Quick answer: A good shower routine goes from top to bottom: shampoo, conditioner on, body wash, rinse the conditioner, face, then shave last. Keep it to 5 to 10 minutes in warm water, pat dry with a clean towel and moisturize while your skin is still damp, as the AAD recommends (AAD).
Table of Contents
Shower routine order: 8 steps
- Brush your hair before you get in to remove tangles.
- Shampoo your scalp and rinse.
- Apply conditioner to your lengths and leave it on.
- Wash your body with a gentle body wash.
- Exfoliate (optional), once or twice a week, with a sugar scrub or mitt.
- Rinse out the conditioner, so it doesn’t leave residue on your back.
- Wash your face with lukewarm water, or do it at the sink.
- Shave last, when hair is softest.
Time: 5 to 10 minutes.
How long and how hot?
The AAD recommends limiting showers to 5 to 10 minutes and using warm, not hot, water (AAD). Long, hot showers can leave skin feeling dry and tight. A shower timer or a short playlist can help you keep track.
After your shower routine
- Pat dry with a clean, dry towel instead of rubbing.
- Moisturize within a few minutes, while skin is still damp.
- Put on lip balm, which the AAD suggests for dry lips.
- Style your hair with a few drops of oil on the ends if you like; see our hair oiling guide.
Weekly shower routine plan
| Day | Extra step | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Every day | Body wash, moisturizer | The basics |
| 1 to 2 times a week | Exfoliate | Smoother skin |
| Wash days | Shampoo and conditioner | Depends on your hair |
| Once a week | A scalp scrub or hair mask | A little pampering |
This is a sample plan, not a rule. Adjust it to your skin and hair.
Shower routine for dry or sensitive skin
Choose a gentle, fragrance-free body wash and skip daily scrubbing. Keep water warm, not hot. Apply a rich cream straight after, and use a humidifier in winter if your home is dry.
If you try a new product, such as a glycolic body wash, patch test first. The AAD suggests applying a new product to a quarter-sized spot on the underside of your arm or the bend of your elbow twice a day for 7 to 10 days, and stopping if your skin reacts (AAD).
Common shower routine mistakes
- Very hot water.
- Long showers.
- Rinsing conditioner before washing your body, which can leave residue.
- Waiting too long to moisturize.
Making it relaxing
A few small touches turn a quick wash into a calm part of your day. Play a short playlist that ends after about ten minutes, which doubles as a timer. Keep a soft, clean towel and your body lotion within reach so you’re not hunting for them afterward. Open a window or run the fan to keep the room fresh. On evenings when you have more time, add a weekly hair mask or a gentle exfoliation, then finish with a rich cream and cozy clothes.
A consistent order also means you’re less likely to forget a step when you’re tired.
Keeping your shower space clean
Clean tools make every wash more pleasant. Rinse loofahs and mitts well after each use and hang them to dry outside the shower if you can, since damp tools stay wet for hours. Replace them regularly.
Keep bottles closed so water doesn’t get in, and store jars of scrub with the lid on. Wipe shelves once a week and check your products for changes in smell or texture.
A small caddy or shelf keeps everything in order, and a simple layout, with hair products on one side and body products on the other, makes your routine faster. Take anything you haven’t used in months out of the shower.
For a complete routine from the neck down, see our guide to body care.
FAQ
What order should I do things in the shower?
Top to bottom: shampoo, conditioner on, body wash, rinse conditioner, face, then shave.
How long should a shower be?
The AAD suggests 5 to 10 minutes in warm water.
Should I wash my face in the shower?
You can, with lukewarm water. Keep the water off your face if it’s hot.
When should I moisturize after showering?
Right away, while your skin is still damp.
How often should I exfoliate in the shower?
Once or twice a week is enough for most people.
Written by Mahmoud Abdelmaksoud.
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