Why would anyone waste their time in the bath having a self care routine shower when they could shower and head out to other essential activities for the day?
And If you have this thought in your head, then youโre just like me, before I knew the Importance of having a Self care shower routine.
So, youโre welcome, my fellow โLittle miss Productive.โ
We all agree that, as humans, showering is essential to us, and if you donโt bathe, youโre bound to stink.
However, showering is an excellent way to relax and catch your breath.
Imagine after a long day at work, especially in the summer when the hustle and bustle are high.
When you return home, you want to shower and let down your hair with water trickling down your stressed body with light music and scented candles (this is screaming relaxation, right?)
Showering can be a great form of relaxation.
And since we must shower daily to stay clean, why not turn those 10โ30 minutes into a self care routine shower?
Thus, I know your mind is made up on having a self care shower routine, but youโre wondering – how do you take a self care shower? What should be in my self care shower routine?
Donโt fret; I have put together the best self-care routine shower steps in this blog post so that you can build a shower routine for glowing skin and relaxation.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means Iโll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Kindly read the full disclosure here.
Why Should you Have a Self Care Shower?
Self care shower is excellent for relaxation. Whether you work from home or youโre a 9-5, taking a few minutes of your day to shower is essential.
However, having a self care shower is beyond spending a lot of time in the shower.
You can create a sustainable self care shower routine without spending much time.
Because if youโre anything like me, you want to get as many results from the time you spend.
Besides, with a self care shower routine, you can quickly achieve consistency in practicing skin care.
What is the Perfect Shower Routine?
Kindly note; there is no straightforward way of having a Self care routine shower, as how we have our bath, the things we implement for skin and self care may differ.
However, a perfect shower routine should meet your self care needs and help you achieve relaxation while maintaining healthy and glowing skin.
For example, A perfect shower routine should include things to do before showering, like brushing and untangling your hair, and after shower care, such as moisturizing your body.
Hence, a perfect shower routine should include things to do before, while, and after showering to help you achieve your self care goals.
Now you know why you should have a self care routine shower and that a perfect self care routine is a shower routine that meets your self care goal and brings you relaxation.
Therefore, without further ado, letโs delve into the best self care showering steps.
23 Best Self-Care Routine Shower Steps for You
Just so you know, weโll divide our self-care shower routine into 3 – Things to do before self-care shower, in shower activities, and after shower care routine.
5 Before Shower Steps
Are you ready to hop into the shower? Oops! Hold up; you have a few things to do before showering if you want to make the most of your self care routine shower. These are simple before-shower steps;
1 | Remove Makeup Before Showering
I know, sis, you want to shower so fast. But do you have your makeup on?
Removing makeup before getting into the shower is ideal because your makeup Is quite sticky.
And for some makeup products, water doesnโt wash them off thoroughly.
Instead of using water, I use moist makeup remover cleansing Face wipes.
Because itโs gentle on the skin, forcefully cleaning makeup thoroughly with water may lead to the roughness of your face.
Anyways, I swear by Neutrogena Makeup remover face wipe as it does the job more excellently.
2 | Apply Cleansing Oil to Remove Stubborn Makeup
Have you ever removed makeup from your face in a hurry using soap and water, only to get out of the shower and realize that your white towel is stained with makeup?
If you have, youโre not alone. Regular cleansers, especially waterproof mascara or long-lasting lipstick, may not always do the trick when removing stubborn makeup.
Thatโs where cleansing oils come in handy.
Not only does cleansing oil remove stubborn makeup, but it also leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated.
Therefore cleansing is an excellent addition to your self care routine shower, especially if you wear makeup regularly or have dry skin.
3 | Brush Your Hair
Have you ever had to brush your tangled hair after showering? Ouch, the pain of brushing wet and tangled hair gives me chills and can lead to hair breakage.
That is why you should brush your hair before getting into the shower.
Not only does it help you prevent breakage, but itโs also relaxing.
Additionally, brushing your hair before showering can help to remove any tangles or knots that may have formed.
Thus, making it easier to wash and condition your hair in the shower can help to prevent further damage or breakage.
So, the next time youโre getting ready to shower, take a few minutes to give your hair a good brushing first. Your hair (and scalp) will thank you for it!
4 | Maintain The Right Temperature
Showering with boiling water every time can be pretty tempting, and if youโre anything like me, you enjoy a hot water bath.
However, Hot water can make your skin dehydrated by stripping your skin of natural oils.
To enjoy your self care routine shower, find the best comfortable and not-so-hot temperature to maintain healthy skin and scalp.
5 | Add some Lighting and Shower Track
Your bathroom doesnโt have to be quiet and dull. Adding toned-down lighting helps elevate your mood and bring a calming effect into your self care shower.
Perhaps youโre like me, who loves to sing and listen to songs in the shower, then create a shower playlist with relaxing songs and audiobooks that sets you in a good mood and helps you relax and decompress.
While listening to songs is not what I do every time I set foot in the shower. But whenever I do so, I leave the shower happier.
6 | Infuse Aromatherapy into your Self Care Routine Shower
Say hello to Scented candles and some eucalyptus around the shower head!!!
Scented candles are popular today as they help set the mood right, reduce stress, control anxiety, etc.
Meanwhile, handing dried eucalyptus on the shower head is trendy.
Because when hot water splashes over the dried eucalyptus leaves, it releases natural oils and a pleasing scent.
So, imagine you go into your shower with your untangled hair and thoroughly cleaned face without makeup, and soft relaxing music is playing in the background.
With dim lights and scented candles, your brain is already relaxing while the correct temperature of water trickles down your skin.
Implement these simple before shower steps and watch your self care shower routine become a luxury spa session.
Things to do in the Shower
The best part of your self care shower routine is the steps you take while in the shower. Honestly, a lot of us just want to jump right into this, and now we are here;
7 | Wet Your Hair and Apply Shampoo
The first thing I do when I step my foot in the shower is wet my hair for at least 2 minutes as I allow water from the shower to trickle down my body while taking a deep breath.
The next step is to apply the right shampoo to your hair and, most importantly, buy a shampoo thatโs good for your hair and has a pleasant scent.
When I was a kid, my mum had a set of shampoo and hair conditioner that smelled like a mixture of fruits, and I wondered if I could eat them. (lol)
Your hair shampoo can be effective even with a good smell. So consider buying a shampoo that;
- is eco friendly
- smells good
- rinses out quickly
- leaves your hair shiny
- hydrating and affordable
8 | Scrub and Massage Your Scalp
Scrubbing and massaging my hair is one of my favorite steps of self care routine shower as I find this part more relaxing and tingling (lol).
But then, how do you scrub your hair? Do you go old school using the tips of your fingers to scrub your scalp?
I use a scalp scrubber and massager because my scalp is quite sensitive, and I have sharp fingernails that cut my skin even when short and filed.
Moreover, a scalp scrubber is ideal because it helps remove dead skin cells and product build-up from your scalp and leaves you with a healthy-looking scalp and hair.
It also helps with the application of products and treatments to your scalp.
PSS: like me, show your scalp some kindness with this scalp scrubber Iโm obsessed over.
9 | Rinse Out Shampoo Thoroughly
As a kid, I thought leaving shampoo and conditioner in my hair would lead to hair growth, and guess what? It leads to breakage and dandruff.
Rinsing out the shampoo from your hair is essential. However, avoid rinsing your scalp with very hot water. For the best hair treatment, use lukewarm water to rinse out shampoo from your hair.
10 | Apply conditioner
After shampooing, apply a small amount of deep conditioner to the ends of your hair, clip your hair, so it doesnโt get in your way, and leave it in for a few minutes while you move on to other steps in your self care routine shower.
Honestly, I deep condition my hair a few times a week, as Iโm always running out of the shower and trying to spend less time there.
But this deep conditioner works magic on my hair even though I consider it pricey.
11 | Wash your Body with Soap or Liquid Body Wash
Now your hair is taken care of, use a good body wash or soap to clean your body. Lather up the soap and wash your body thoroughly.
Pss: You should pay special attention to areas that tend to accumulate sweat and bacteria, like your armpit, under your boobs, etc
Also, note that skin sensitivity is essential. Iโm particular about my soap and cream; for someone whose skin sensitivity always hits the roof.
Iโm yet to find a body wash that works for me without reaction. But I use this Bar soap, which works wonders for my skin.
12 | Use Loofah Or Body Scrub to Exfoliate
Okayyy! Quick question, yea. Do you cleanse before exfoliating or the other way around?
Exfoliate or use a loofah or body scrubber to exfoliate your skin, focusing on rough areas like elbows and knees.
Exfoliating is vital for removing dead skin cells and revealing your natural glow. So, donโt forget to do it year-round!
Personally, I donโt use body scrub daily; I exfoliate at least twice a week using this body scrub that makes my skin smooth and tender.
But because this is a self care routine shower, exfoliating is vital as your skin needs all the love it can get.
Pss: If you plan to shave, now is the time. Iโll advise you to invest in a good razor and shaving cream.
Because using razors not suitable for you can lead to having bumps on your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.
13 | Rinse Off Soap and Body Scrub
I know youโre in a hurry to wash away soap and body scrub off your body. Hold up!
Firstly, Rinse off the soap and body scrub with warm water before rinsing again with cool water, as this helps close your pores.
14 | Exofoliate and Wash Your Face
The next important self care shower step is washing your face.
How do you wash your face? Do you use your hands? Or do you use wipes, a loofah, or a face brush?
Washing my face with a tender silicon face brush instead of using my hands is a game changer.
It leaves my skin clean and massaged, and I can feel air sipping through every pore on my face.
Kindly note; Using Loofah on your face is terrible and unhealthy as it leads to a breakout.
Instead, invests in a soft silicon face scrub brush.
15 | Brush Your Conditioned Hair
Do you remember you still have conditioner in your hair right? Now is the time to let down your hair and brush through your wet, conditioned hair using a wet Brush (This Wet Brush is a game-changer).
A wet brush is a detangler, as you must avoid using an inappropriate hairbrush. It will be painful and lead to heaps of your hair breaking through a comb.
One simple hack I use to brush my tangled hair and remove all messy knots without feeling pain or stressing my scalp is to start with the tip of the hair and work my way up, removing all knots.
After which, I place my hand on my scalp and use the other hand to brush out all tangles without feeling any pain or stress to my scalp.
16 Rinse Your Hair With Cool Water
Should you rinse your hair with Hot, Warm, or Cold water?
Rinsing your hair with warm water is perfect at the beginning of your shower routine.
I.e., when applying and washing off shampoo, as it helps remove grease, dirt, and residues and opens up the pores of your scalp.
However, after conditioning your hair, itโs advisable to use cool water to wash off the conditioner because it helps seal moisture and close the pores of your scalp.
17 | Rinse Your Body
The final step to take in the shower is to rinse off your body. And I know itโs pretty tempting to feel like drenching yourself for a few minutes before getting out of the shower, but this will make your skin prone to dryness.
After showering, I love to wash with cool water. But if you hate bathing with cold water, consider using lukewarm water for the final rinsing of your body.
After Shower Self Care Routine
Now youโre out of the shower, your shower care routine continues if you want to maintain glowing skin and healthy hair.
A quick Note: Your self care routine shower continues after you leave the shower. So, if you want a perfect self care shower routine, stick around for the following after shower care routine.
18 | Dry Your Hair With a Soft Towel or Microfiber Hair Towel
After washing your hair, avoid rubbing your hair or tightly wrapping a towel around your hair to remove excess water, as this can lead to breakage.
Instead, gently pat your hair dry with a soft towel or Microfiber hair towel (this is best for preventing hair breakage due to drying).
And loosely wrap the towel around your hair, keeping it on for several minutes to remove excess water.
19 | Pat Yourself Dry with A towel
After showering, gently pat dry your skin with a soft, absorbent towel instead of scrubbing your skin with your towel, as this can lead to dry, flaky skin.
Whatโs the essence of having a self care shower routine if you end up damaging your skin while drying it after having a relaxing bath?
Meanwhile, when drying your skin after a shower, donโt dry it out completely; leave a little water, so you can quickly moisturize your skin.
20 | Moisturize Your Body with Body Lotion
I have dry skin, and the only way I can maintain healthy skin is by moisturizing my semi-wet body with my E45 body lotion (recommended by my dermatologist), and I never skip this process.
Your self care routine shower is incomplete without moisturizing your body.
Although, I know many people with oily skin who complain about how sweaty they get after applying body lotions.
According to Kiehls โThe key to managing oily skin is to ensure youโre hydrating it without applying additional oil from other products. Skipping moisturizer altogether but loading up on oil-fighting skincare ingredients leaves your skin with no moisture, leading to dehydrating it.โ
21 | Apply Hair Oil and Massage Your Scalp
Now itโs time to let out your loosely wrapped hair from the towel and show your hair some love.
The type of hair oil you use on your hair is dependent on your hair type (so, different hair oil for different folks).
You should apply hair oil on your scalp and massage it with your fingertips using a circular motion.
I love using hair products with shea butter or aloe vera in them.
22 | Dry and Bush Your Hair with a Dryer brush
Instead of using a Blow dryer, I use a dryer brush for drying and styling my hair simultaneously, as it takes away the stress of using two tools (a hair dryer and a comb at the same time).
With hair oil and proper hair treatment, using a dryer comb helps you achieve salon hair standards without going out to the salon.
Additionally, hair care is a vital shower care routine step.
23 | Apply Skin Care Products,
Without primary skin care products, your self-shower care routine is incomplete, so you can achieve glowing, healthy skin.
Iโd love to lounge for a few minutes with a face mask when Iโm not going out immediately after a shower.
Afterward, I moisturize my face and apply sunscreen, which is a must because it gets prettily hot over here all year round except during the rainy season.
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Finally, on the Steps for the Best Self Care Shower Routine
All these steps may seem overwhelming to start, but it pays off when you follow them and treat your body with utmost care.
There is no straitjacket method for practicing sled care or having a self care shower.
You need to test what works for you and run with it.
But most importantly, be intentional about your self care routine shower, donโt get caught up with life, and forget how important you need to treat your body.