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How to Plan an Everything Shower that Feels Like a Spa Day

Transform your routine with an everything shower! Learn how to plan and execute a head-to-toe self-care ritual for deep cleanliness and relaxation.

A woman relaxes in a bubble-filled bathtub, surrounded by lit candles and soft bokeh lights. A glass of — everything shower

You know those days when a quick rinse just won’t cut it? That’s when an everything shower comes in. It’s a head-to-toe self-care ritual that goes way beyond your usual routine, designed to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize every part of you. This article walks you through the exact step-by-step method, what products to gather, and how to avoid common mistakes so you can turn your bathroom into a personal spa.

Courtesy of: stockcake.com

Key Takeaways

  • Set aside 30 to 60 minutes so you never feel rushed during the routine.
  • Start with a double cleanse on your face, then apply a clay mask and hair mask together.
  • Exfoliate your body before shaving to help prevent ingrown hairs and strawberry legs.
  • Always moisturize immediately after towel-drying to lock in hydration.
  • Use a clarifying shampoo no more than once a week to avoid drying out your hair.

What is an Everything Shower?

An everything shower is a head-to-toe self-care ritual that goes far beyond your usual quick rinse. It’s designed to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize every part of you, turning a basic shower into a spa-like experience at home. The process typically includes hair care, facial cleansing, body exfoliation, shaving, and intensive moisturizing, all done in a calm, unhurried atmosphere. The goal is to step out feeling deeply clean, incredibly smooth, and completely relaxed.

Your Everything Shower Product Checklist

Various bottles of lotions and soaps are displayed on a wooden bath caddy over a bathtub — everything shower
Photo credit: goodhousekeeping.com

Gather everything you need before you start so the routine flows without interruptions. Consider your skin and hair type when choosing products, especially if you have sensitive skin.

  • Face: cleansing balm, cleansing oil, foaming cleanser, clay mask
  • Hair: clarifying shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, pre-wash treatment
  • Body: ingrown hair scrub, shaving cream or oil, razor, hydrating body wash, loofah
  • Post-shower: wide-tooth comb, body lotion or oil, lip balm
  • Extras: wrist wash bands, hair clips, plush towel, robe, silk pajamas

Your Step-by-Step Everything Shower Routine

Woman with towel on head applies hair mask in a bright bathroom, focusing on her wet hair — everything shower
Image credit: aurahairstyle.com

Follow this exact order from the video to get the full everything shower experience.

  1. Clip your hair back: Keep it out of your face and remove all jewelry so nothing gets in the way.
  2. Double cleanse your face: Start with a cleansing balm to remove heavy makeup, then follow with a cleansing oil massaged in circular motions. Emulsify the oil with a little water to help it rinse off cleanly. Finish with a foaming cleanser to remove any residue.
  3. Apply masks: Put a clay mask on your face and a hair mask on the bottom half of your hair only, avoiding the scalp to prevent greasiness. Apply a pre-wash treatment to your dry scalp. Let everything sit for about 20 minutes.
  4. Enter the shower: Use warm to hot water to loosen your hair and soften your skin.
  5. Shampoo and condition: Use a clarifying shampoo on your scalp, lather well, and rinse. Then apply conditioner to the bottom half of your hair and leave it for a couple of minutes before rinsing.
  6. Exfoliate and shave: Scrub your body with an ingrown hair exfoliating scrub, focusing on legs and armpits. Shave using shaving cream or oil, go with the grain if you have sensitive skin to avoid irritation.
  7. Body wash: Cleanse your body with a hydrating body wash using a loofah for better lather and circulation.
  8. Post-shower: Towel dry gently, then use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair to prevent breakage. Apply body moisturizer immediately to lock in hydration.

Here is the method in action: kelly demonstrates it in about 13 minutes. The how-to part starts at 0:26.

Video: “the ultimate EVERYTHING shower routine | skincare, haircare, bodycare + shave routine” by kelly on YouTube

Expert Tips for Your Best Everything Shower

Small adjustments can make a big difference in your everything shower results.

  • Use wrist wash bands: They stop water from dripping down your arms while you wash your face.
  • Emulsify your cleansing oil: Add a little water before rinsing so it comes off easily and leaves no residue.
  • Limit clarifying shampoo: Use it about once a week to avoid drying out your hair.
  • Replace loofahs often: Bacteria builds up quickly, so swap them out regularly.
  • Always use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair: Wet hair is fragile, and a wide-tooth comb prevents breakage.
  • Consider silk pajamas: They feel comfortable and help your skin stay smooth after all that effort.

Common Everything Shower Mistakes to Avoid

Even a well-planned everything shower can go sideways if you fall into these common traps. Mistake: Using makeup wipes. They dry out your skin and don’t remove makeup as effectively as cleansing balms or oils. Swap them for an oil-based balm.

Mistake: Tugging hard on your eye area. The skin there is delicate, so be gentle when removing eye makeup to avoid irritation. Use a soft cotton pad and let the remover sit for a few seconds.

Mistake: Applying hair mask or conditioner too high on the scalp. This leads to greasy roots. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends instead.

Mistake: Using clarifying shampoo daily. It strips natural oils and leaves hair dry. Limit it to once a week.

Mistake: Shaving against the grain if you have sensitive skin. This causes irritation and razor bumps. Shave with the grain.

Mistake: Not replacing loofahs consistently. Old ones harbor bacteria, which isn’t ideal for clean skin. Replace them every few weeks.

Mistake: Using a regular brush on wet hair. Wet hair is fragile and breaks easily. Always use a wide-tooth comb.

Mistake: Going to sleep with dry lips. Moisturize them before bed, especially after a full routine, to keep them soft.

How Long Does an Everything Shower Take?

An everything shower takes 30 to 60 minutes, so set aside plenty of time and don’t rush. The results are immediate: smooth, hydrated skin and hair, plus a lasting sense of relaxation. Most people do this once a week or every two weeks, depending on their schedule and skin needs. If you’re short on time, you can still enjoy a mini version, but the full ritual is worth the extra minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I do an everything shower?

Most people do an everything shower once a week or every two weeks, depending on their schedule and skin needs. Because the routine includes exfoliation and a clarifying shampoo, doing it more often could lead to dryness or irritation. Listen to your skin and adjust the frequency as needed.

Can I use a hair mask and pre-wash treatment at the same time?

Yes, you can apply a pre-wash treatment to your dry scalp and a hair mask to the bottom half of your hair at the same time. Let both sit for about 20 minutes before you hop in the shower. Just be careful not to get the mask too close to your scalp to avoid greasiness.

What if I have sensitive skin?

If you have sensitive skin, choose fragrance-free products and patch test anything new before using it fully. Exfoliate gently and no more than 1-3 times a week, and shave with the grain rather than against it to reduce irritation. Stop using any product that causes redness, itching, or burning.

How long does an everything shower typically take?

An everything shower usually takes 30 to 60 minutes from start to finish. That includes the pre-shower steps like double cleansing your face and letting your hair mask sit. Plan for a full hour if you want to relax without rushing through any step.

Final Thoughts

For the best results, do your everything shower once a week or every two weeks, and keep the water warm rather than scalding hot to protect your skin and hair. Expect immediate smoothness and hydration, plus a deep sense of relaxation that lasts well after you step out. Wrap yourself in a plush robe, take a few minutes to just breathe, and enjoy the calm you’ve created.

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Written by

Alla Frolova

Nail artist & editor of Riloda. Mom and style enthusiast who saves far too many boards. Every idea here is picked and sorted by me — I write about what I would actually wear or book.

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