Chance of Showers: The Art of Showerscaping
Just because you hate baths doesn't mean a relaxing ritual is out of reach. Here's how to make the experience every bit as indulgent as soaking in the tub
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Chance of Showers: The Art of Showerscaping
Just because you hate baths doesn't mean a relaxing ritual is out of reach. Here's how to make the experience every bit as indulgent as soaking in the tub
By: Maddi John
Just like the ongoing rivalry surrounding pineapple on pizza, how you wash is defined by two clear camps: those who prefer a leisurely soak in a bubbly tub and those who step into a steamy shower to wash away the day’s (or night’s) stresses. Traditionalists will argue that a bath is the most relaxing of the two, yet there’s a distinct group of people who find wallowing in their own water incredibly disconcerting, whether it be the testy temperature or the lack of entertainment-value. And if you sit in that camp, we have good news for you: the art of showerscaping has emerged, urging us to turn our run-of-the-mill rinses into an elevated ritual.
From setting the scene to picking perfect products, here are the shower routine tips to transform your daily wash into a moment of indulgence…
Read More: Team Bath? Discover How to Run the Perfect Bath
Set Your ‘Scape
To master the art of showerscaping you must first build your showerscape. Start with the foundations. Your bathroom should encapsulate the energy you want to channel during your routine – colour therapy is real. If your aim is to soothe and unwind, update the room with accessories in a warm and soft colour palette. If you want to feel energised, however, look to brighter colours that spark joy. Blues and greens are core colours said to relax, while neutrals and browns can make your space feel calming and grounded, while still energised. Add complimentary accents and soft linen accessories, like bath mats, fluffy towels and robes (to wrap up in after).
Create the Perfect Mood
Who said candles were just for the bath? The scent of your bathroom is just as integral as the look when creating a home spa bathroom. Elevating both the scent of your space and the ambience, a flickering candle will give your bathroom that spa-like feel. When choosing fragrances, think about what you want to get out of your shower. Relaxation? Energy? Mindfulness? Whatever it may be, ensure you scent your space with a fragrance that evokes this, whether it be fruity, floral, woody or herbaceous. For those who would rather cut out a step pre-shower, look to diffusers and incense to create a long-lasting smell that can scent your bathroom throughout the week.
Read More: The Best Home Fragrance for Every Room
Add Special Touches
Whether you're showering in a walk-in or a tub, ensure your beauty products are accessible and organised – HAY's (waterproof) colourful crates are perfect for storing your shower products without hindering your shower routine aesthetic. Consider creating your own mini oasis with the use of plants. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but the steam from your shower will activate the oils within the plant, making it even more beneficial for you.
Read More: How to Curate the Perfect Bathroom Shelf
Pamper with the Right Products
Now turn to the most important part of your shower recipe: the ingredients. Curate your shower shelf based on your personalised needs: if you’re prone to dry skin, opt for a hydrating shower gel or a moisturising body milk; if haircare is your focus, go all out with hair masks and balms, and don’t forget any special tools (like a scalp massager, of course).
Take Your Time (but Not Too Much)
Your shower shouldn’t be a step-in and-out experience, but it also needn’t be a thirty-minute long bathe – and according to studies, it shouldn’t be. While a long, hot shower might sound like your idea of heaven, studies have shown that the optimum time for a shower is actually eight minutes, and any more than that can start to strip your body of the essential oils it needs and opens up your pores that can, in turn, allow moisture to escape. One way to stick to a time frame is to consider picking a meditation or playlist that lasts as long as you want your shower to be.
Read More: Indulgent At-Home Beauty Treatments That Take Time
Chose Your In-Shower Entertainment
Unlike a bath, you won’t be looking for traditional entertainment in books or TV shows for obvious reasons so instead we suggest looking to employ shower time treatments that target specific areas of your body. For example, instead of merely washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner, create a thorough experience from start to finish by incorporating a scalp massage, hair mask and any special hair treatments you may want to use in addition to your go-to products.
Creating a more indulgent routine will not only have you looking and feeling better, but it will also encourage you to pause, and lean into the relaxation these rituals offer.
Read More: Relaxation tips to Help You Unwind
After-Shower Skincare Routine
Once you’ve dried yourself off with a fluffy towel and slipped into your softest silk robe (or a soft pair of pyjamas if you’re off to bed), it’s time to head to your skincare station. Of course, you know your skin best so your usual skincare routine is fine, but it’s important to note that moisturising after a hot shower is important to rehydrate skin. If you have one, a micro-fibre towel is great for drying hair and using a leave-in balm or a detangling spray before brushing can minimise breakage.
Read More: How to Build a Morning Skincare Routine
