Everyone knows that weekdays can be very long, and sometimes, getting through a full week can be a struggle. It is very important that everyone can have something they’re looking forward to that helps them keep pushing through. For me, it’s my weekly Everything Shower. Every Sunday, I spend almost two hours doing a meticulous routine that I have perfectly crafted to be the best Everything Shower routine. So, here are the steps.
Step 1
The first step of my Everything Shower routine is to apply a face mask. I recently discovered the ever-popular rice face mask on TikTok, and I have become obsessed with it, and I use it every night. The mask is simple to make; it’s just cooked rice that I then blend into a thick paste and add some honey. I apply it in a thick layer on my face, and then it can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. This mask makes my skin glow and feel really smooth, and it is definitely worth the hype. I apply the mask 15-20 minutes prior to the start of my shower to allow it maximum time to work.
Step 2
While the mask is setting, the next step is to dry brush. You can find a dry brush at many stores, but I got mine at Target for $5.99. To properly dry brush you start by brushing in long, gentle strokes up the legs. I do each leg about three times in order to be as effective as possible, and then I move to my arms. For the arms, I brush up each one, and then move in, brushing toward the heart. I do each arm three times as well. I then finish with the midriff, brushing down from the heart towards the waist. Dry brushing has many benefits, including exfoliating the skin, removing toxins, and increasing circulation. I like it the most because it helps keep my skin smooth for longer, and I really notice a difference in the reduction of toxins from my skin.
Step 3
After I dry brush, I get into the shower to rinse off my face mask. I find that this is easier than trying to rinse it off in the sink. After that, I start shampooing my hair. I use the Native brand shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, currently in the scent Sweet Nectar & Peach. In order to properly scrub the shampoo into my hair, I use a scalp massager from Target. I find that it is best if I pump the shampoo straight onto the massager and use that to scrub the shampoo into my scalp. I rub it in for several minutes, making sure that the shampoo has become foamy in order to thoroughly clean my hair. I then use another pump on my hands to massage into the end of my hair, and rub this in for several minutes as well. I then rinse out the shampoo, making sure that there isn’t any residue left in my hair.
Step 4
After I shampoo, I go in with the Native conditioner. I only use conditioner on the ends of my hair, not on the scalp. Applying conditioner to the scalp makes it appear greasy and can weigh down the hair, therefore only the ends need it. I make sure to squeeze all of the water out of my hair before applying it, and then I twist my hair up into a claw clip so that it can set while I move on to the next step.
Step 5
While my conditioner is setting, I go in with my Native body wash. I use exfoliating gloves when I’m washing my body. Similarly to dry brushing, exfoliating gloves improve circulation and skin tone, along with removing dead skin. The most important thing to remember while washing the body is to lather the soap before using it. This makes sure that all of the nutrients and the cleansers in the soap are being used. I wash my body twice, ensuring that all of the dead skin is removed. I then rinse off my body, and while I do that I also rinse the conditioner out of my hair. It is important to make sure that you get all of the conditioner out, as any residue could turn the hair greasy quicker.
Step 6
After I rinse out the conditioner, I go in with a deep conditioning hair masque, and I apply it very thoroughly. I make sure to apply it to my roots first in a thick layer, and then I massage it into the ends of my hair. I use the Healing Power Hair Masque from Raw Sugar, and it is my favorite of the ones I’ve tried. It conditions my hair nicely, it always comes out smooth, and I never have any problem rinsing it all out. Raw Sugar also has a masque for curly hair; however, I have not tried that one. After I put the hair masque in, I twist my hair up in a claw clip, and allow it to set for ten to 15 minutes.
Step 7
While my mask is setting, I start on my shaving routine. Over the years, I’ve learned that I like using shaving oil more than shaving cream, so I use a Tree Hut shaving oil in the scent vanilla. I use a razor that I get from my monthly IPSY bag that has a detachable razor head. It is very important to replace your razor often. I replace mine weekly, but you should not be using a razor for more than a month. It causes bacteria buildup that is not healthy for the skin, and the razor blades become dull, which is more dangerous. I like the one that I use because I get a refill of the heads every month, but I don’t have to keep replacing the handle. In addition to that razor, I use a smaller one meant for eyebrows and facial hair to shave around my ankles. This may seem a bit high maintenance, but as most people know, shaving around the ankles can be difficult, and I find that this helps me get a cleaner shave. I get these in large packs from Amazon for cheap, and I replace these every couple of weeks as well.
Step 8
After I shave my legs, I start exfoliating. I love this step because it makes my skin so smooth. I go in with a Tree Hut sugar scrub, and I use a fair amount on my whole body, focusing on my legs to remove the loose hairs and dead skin that have been lingering from my shave. As I’ve mentioned all throughout this story, exfoliating has many benefits, and I find it to be a necessary step in my everything shower routine in many ways.
Step 9
This step is what I like to call the final rinse. I take my hair down and rinse the masque out, making sure that I really focus on my roots, as it has been setting for a while, and I don’t want to leave any residue. Once the masque is out, I wash my body one more time, this time with a bar soap. I use the original Dove beauty bar. It is important to double cleanse in order to ensure that all bacteria are being removed from your skin. I like to do it at the end once everything else is done so that I know all the products I’ve been applying aren’t lingering. I especially like Dove because their soap is very moisturizing, and they have many options based on skin type. I apply this soap and then do one last rinse, making sure that all the product has been removed.
Step 10
Once I am done in the shower, I put my hair into a microfiber towel, and I dry off my body. However, the next step is to moisturize so it is important to not be completely dry. When applying lotion, if your skin is dry, there is nothing for the lotion to lock onto and actually use to moisturize. If your skin is a little wet, the lotion will lock onto that moisture and use it to keep your skin hydrated. I use a lotion from Bath and Body Works, and it does the trick nicely. I apply it all over my body and make sure to rub it in so that there is no dryness left.
Step 11
This is the last step of my everything shower routine, and it is to apply hair oil. I use an oil from Back of the Bottle, and it is fantastic. It smells nice, and I have seen improvements in the rate that it grows at since using this product. I apply oil to the roots of my hair, and similarly to shampooing, I use a scalp massager to rub it in. I spend about five minutes massaging the oil into my roots, and then I pour a bit into my hand and rub it into the ends of my hair. Once this is completed, I brush out my hair and let it air dry.
Every week, I look forward to my Everything Shower, and I have made it into something that I really enjoy doing. It is a great way to start off my week, and due to its health benefits and its relaxing nature, it is something that more people should do to start off their week.
