If you've ever opened up a magazine, I'm sure you've realized that a lot of people have a lot of opinions about your hygiene routine. You've probably been inundated with information about the things you should be doing in the shower, how often you should or shouldn't wash your hair, and how to best clean behind your ears. Rest assured, I'm of the opinion that all of that is your personal preference. That being said, one's shower experience can always be improved. These are the things you should be doing in the shower, if only because it makes it easier, faster, or more relaxing.
My shower is my sanctuary. Yes, it's where I shave and wash my hair, but it's also where I stand for ten minutes under the flow of hot water, clearing my head and forgetting that I have adult responsibilities. I'm a huge fan of clever solutions and genius products that either lessen the time I spend grooming, or improve the time I spend relaxing. For me, a good morning shower usually means a good rest of the day, so I've done a fair amount of research in this category.
Imagine a world where you never get ingrown hairs, and you never have to bend down to wash your feet. What you choose to do in the shower is your own personal business, but how you choose to do it could make or break your morning routine. Check out these brilliant tips and products to make your shower a little easier, and way more relaxing.
1Tweezing In The Shower With This No-Fog Mirror
No Fog Shower Mirror, $22, Amazon
If you choose to tweeze or groom your facial hair, doing it in the shower might mean a less painful experience. That's because the hot steam softens the pores, making it easier for the hair follicle to slide out. To help, the No Fog shower mirror adheres to your shower with a durable suction cup, and it resists moisture and fog so you can groom right in the shower. It also comes with a free holder for your tweezers or razor.
2Applying A Body Oil
Ancient Greek Remedy Body Oil, $15, Amazon
Body oils are deeply moisturizing, nourishing, and protecting, but most people dislike the heavy residue. That's likely because they're applying them incorrectly. Wet skin will soak it right up, and this Ancient Greek Remedy body oil is an awesome option. It uses a blend of four oils (olive, lavender, almond, and grapeseed) to hydrate and heal, and it's pure, cold-pressed, vegan, and easy to apply with its convenient spray bottle.
3Scrubbing Your Feet (Carefully)
Bath Blossom Foot Scrubber, $24, Amazon
It's estimated that about 28 percent of people don't wash their feet every time they shower. That's likely because it's inconvenient and bending over in a slippery shower seems downright dangerous. The Bath Blossom foot scrubber makes the whole process as painless as possible. It attaches to your shower floor with suction cups and uses foot brush bristles to exfoliate, clean, and improve circulation. You don't even have to bend down — just glide your foot back and forth.
4Removing Product Build-Up From Your Scalp
Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo Bar, $13, Amazon
Even with frequent washes, gels, heat protectants, serums, and hair sprays can all weigh your hair down after a while. Get your volume back with this Apple Cider Vinegar shampoo bar. It's a natural clarifying formula that balances the pH of your scalp, unclogs pores, and cleanses hair of build-up for a lightweight shine that reviewers love: "It leaves my hair super clean and my hair is no longer getting greasy in between washes."
5Using A Foot Rest If You Shave
ElevEase Shower Step, $34, Amazon
Even though I choose to shave, it not something I actually look forward to doing, because let's be honest, it's kind of a hassle. But the ElevEase Shower Step makes it so much simpler. It attaches to any corner shower with a strong adhesive to give you a reliable platform to rest your foot while you shave your legs. It even holds your razor for you.
6Exfoliating If You Shave
WIZKER Brush, $12, Amazon
Ingrown hairs and razor bumps have the potential to prolong the headache that is shaving, but the WIZKER Brush can help. This waterproof and durable tool uses flexible bristles to gently exfoliate dead skin and increase circulation anywhere on the body. One reviewer who's been fighting ingrown hairs for years says, "I have used this brush twice within the past three days and I can already see so many ingrown hairs exposed and no longer trapped under the skin."
7Taking The Time To Unwind
Aromatherapaes Spa Shower De Stress Tablets, $8 (Pack of 6), Amazon
Your morning shower might be the only "you time" you get all day. Take advantage of it. These Aromatherapaes tablets turn your shower into a spa by releasing essential oils that help you to relax and de-stress. Simply place them on the shower floor and let the calming scents envelop you.
8Giving Your Hair A Little More TLC
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Masque, $12, Amazon
If you have long, thick, or damaged hair, some hair stylists suggest using a hair masque more than once a week. This Shea Moisture masque uses Jamaican Black castor oil to strengthen, moisturize, and heal.
9Giving Your Skin Flora A Chance To Flourish
Mother Dirt Biome-Friendly Face & Body Cleanser, $14, Amazon
Your skin has a careful balance of good and bad bacteria (also called flora), but most soaps wipe out both. If good bacteria is absent, skin can't protect itself from breakouts, infections, or dryness. The Mother Dirt body cleanser is a microbiome-friendly soap that's safe for sensitive skin because it uses all natural ingredients. It's also moisturizing, leaves skin feeling super soft, and takes off makeup like a champ.
10Giving Your Whole Body A Facial
Dead Sea Mud Soap, $6, Amazon
If your shower is your sanctuary, amp up the self-care with this Dead Sea mud soap. With 26 Dead Sea minerals, it penetrates deep into your skin to promote moisture and even help acne. Basically, it's like a facial for your whole body, and it's gentle enough that you can use it on your face, too.
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