We get it, life is busy! So a quick hop in the shower to refresh is all you can fit into your day. While there is no wrong way to shower, you want to use those few minutes of peace time to optimise the health and appearance of your skin and hair. Being strategic in the order that you do things may also save precious minutes in the morning, leaving you time to pick up a much needed coffee.

Like many things in life, preparation is as important as the activity and your shower routine should begin before the water even starts running. Kick off your regime with body brushing using GIVING IT THE BRUSH OFF to start the exfoliation process and to improve circulation as well as your lymphatic flow, which will help to flush out toxins. Start brushing at the feet and work up the legs, using gentle, sweeping movements towards the heart. Then work on your hands and move up the arms, over the shoulders, back and body. Avoid the very sensitive areas of the chest and don’t use the brush on your face.

There’s something incredibly comforting about a long hot shower after a tiring day or using it to coax yourself out of bed on a chilly morning however, the bad news is that hot water can dry out skin and strip it of its natural oils. Hot water is also bad news for hair health so try and stick to warm water as this opens up the hair cuticles which removes dirt and oils. Follow your conditioner with some cold water to close the cuticles and to seal in moisture leaving hair shiny and healthy.

Shampoo

Before you start the washing process, make sure you rinse hair in warm water to open up the cuticles and loosen dirt and oil. You don’t want to over shampoo so try not to wash hair every day and don’t use too much product. Evenly distribute your shampoo, work it all over including the nape of your neck as this tends to be the oiliest area. Rinse until the water runs clear, it helps to tilt your head gently back as this prevents the shampoo suds touching your face.

If you have colour-treated hair, use a shampoo that is ‘sulfate free’ to prevent unnecessary fading. None of our TEMPLESPA products contain sulfates. 

GOOD HAIR DAY Frequent Use Shampoo does more than just clean, it contains ingredients to condition the hair and nurse split ends and damage. Your hair will have added volume, shine and look full of life.

Condition

Using a conditioner in the shower is your first step to silkier locks and it also reduces friction and therefore breakage when you brush your hair. Squeeze out excess water and condition the lower half of hair, avoid your roots otherwise they can appear greasy. If you are exfoliating or shaving you can leave the conditioner on for 2-3 minutes to penetrate. If you are brave enough, blast your hair with cold water after rinsing as cold water seals the cuticles which promotes silky, shiny hair.

IN GOOD CONDITION Everyday Hair Conditioner contains jojoba, vitamin B, eucalyptus and peppermint to soften and shine hair as it conditions.

Exfoliate

Exfoliating is a great use of time while you are waiting for your conditioner to penetrate into hair. It will get rid of dead dull skin cells and promote cell turnover to reveal healthy, glowing skin. It’s important not to over exfoliate; you will only need to exfoliate 2-3 times a week depending on your skin type (less if you experience sensitivity or inflammation) and use a gentle exfoliator. If you plan on shaving in the shower, exfoliating first can help to release any ingrown hairs and creates a smooth base for your razor.

SUGAR BUFF Smoothing Body Scrub is a Mediterranean inspired sugar exfoliator that leaves skin silky smooth, hydrated and buffed to perfection.

Face Wash

Washing your face should be one of your last steps as some of the ingredients in moisturising hair products can clog pores and cause breakouts. As the skin on your face is more delicate than the rest of your body, make sure that the water is lukewarm and avoid rinsing your face directly under the shower head as the water pressure will be too harsh for your face. We have a range of facial cleansers that are perfect for use in the shower.

In Shower Facial

On days when you aren’t planning on exfoliating but want to give skin a treat, you can apply a facial mask such as PURIFICATION Deep Cleansing Mask for 5 minutes. The steam from the shower will open up your pores and aid the absorption of the ingredients in the mask.

Body Wash

Just like washing your face, this should be left until after washing your hair as leftover conditioner can cause breakouts on both face and body. LA LA LAGOON Aromatic Shower Gel is the perfect product to relax and revive whilst SIMPLY THE ZEST Good Vibes Shower Gel will help invigorate and energise.

Moisturise

Last but not least, apply moisturiser or body oil straight after getting out while skin is still damp, as this maximises its absorption and locks in the moisture. Using a moisturiser with glycerin and hyaluronic acid helps to attract moisture to the skin. We have a range of body moisturisers including DUVET Comforting Body Cream for and SOUL FOOD Glow Boost Body Lotion.