough time to actually follow through.

Or we skip them altogether, telling ourselves we’ll get to it later, and then never do.

A better approach is to treat this as a standing routine. One night a week, no decision-making, no overthinking.

You use products that are both effective and feel good to use, and you follow a simple, efficient order so you get all the benefits without turning it into a project.

When it’s built into your week, it stops feeling like something extra and starts feeling like maintenance.

This Is Productive Self-Care

There is a version of an everything shower that feels indulgent.

You can take your time, play music, light a candle, and make it something you look forward to.

But the real value is not in turning it into something elaborate.

It is in using that time to take care of the things that actually make a difference. Clean hair, smoother skin, basic grooming that helps you feel more like yourself.

Most of us don’t have unlimited time. A routine only becomes useful when it fits into your life. The goal is not to make it longer. The goal is to make it count.

How Often Should You Do an Everything Shower?

Not every day.

For most women, once a week is enough.

Doing this too often can leave your skin dry and irritated, especially if you are exfoliating and shaving in the same routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should an everything shower take?
About 20 to 30 minutes when done efficiently.

How often should you take an everything shower?
Once or twice a week is enough for most people.

Do you need special products for an everything shower?
No. You can use what you already have as long as you follow the right order. But consider investing in few better products to elevate the experience.

Should you exfoliate and shave in the same shower?
Yes, but only if your skin tolerates it well. If you notice irritation, separate those steps into different days.

A Simple Version You Can Actually Stick To

1. Dry brush before getting in
2. Let warm water soften skin and hair
3. Apply a hair treatment
4. Shampoo
5. Condition and detangle
6. Exfoliate gently
7. Shave if needed
8. Cleanse your body
9. Wash your face
10. Rinse and finish
11. Moisturize while skin is damp

That’s it.

No extra steps. No unnecessary products. Just a routine that works and is easy to come back to.

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