You might be thinking that "how to take a shower properly" is a pointless question. Surely, everyone knows how to shower? Most people have been taking a shower — usually using either a fixed shower head or a handheld shower head — since they were kids. Indeed, around the world, showering is the most common way of cleaning the body using water.
However, you'd be surprised to know that a lot of people actually don't shower properly. Sure, they shower, but they don't do it right! And if you're doing something, it makes sense to do it right every time.
Why is it important to shower properly? Showering the right way will ensure that your skin and hair are clean but not over-exfoliated, your water consumption is kept under check, and the health of your skin and hair are maintained. Often, skin and hair issues like dryness, itchiness, and oiliness are due to mistakes people make while showering.
Let's dive right in and take a look at how to shower properly so that every time you step into the bathroom you can experience the best shower possible.
What is the proper way to shower?
The proper way to shower actually involves quite a few steps in order to make sure you're doing it right. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to take a shower properly:
1) Adjust the water temperature: The first step before taking a shower is to make sure that the water temperature is just right. It shouldn't be too hot or too cold. The water should be lukewarm or tepid. This is important because water that's too hot strips your skin of its natural oils and leads to dryness. Cold water, on the other hand, can make your skin feel tight and uncomfortable. Of course, you can occasionally take a hot or cold shower if you really want to.
2) Wet your hair and body: Once you've adjusted the temperature, wet your hair and body with water. Turn off the shower after doing so.
3) Apply soap and shampoo: Now that your body and hair are wet, it's time to apply soap and shampoo.
Apply soap or body wash all over your body (start with your shoulders and then go downwards); you can use a loofah or a shower puff but don't rub too hard against your skin.
Don't forget to apply soap between your fingers and toes and behind your ears and knees. Then, take a small amount of shampoo in the palm of your hand and work it into a lather. Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp and hair.
4) Wash away the soap and shampoo: Turn the shower on to rinse out the soap and shampoo thoroughly. If you have a fixed shower head, keep turning so that the water hits you everywhere. If you have a handheld shower head, move it around to get rid of all the soap and shampoo.
5) Apply conditioner (optional) and rinse: If you have dry or damaged hair, you might want to apply conditioner after shampooing. Take a small amount of conditioner and work it into your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up (but not all the way to the scalp!). Keep it on for some time. Make sure the shower is off during this time. Then, turn the water on and rinse the conditioner out thoroughly.
6) Wash your face: Finally, it's time to wash your face. Use a gentle cleanser and massage it into your skin. Don't rub too hard! Rinse the cleanser off thoroughly once done.
7) Make sure the shower is off: Check to see if you've turned off the shower properly. A leaking shower head not only wastes precious water but also burns holes in your pockets!
8) Wrap yourself in a towel: Get clean, soft towels for your hair and body. However, don't dry off your skin completely, because the next step is important.
9) Apply moisturizer: To avoid dryness, apply a moisturizer all over your body while your skin is still damp.
10) Get out of the shower: You are done! You've just had the best shower of your day and are ready to get dressed.
And there you have it! Those are the 10 steps you need to take in order to shower properly. By following these steps, you can be sure that your skin and hair will stay healthy and clean.
Additionally, these 10 steps also reduce your water consumption! The sad truth is that a lot of people leave the shower running the entire time they are in the bathroom. This is unnecessary and can be easily avoided, as we've demonstrated above.
What should you not do in the shower?
While there are many things you should do in the shower, there are also some things you shouldn't do. Here are a few showering mistakes that you should avoid:
1) Don't stay in the shower for too long: Staying in the shower for too long can actually strip your skin and hair of their natural oils and lead to dryness. So, if you want to avoid dry skin and hair, don't stay in the shower for more than 10 minutes. Ideally, you should shower in under 5 minutes. You can even consider taking navy showers.
2) Don't use hot water all the time: As we mentioned before, using hot water all the time can strip your skin of its natural oils. We know hot showers are really popular, but they aren't great for your skin and hair! Try to limit your showers with hot water to once or twice a week. On other days, use lukewarm or tepid water instead.
3) Don't use harsh cleansers: Harsh cleansers can damage your skin, so it's important to avoid them. Look for gentle cleansers that are designed for your skin type (e.g., dry, oily, sensitive, etc.).
4) Don't use excessive force on your skin and hair: When washing your hair and body, don't use too much force. This can damage your skin and hair. Indeed, if you notice that your hair falls out in the shower, it could be that you're washing it too aggressively, which makes the weaker hair strands fall out more quickly — this is normal, but still be as gentle as possible. So, use delicate strokes and be careful not to rub too hard. We recommend that you detangle your hair with your fingers before shampooing.
5) Don't use a dirty, limescale-ridden, or mouldy shower head: If you don't clean your shower head regularly, it can become covered in limescale, bacteria, and/or mould. These can then be transferred to your skin and hair, which can lead to skin irritation or infection. So, make sure to clean your shower head regularly!
6) Don't shower without a non-slip mat: Slipping in the shower can be very dangerous, especially if you hit your head. To avoid this, make sure to use a non-slip mat in your shower — it's one of the most important shower accessories you can have! Such mats, which also work for bathtubs, are particularly great for kids, pets, and the elderly, who are known to be unstable in wet and soapy environments. With a non-slip mat in place, you can shower more confidently.
7) Don't forget to moisturize: As we mentioned in step 9, it's important to apply a moisturizer all over your body while your skin is still damp. This will help to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
By following these tips, you can be sure that you're showering in the best way possible!
Enjoy Luxurious, Eco-Friendly, and Proper Showers with StoneStream Shower Heads
Now that you know how to shower properly, it's time to upgrade your showering experience with StoneStream EcoPower shower heads. Our luxurious and eco-friendly shower heads will allow you to take a shower properly every single time!
With StoneStream EcoPower shower heads, you can enjoy the benefit of:
200% increased water flow, which makes rinsing easier than ever
35% reduction in water consumption, so you don't have to worry about wasting too much time in the shower
Filtered and softened water, thanks to the mineral stones, which is better for your skin, hair, and bathroom surfaces
3 spray settings (rainfall, jetting, and massage) to suit your showering needs
Eco STOP button, so that you can easily turn the water off while lathering up
Touch-clean spray holes, so you don't have to spend too much time cleaning your shower head
Enjoy happy, healthy, and proper showers!