How to Shower Properly: Tips for Washing Your Hair & Body

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Skincare expert Lisset Tresvant lists her tips for taking a thorough shower

Co-authored by Raven Minyard, BA Reviewed by Lisset Tresvant

Last Updated: February 8, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Getting Ready
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• Cleaning Yourself
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• Shaving and Brushing Your Teeth
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• Finishing Up
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• Video
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• Q&A
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• Tips
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• Warnings
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• Things You'll Need

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Showering is an activity that millions of people make a part of their daily routine. It's a fast, effective, and refreshing way to get clean. But how exactly do you make the most of your shower? We spoke to skincare experts, licensed estheticians, and hairstylists to teach you the proper way to shower, including washing your hair and body, shaving, and more.

How to Have a Shower

Skincare expert Lisset Tresvant recommends washing your hair before washing your face and body. Get it completely wet, then apply shampoo and conditioner. Rinse your hair, then apply a facial cleanser to your face and neck. Scrub your body from the top down with soap and a washcloth or sponge.

Steps

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Getting Ready to Shower

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   Undress. Place your dirty clothes in a laundry basket. Put your clean clothes or pajamas in a safe place where they won’t get wet from the shower water. If you wear glasses or contacts, remove them. Take off your watch, necklaces, and any other accessories.

   • If you prefer, you can turn your shower on first, so it has time to warm up while you’re undressing. It’s totally up to you!
   • Be sure to have a clean towel nearby so you can dry yourself off once you’re done showering. You don’t want to get your clean clothes wet!

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Lisset Tresvant is a licensed esthetician and skincare expert based in Hollywood, Florida. She is the founder of Glow Esthetics Spa and has over 8 years of experience.

   Jenny Tran is a hair stylist and the founder of JT Hair Lab by Jenny Tran, based in Dallas. She has over 7 years of professional hair styling experience.

   Patrick Evan is a professional hair stylist and the owner of Patrick Evan Salon in San Francisco. He has been a hairstylist for over 25 years.

   Alicia Ramos is a licensed esthetician and the owner of Smoothe Denver in Denver, Colorado. She received her license at the School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics.

   Melissa Jannes is a licensed esthetician and the owner of Maebee’s Beauty Studio in Philadelphia. She received her degree from The Beauty School of Middletown in 2008.
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   Adjust the water temperature to your liking. Turn on the water and let it run until it is warm, not hot. Check the position of the showerhead to make sure the water is spraying down rather than out of the shower. To avoid getting the water too hot, stick your wrist under the water to determine if the temperature is comfortable. Your wrist is a more accurate gauge than your fingers.

   • Consider taking the occasional cold or cool shower, especially when it is hot and humid or after working out vigorously.
   • It’s generally recommended to shower in warm or cool water rather than hot water because hot water can dry out your skin and hair.
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   Carefully enter the shower. Once the temperature is comfortable, slowly step into the shower. If you jump in too quickly, you risk slipping and falling. For your safety, consider placing a non-slip shower mat on the floor of your shower.

   Water-Saving Tip: Consider entering the shower before you perfect the temperature, even if it's still too cool. You can continue to adjust the water temperature while you shower. Just make sure it isn't freezing cold or scalding hot before you enter!
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Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Cleaning Your Hair & Body

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1. 
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   Wet your entire body. Slowly turn around a couple of times under the spray so the water covers your entire body. Get everything wet, including your privates. If you’re washing your hair, ensure that your entire head and hair are wet. Getting wet helps rinse off any loose dirt and dust, and it also helps your muscles relax.

   • You don’t necessarily have to wash your hair every time you shower. If you’re not planning on washing your hair, consider wearing a shower cap or putting it up to help keep it dry.
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   Lather a small amount of shampoo into your hair. Work the lather gently down to your scalp, making sure all the strands of your hair are sudsy to their ends. Don’t use too much shampoo—if you do, you might run out quickly, and it can strip your hair of healthy levels of natural oils. A dime- or quarter-sized amount will usually do the trick. You can always add more if you need it.

   • Professional hair stylist Patrick Evan says, “Generally, most people do not need to wash [their hair] every day. Every other day or every third [day] is what we recommend, especially since the oil produced is needed to moisturize and protect your hair.”
   • How frequently you need to wash your hair depends on your hair type and activity level. Different hair types need different types of moisture—the more moisture your hair needs, the less you need to shampoo.
   • If you have dyed hair, professional hair stylist April Ferri recommends washing your hair in cool water to keep the color bright.
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   Thoroughly rinse all of the shampoo out of your hair. You don’t want your hair to dry with soap residue in it. To check that you’ve removed all the shampoo, wet your hair, then squeeze it. If you still see soap running out, keep rinsing.

   • Professional hair stylist Jenny Tran recommends rinsing the shampoo out with warm water to open up your hair cuticles. This allows it to soak up the moisture from the conditioner.
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   Apply conditioner to your hair. While shampoo works to clean your hair, adding conditioner can improve the look, feel, and health of your hair. Conditioner does not lather, so work it from your scalp to the ends of your hair until you feel a layer of slickness all over your hair. Check your conditioner’s instructions to know how long to leave it; many recommend leaving it on for several minutes before rinsing, while others are meant to be applied after getting out of the shower.

   • If your hair gets oily easily, avoid putting conditioner on your scalp. Instead, just apply it from your mid-length to your ends.
   • Some people prefer to use a combination shampoo and conditioner that doesn't require a separate step to apply.
   • When rinsing out your conditioner, Tran suggests using cool or cold water to seal the cuticles to maintain hydration.
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   Wash your face. Wet your face and apply a small amount of facial cleanser or exfoliating scrub with your fingers or a washcloth. Gently rub the cleanser into your face for at least 30 seconds, getting your cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. Then, rinse the washcloth and your face thoroughly.

   • If you washed your hair, Tresvant recommends rinsing it before you wash your face or body to remove any shampoo or conditioner residue that may irritate your skin.
   • If you get acne on your neck or back, feel free to apply your facial cleanser there, as well.
   • While you can wash your face with a basic soap instead of a special face cleaner, using the wrong kind of soap on your face can dry out and irritate your skin.
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   Wash your body. Apply bar soap or body wash to your washcloth, loofah, or body sponge. Scrub your body from the top down, starting at your neck and shoulders. Wash under your arms, under folds of skin (like your breasts or stomach), and your back. Then, move onto your legs and feet. Clean your genitals and bottom last, and consider using a separate cloth or sponge to keep things sanitary.

   • Remember to wash behind your ears, the back of your neck, and in between each toe.
   • Scrub areas where sweat gathers particularly well.
   • Tresvant recommends “lathering up twice in the shower with a hydrating body wash or bar soap.”
   • “Remember to wash all areas of your body thoroughly,” adds Tresvant. “Don’t just let water run down your legs and think that’s enough!” Scrubbing helps remove grime and dead skin.
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   Rinse off the soap. Turn around under the water, and rub your body with your hands to remove any lingering soap and loosened grime. Run your hands through your hair to make sure all the soap is rinsed out. If there are any areas you have missed, wash them now.

   • Reader Poll: We asked 233 wikiHow readers if they shower every day, and 70% of them said Yes. [Take Poll]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Shaving and Brushing Your Teeth

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   Shave your legs and underarms if you’d like. Many people shave the hair that grows on their legs and armpits. It’s usually easiest to shave in the shower because the water has softened the hair. Wet the area you want to shave, then lather it with shaving cream or conditioner. Use a razor to shave with the grain of the hair, rinsing it when it becomes clogged with hair.

   • When shaving your legs, shave upward, starting at your ankles. Don’t forget the tops of your feet at the end.
   • Shave your underarms upward and downward, as underarm hair grows in both directions.
   • Shave slowly to avoid cutting yourself, especially around your knees and the backs of your legs.
   • Remember, you don’t have to shave if you don’t want to! Having body hair doesn’t mean you’re unclean.
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   Shave your facial hair if you want. Some people who grow facial hair prefer to shave it in the shower, as well. For this, you’ll need a shower mirror—one designed not to fog up in the water and steam. Apply shaving cream to the area you wish to shave. Then, professional barber Juan Sabino says, “You want to first go with the grain… so [your skin] doesn’t get irritated. Then you can lather again and feel the spots where there’s still hair. Lather that real smooth, then glide the blade against [the grain].”
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   Shave your bikini area or genitals if you wish. Some people also use the shower to trim or shave unwanted hair from around their genitals and bikini area. This area is sensitive, so apply a generous amount of shaving cream and shave with the grain. Be sure your shower provides enough lighting for you to clearly see what you’re doing.

   • Before shaving, licensed esthetician Alicia Ramos says to exfoliate your skin and use a new, clean razor to prevent razor burn or razor bumps.
   • Licensed esthetician Melissa Jannes warns that shaving your genital area can really irritate the skin and cause razor burn. If you don’t like the hair, she recommends trimming it rather than shaving it completely.
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   Brush your teeth. You don’t have to brush your teeth in the shower, but it can save you some time and prevent you from getting toothpaste on your clothes! Squeeze a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto your toothbrush, dampen the bristles, and brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, as well.
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Part 4

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Finishing Up

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1. 
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   Give yourself a final rinse and turn off the water. Make sure that there’s no soap left on your body or in your hair. Then, make sure the water is turned off tightly so you don’t waste any valuable water. Gather any belongings you brought with you and prepare to leave the shower.
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   Exit the shower. Step out carefully, as slipping on the floor in a bathroom can be dangerous. To avoid slipping, make sure you have a shower mat in place to provide extra grip and prevent accidents.
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   Dry off with a towel. Standing on the rug or mat, grab your towel from nearby. Gently dry your head, face, torso, legs, private areas, and feet. Tresvant recommends patting yourself dry, rather than rubbing. This is especially important when drying your face, as it helps avoid irritation. Be careful not to splash water on the rest of the floor so you don’t slip.

   • If you shaved any part of your body, pat those areas dry rather than rubbing, as rubbing could lead to irritation or ingrown hairs.
   • If you’re worried about getting water on the floor, another option is to dry off in the shower once you’ve turned the water off.
   • Let your hair air-dry, or use a blow-dryer to speed up the process.
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   Apply any other hygiene products. Now is a good time to put on deodorant, lotion, aftershave, or hairstyling products that need to be applied while your hair is wet. Apply anything you need to put on that you can’t do when clothes cover your body.

   • “Apply a hydrating lotion followed by a body oil to lock in moisture,” recommends Tresvant.
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   Put on your clean clothes and repeat daily. Start with your clean undergarments, then put on the rest of your clothes. You are now fully showered and ready for bed or to face the start of your day. Prepare to do it all again tomorrow!

   • While many people prefer to shower every day, some dermatologists say adults only need to shower a few times a week. It depends on your activity level and how often you feel dirty.
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  Shower or bath?

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor
  Staff Answer

  This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor

  Staff Answer

  Most of the time, the shower is your best choice because it's faster, cheaper (unless you take really long showers, less water is used) and often cleaner (no bath grime). However, there's nothing like a lovely warm bath with bubbles to help you to relax and feel good. If you're concerned about bath grime, use a handheld shower to wash yourself down once standing up from the bath.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 50 Helpful 204
• Question

  Should you wash your back, even though it can be tricky?

  

  Community Answer

  Yes. Leaving your back unwashed can lead to a build up of dirt. Not only will this look bad on any open back tops, but this can lead to breaking out (bacne). Consider using a back scrubbing brush if you're finding it hard to reach all of your back, or a twisted hand towel to roll up and down the back.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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• Question

  Where should I apply lotion after a shower?

  

  Community Answer

  Anywhere you feel is necessary. Usually, it is best to apply lotion to areas that usually have dry or irritable skin. It is healthy and soothing to do so.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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Tips

• Brush your hair before you shower. Humans lose a bit of hair every day, and brushing before you shower will get much of it out without clogging up your shower drain.
  Thanks

  Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
• Don't brush your hair when you get out of the shower because it is most prone to breakage when it is wet.
  Thanks

  Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Skin on the soles of the feet is softened during warm showers; dead skin can be removed easily by exfoliating.
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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

• If you find that after washing your hair it's still greasy, try washing it with shampoo twice. Apply shampoo, rinse it out, then apply a smaller amount of shamppo again, and rinse it. Try to keep the shampoo away from the ends of your hair since this can damage the ends.
• Don't wrap your hair up tightly in a towel or dry it with a hairdryer every time you take a shower. This can damage your hair. While it is ok to do this once or twice a week, try to gently dry your hair with a towel, as this does not cause so much damage.
• When you put on your conditioner and it is sitting for a few seconds before you rinse, use a hairbrush to brush your hair. When you are done, your hair feels so smooth (although, there may be a bit more hair down the drain afterward).
• If you are going to shower before bed, use a lavender body wash or something without perfume. It will help you relax. If you take a shower in the morning, you can use a shower cream with bright smells like citrus.
• I like to dry off with a towel inside of the shower rather than doing it out on the mat. Loose water will go where it belongs, and you stay warm for longer!

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Warnings

• Do not start the water until any pets are clear of the shower. Cats sometimes like to sit in the shower stall, so look before starting the water.
  Thanks

  Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1
• Make sure that none of the shampoo/soap gets in your eyes. This can cause them to sting.
  Thanks

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• Do not use any electrical appliances in the shower! This includes hair dryers, cell phones, and radios; anything with a power cord or battery should never be used in the bath or shower.
  Thanks

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• Locking the door provides privacy, but if you fall in the shower or get hurt, a locked door will delay emergency services from reaching you. If you live with people whom you trust, consider not locking the door. If you feel you need to lock the door, keep the key in a place that is easy to reach outside.
  Thanks

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• If you are a woman, be careful washing your private parts. It's okay if a little soap gets inside your body, but anything more than a minimal amount can damage the tissue.
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Things You'll Need

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Soap
• Face wash
• Washcloth, sponge, or loofah
• Towel
• Bath mat
• Razor and shaving cream (optional)
• Toothbrush and toothpaste (optional)

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