Everything Shower Routine: How to Transform Your Self-Care Night

There’s something special about setting aside time for an everything shower routine. It’s not just about getting clean—it’s about giving yourself a break, hitting pause, and feeling a little more put together afterward. Whether you’re new to the idea or already hooked, an everything shower routine can turn any regular night into a mini spa experience right at home. Let’s walk through how you can make your next self-care night a little more relaxing and a lot more enjoyable.

Key Takeaways

Setting the mood with music, lighting, and scents makes your everything shower routine feel more relaxing.
Prepping your skin and hair before getting in the shower helps you get better results from your products.
Taking time for deep cleansing and hair care during your shower can leave you feeling refreshed from head to toe.
Don’t skip body care—using scrubs and rich body washes makes your skin soft and smooth.
Finishing up with cozy pajamas, a drink, and some quiet time can help you wind down and sleep better.

Setting the Mood for Your Everything Shower Routine

Before you start your everything shower, pause for a minute and think about how you want to feel by the time you’re done. Setting the mood makes a big difference—it turns a regular shower into something you look forward to all week. The right music, lighting, and even a few scents can help you unwind and treat yourself right.

Choosing the Perfect Playlist and Lighting

Music and lighting are like your invitation to relax. Pick a playlist that fits the tone you want—maybe something mellow, some soft lo-fi beats, or old favorites that just make you happy. For lighting, if you don’t have a dimmer or built-in options, try string lights or a lamp in the hallway. Even battery-operated candles can work in a pinch (especially if you’re in a dorm or can’t light real ones).

Soft, warm bulbs or string lights create a calming atmosphere
Upbeat playlists for an energizing boost, or slow tempo for winding down
If you prefer showers in the dark, a single nightlight is enough for safety but still cozy

Take a breath as the first song starts, and let this moment be just for you.

Incorporating Calming Scents and Candles

Don’t underestimate the power of scent. Just a little can go a long way—you don’t need expensive products either. Here are some simple ways to weave calming smells into your routine:

Light a candle on the sink or a nearby ledge (never leave it unattended, obviously).
Hang a bundle of eucalyptus from the shower head—the steam will release its fresh scent.
Use a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or chamomile) on a washcloth or in a diffuser if you have one.

The right smells can signal to your brain that it’s time to shift gears and slow down.

Creating a Spa-Like Ambiance at Home

You don’t need a fancy bathroom to feel like you’re at a spa. Small touches can really build the mood:

Lay out a plush towel and a robe to slip into right after your shower.
Set a favorite drink nearby—tea, infused water, or seltzer all work.
Get everything within reach so you’re not scrambling during your routine.

Finishing touches like these make the whole thing feel less like a chore and more like an event—one that’s just for you. Enjoy every minute, because self-care doesn’t need to be complicated; it needs to fit what makes you comfortable and happy.

Essential Pre-Shower Prep Steps

Getting ready for an everything shower starts before the taps get turned on. These steps are all about laying the groundwork, so you can get the most out of your self-care night and actually enjoy the process. Take your time with each step—this is probably the only time in the week you're allowed to make a mess in the name of feeling good.

Dry Brushing and Exfoliating

Dry brushing is where I like to begin. There’s something super satisfying about using a brush with firm, natural bristles to sweep over dry skin before entering the shower. This not only buffs away dead skin but also wakes up your circulation.

How to dry brush:

Start at your feet and make your way upward using gentle, upward strokes
Focus on each area for a few moments, brushing toward your heart
Don’t press too hard—a light hand helps avoid irritation

For extra smoothness, you can follow up with a gentle exfoliator (like a sugar or coffee scrub) on stubborn areas like elbows, knees, and heels.

This step gets messy, but it’s worth it—trust me, your skin will thank you, and you’ll already feel cleaner before the water even hits.

Applying Hair Masks and Scalp Oils

Before you jump in the shower, treat your hair and scalp to some love. Hair masks and scalp oils both work better the longer they stay on, so slather them on before you get distracted by steam. Here’s what usually works:

Section dry hair and massage a nourishing scalp oil into the roots.
Glide a hair mask or deep conditioner through the mid-lengths and ends.
Clip your hair up and leave the treatments in while you finish up your other prep steps.

This combo leaves hair soft, shiny, and easier to handle later.

Removing Makeup and Cleansing Skin

The final must-do before stepping in the shower is removing every last bit of makeup, SPF, and the rest of the day's grime. Using a cleansing balm or micellar water makes things so much easier and leaves your face prepped for a real deep clean once the water gets involved. Try this routine:

Massage makeup remover or cleansing oil onto dry skin
Work the product in for at least 60 seconds
Rinse off gently with water or a soft cloth

If you're wearing heavy makeup, a double cleanse with a gentle face wash after the balm is a good move.

Pre-shower rituals aren't just busywork—they make your everything shower way more effective and a lot more relaxing in the long run.

Deep Cleansing and Hair Care Rituals

A solid everything shower isn’t complete until you give your hair and skin a proper, serious clean. Let's break down the steps so you can get that refreshed, spa-day feel right in your bathroom.

Double Cleansing Your Face

Double cleansing really means washing your face twice, but each time serves a different purpose:

Start with an oil-based cleanser to get rid of sunscreen, makeup, and daily grime.
Follow up with a gentle gel or cream cleanser to actually clean the skin itself.
Rinse gently, and don’t rush—letting that cleanser work can make a difference.

Even if you’re not a beauty fanatic, this simple routine can help your skin feel cleaner and less congested after a long week.

Shampooing and Deep Conditioning Techniques

Healthy hair starts with a good cleanse. Here’s the trick: you don’t need to shampoo daily, especially when you're planning an everything shower. Try a routine like this:

Use a clarifying shampoo just once a week to remove all the product build-up.
Between heavy shampoos, co-washing (using conditioner to clean the scalp) keeps hair soft and not overly dry.
After shampooing, slather on a deep conditioner or hair mask and leave it on for 5–10 minutes. Use this time to relax or do your second face cleanse.

If you’re looking for special products, there's info on how OLAPLEX Bond Maintenance keeps hair healthy with weekly use—find more in this recommended haircare routine.

Example Weekly Hair Cleansing Table

Day	Step	Purpose
Mon	Shampoo + Condition	Remove build-up, hydrate strands
Wed	Co-wash	Moisturize, reduce scalp dryness
Fri	Co-wash	Refresh scalp and hair

Detangling and Treating Scalp Health

Dealing with knots and a dry scalp is super common. For best results:

After conditioning, use a wide-tooth comb to gently work from the ends up (never start at the roots—trust me, you’ll regret it).
Massage your scalp a bit as you rinse out conditioner; this feels great and can help boost circulation.
If your scalp feels itchy or flaky, try a light scalp oil treatment before your everything shower.

Giving just a little extra care to your scalp and strands really helps your hair feel noticeably softer and cleaner at the end of your routine.

With these deep cleansing and hair care rituals, you’re setting the stage for seriously fresh hair and glowing skin, ready for whatever comes next.

Body Care for Radiant, Soft Skin

Taking care of your skin during your everything shower isn't just a treat—it's the step where you lock in all that softness and glow. This part feels especially luxurious after a long week, and there’s something about a good body scrub or a favorite wash that can make it feel almost like you’re in your own spa.

Choosing the Right Body Scrubs and Tools

Not every scrub or tool is right for everyone, so it does take some trial and error to find your ideal match. Here’s a quick table comparing popular body exfoliation options:

Product Type	Texture	Best for	Frequency
Sugar Scrubs	Fine/soft	Sensitive skin	1-2x/week
Salt Scrubs	Coarse	Rough patches	1x/week
Exfoliating Gloves/Mitts	Variable	General use	2-3x/week
Dry Brushes	Firm	Boosting glow	Before shower

Choose sugar scrubs if your skin gets easily irritated.
Salt scrubs are better for elbows, knees, or bumpy skin.
Exfoliating gloves give you control over pressure and are easy to keep clean.
Dry brushes aren’t used wet but wake up the skin just before your shower.

Sometimes, trying a new body scrub can turn a routine shower into something surprisingly refreshing.

Shaving Tips for Silky Results

If shaving is part of your routine, don’t skip these steps for best results:

Start by exfoliating gently so you have a smooth surface.
Always use a good, moisturizing shave cream or gel—your skin will thank you.
Shave in short, light strokes and go with the grain on sensitive areas.
Use a fresh blade to avoid nicks and razor bumps.
Rinse with cool water to calm your skin after you finish.

Nothing beats the feeling of fresh sheets on newly shaved, soft legs!

Hydrating with Rich Body Washes

Body wash isn’t one-size-fits-all either. If your skin feels tight after a shower, you might need something creamier or with added oils. Here are a few things to think about:

Go for body washes labeled as “hydrating” or “for dry skin” if you get ashy or flaky.
Light gel formulas work well for humid weather or if you don’t like heavy products.
Oils or body serums (sometimes you’ll see them as “in-shower moisturizers”) can be applied while you’re still in the shower for a quick dose of nourishment.

When you spend a little extra time on the body care part of your shower, you really can feel the difference the rest of the night. Think of it as your own reward for making it through the week.

Post-Shower Skincare and Hydration

After the everything shower, your skin's ready to soak up moisture and every bit of care you throw its way. These post-shower steps don’t just keep your skin feeling soft, but also help lock in any benefits from the products you used in the shower. Let’s break it down:

Layering Body Oils, Lotions, and Serums

Applying your products in the right order makes a real difference in how your skin feels and looks. Start with lightweight, water-based serums first—these absorb quickly and can target specific issues like dryness or irritation. Next, go for your go-to lotion to add another layer of moisture. Finish up with an oil, which seals everything in and gives skin that smooth, glowy effect.

Here's a quick chart to organize your steps:

Step	Product Type	Benefit
1	Body Serum	Quick absorption, targeted hydration
2	Lotion	Rich moisture, softer skin
3	Body Oil	Locks in hydration, adds sheen

Layering isn’t just for your face—body products work best in this order for deep and lasting moisture. For a routine using body serums and oils, check some ideas for optimal post-shower body care.

Face Masks and Hydrating Treatments

Your face often needs extra TLC after a thorough cleanse. Hydrating masks—whether sheet masks or creamy overnight formulas—help replenish what hot water and steam might strip away. Always look for calming ingredients if your skin skews sensitive. A short ten-minute mask while you unwind can calm redness and boost hydration. Then, follow up with a gentle moisturizer or barrier cream.

Use a mask 1–2 times a week for best results
Avoid harsh actives right after showering
Try a soothing mist between mask and moisturizer for extra comfort

Take your time with this step—your skin always tells you what it needs. Some days it’s just a light serum and oil, others you might crave that cooling, juicy mask.

Sealing in Moisture for Lasting Glow

Keeping moisture on lock is the final move. Pat your skin mostly dry (don’t rub), then apply your body care products—serum, lotion, and oil—while you’re still slightly damp. This seals hydration right into your skin. Don’t forget your neck, chest, and even elbows or knees, spots that always seem to dry out first.

Tips for sealing in moisture:

Apply products right after toweling off, while skin is slightly moist
Use thicker creams on rougher areas
Let everything sink in for a few minutes before getting dressed

By sticking to these steps, your post-shower routine does more than keep your skin soft—it also turns the end of your self-care night into a small ritual you’ll actually look forward to.

Finishing Touches to Complete Your Self-Care Night

You’ve made it through your everything shower routine. Now it’s time for the cherry on top—those last steps that help you wind down and soak up all the goodness you just gave yourself. Think of this part as gently bringing your mind and body to rest mode.

Cozy Pajamas and Fresh Bedding

Changing into clean, soft pajamas is an underrated pleasure, but it truly seals in that fresh feeling. To make things even better:

Swap out your sheets earlier in the day, so you can slip into fresh bedding after your routine.
Choose pajamas made with breathable fabrics like cotton for extra comfort.
Lay out your clothes ahead of time, so this transition is smooth and calm rather than rushed.

Walking into a tidy, inviting bed after treating your skin and hair feels like a reward in itself.

Sipping Herbal Tea or Water to Rehydrate

Don’t forget, hydrating before bed is as important as any lotion or mask. Here are some favorite options:

Drink	Benefit
Herbal tea	Calms and relaxes
Warm water	Hydrates & soothes
Coconut water	Light electrolyte fix

You could try a calming chamomile or mint tea, especially if you want to keep away from caffeine at night. Even a plain glass of cool water hits differently when the whole evening has been about caring for yourself.

Journaling or Meditating Before Bed

The last piece? Give your mind a little reset too. Before you drift off, try:

Journaling a few lines about your day, what you’re grateful for, or simply how your body feels after your routine.
Doing a five-minute breathing exercise or guided meditation to settle your thoughts.
Putting your phone away and focusing on the silence, even if it’s just for a couple minutes.

These quiet habits can actually make it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling more rested—almost like you pressed a reset button for your mind.

Finishing your self-care night with these little rituals helps lock in the comfort and calm. If you want ideas for a relaxing nighttime skincare routine to seal in hydration, there are some great steps to explore too.

Wrapping Up Your Everything Shower Routine

So, that's the everything shower in a nutshell. It's not just about getting clean—it's a whole reset for your mind and body. Whether you go all out with scrubs, masks, and oils, or just stick to the basics, the main thing is to make it your own. Some nights you'll want the full routine, other times you'll keep it simple. Either way, taking this time for yourself can really help you unwind and feel a little more put together. Try it out, tweak it as you go, and see what works best for you. At the end of the day, it's your self-care night—do what feels good and enjoy every minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an everything shower routine?

An everything shower routine is a special, longer shower where you do all your self-care steps at once. This can include washing your hair, deep cleaning your skin, shaving, exfoliating, and moisturizing. It's like a spa night at home that helps you feel clean and relaxed.

How often should I do an everything shower?

Most people do an everything shower about once a week. It can take a lot of time, so it's not something you need to do every day. Pick a night when you have extra time to relax and enjoy the process.

Do I need fancy products for an everything shower?

No, you don't need expensive or fancy products. You can use whatever you already have at home. Simple items like a gentle cleanser, body wash, scrub, and moisturizer work just fine.

Should I dry brush before or after showering?

It's best to dry brush your skin before you get in the shower. Dry brushing helps remove dead skin cells and gets your blood flowing. After dry brushing, you can rinse off in the shower and continue with your routine.

What can I do to make my shower feel more like a spa?

You can play your favorite music, dim the lights, and light a candle or use some essential oils. Warm towels, cozy pajamas, and soft bedding after your shower can also help make the night feel extra special.

Is it okay to use a hair mask and a face mask at the same time?

Yes, it’s totally fine! In fact, many people like to put on a hair mask and a face mask at the same time during their everything shower. Just follow the directions for each product and rinse them off as needed.