Martin is a passionate entrepreneur and a dedicated barbershop enthusiast. He has delved deeply into the world of shaving and beard care and aims to bring the unique barbershop experience into every bathroom.
What does the perfect men's shower look like?
Are there tips and tricks for men on how to shower properly? Yes, indeed, mistakes can occur even while showering, which can negatively affect hair and skin.
In this article, you will learn what the optimal shower routine for men looks like. We also cover the length of the shower and frequency.
8 Shower Tips for Men
The body care for men can indeed be time-consuming. It's no longer just about shaving, but also about skin care.
Additionally, a few tips and tricks should be considered when stepping into the shower. Because imperfect skin in men can also result from mistakes in body care.
1. Choose the Right Hair Care Products
Whether dry, thinning, or curly hair, the product is crucial. Curl care for men is especially recommended for light to strong curls.
Curl shampoos differ from those needed for straight or oily hair. For this reason, one should use products for hair care that match their hair type.
Products for dry, thinning or curly hair differ from those for straight or oily hair.
It makes sense. Therefore, you should use hair care products that match your hair type.
Those with oily hair should use a shampoo for oily scalps, and also adjust their washing routine accordingly.
If you want more volume, it makes sense to use a lighter shampoo that doesn't weigh down the hair.
Ideally, you should use a mild shampoo that is specifically tailored to the needs of your hair type.
Men with oily hair should use a clarifying shampoo to effectively remove dirt and excess oil. For dry hair, a moisturizing shampoo is helpful.
There are also solid shampoos that are plastic-free and more environmentally friendly. Due to their small size, they are ideal for travel. The solid shampoo is moistened, then lathered in the hands and massaged into the hair. Afterward, the shampoo is thoroughly rinsed out.
Have you already checked out our online shop and discovered our new solid shampoo?
It is not only environmentally friendly and practical for on-the-go, but also perfectly suited to the needs of your hair.
Whether you prefer a liquid or solid shampoo depends on your individual preferences and needs. You can also try different products to find the perfect shampoo for you.
2. A Water Filter for Naturally Shiny Hair
A water filter can have a positive impact on the appearance of our hair. Tap water often contains impurities such as calcium and minerals that can deposit on our hair. This can cause the hair to look dull, dry, or brittle.
A water filter helps reduce or remove these impurities, so the water we use to wash our hair is cleaner and purer.
By using filtered water, the hair is cleaned more gently and can regain its natural shine. The filtering process can also help maintain the moisture balance of the scalp and reduce irritation, leading to healthier and shinier hair overall.
3. Use a Conditioner
Shampoo opens the cuticle layer of the hair to allow for thorough cleansing. It removes sebum, dead skin cells, and residue from styling products, as well as deposits such as nicotine and exhaust fumes.
While shampoo cleanses the hair, it can also dry it out or make it dull and unruly. Therefore, it's important to use a conditioner.
The hair conditioner closes the raised cuticle layer, making the hair
- Shinier,
- Softer
- and more resistant to environmental influences.
The conditioner should be left in the hair for a few minutes to nourish and soften the strands. After a few minutes, the hair should be thoroughly rinsed.
4. Pat Wet Hair Dry Instead of Rubbing
Wet hair appears longer because the water makes the hair heavier. The water absorbs into the hair and breaks the hydrogen bonds in the hair. This makes the hair more pliable, but also more prone to breakage and damage. Therefore, it's important not to brush the hair when it's completely wet, as this can stress the hair in its delicate state. It is recommended to use a wide-toothed comb.
Additionally, wet hair should never be rubbed with a towel. Especially terry towels have a rough surface that can damage the hair's structure. This can, in the worst case, lead to
- Tangled,
- Frizzy
- or damaged hair.
It is better to pat the remaining moisture away with an old T-shirt or a suitable microfiber towel.
5. Adjust Water Temperature
Showering too long can have negative effects - your skin can dry out. If you use water that is too hot, there is also the risk of disturbing the skin flora. Hot water destroys your skin's protective layer.
Ideally, you should use lukewarm water. This means the temperature of your water should not exceed 35 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature should be 25 degrees Celsius. Lukewarm water cleanses the skin perfectly by opening the skin pores without drying out or irritating the skin.
6. Less is More
As mentioned earlier, it is advisable not to spend too much time in the shower. The ideal shower time is between 5 and 15 minutes. Since prolonged showers can dry out the skin, a shorter shower experience effectively helps maintain your skin's moisture balance. It is also water-saving, which benefits not only your wallet but also the environment.
7. Clean the Face Last
The facial cleansing for men is best done after showering.
Because facial skin is one of the most sensitive areas of the body, it should be cleaned at the end of the showering process. The lukewarm water opens the pores.
This allows impurities to be thoroughly washed away. If the face is cleaned for too long, it can disrupt the skin flora. Therefore, it is advisable to clean the face only at the end.
Facial and beard washing should be done at the end of the showering process for men. The facial skin is one of the most sensitive areas of the body. The lukewarm water opens the pores so that impurities can be thoroughly washed away.
If the face is cleaned for too long, it can attack the skin flora. Therefore, it is advisable to clean the face only at the end of the shower.
Expert Tip: End your shower with a short burst of cold water to close the skin pores and stimulate circulation. This will give you a rosy and fresh complexion.
8. Apply Skincare Products Right After Showering
Men's facial care includes moisturizing lotions and serums that can lock in and retain moisture in the skin. Products with hyaluronic acid can also provide a plumping effect on the skin.
It is important to apply these products directly after showering to still slightly damp skin. This allows the ingredients of the products to be absorbed better.
These Mistakes Should Men Avoid While Showering
A well-thought-out shower routine can help avoid common mistakes when showering. The more routine you are in the shower, the fewer "classic" shower mistakes you will make.
But what are these mistakes, and what effects do they have on skin and hair?
You'll find out now! Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Mistake Number 1: The Temperature is Too Hot
A too high water temperature can dry out the skin and destroy its natural protective layer. Therefore, the water should be lukewarm, not hotter than 35 degrees Celsius. Avoid particularly hot, long showers as they can harm your skin.
Mistake Number 2: Washing Hair Too Often
A common mistake when showering is washing hair daily. Many people believe they need to shampoo their hair every day to keep it clean and fresh. However, frequent hair washing can actually be harmful. Regular use of shampoo can strip the natural oils from the scalp and lead to dry and brittle hair.
It can also disturb the sensitive balance of the scalp and trigger excess sebum production, leading to greasy hair. Instead, try washing your hair only every few days to maintain natural oils and keep the hair healthy.
If needed, you can also use dry shampoo or other hair care products to refresh your hair between washes.
Mistake Number 3: Using Too Much Shower Gel
You don't need to lather your entire body. Water alone is sufficient to clean most areas of your body.
Soap should primarily be used on relevant areas, such as the underarm area, to remove sweat residues.
A hazelnut-sized amount of shower gel is usually enough to clean the upper body. By rinsing off from the upper body, the entire body is cleaned with the shower gel.
Mistake Number 4: Washing from Back to Front
The intimate area should be washed from front to back. This prevents bacteria from the anal region from entering the front intimate area.
The intimate area should also be thoroughly cleaned to remove odors, sweat, and bacteria. The skin is sensitive and should be cleaned gently. Ideally, a mild and pH-neutral intimate wash gel is used.
Mistake Number 5: Showering Too Long
Prolonged shower sessions can dry out the skin. Therefore, you should spend only a few minutes in the shower. Under 15 minutes is usually sufficient to complete the showering process.
Conclusion
The right shower routine for men is more than just cleansing - it's an opportunity to care for and protect your skin and hair.
Choose hair care products that suit your hair type, and consider using water filters to achieve naturally shiny hair. Use conditioners to keep hair smooth, and gently pat wet hair dry.
Pay attention to water temperature and shower duration to prevent skin problems. Cleanse your face at the end of your shower and apply moisturizing products to slightly damp skin.
Avoid common mistakes such as hot water, excessive hair washing, and incorrect cleaning methods to establish a healthy shower routine.
FAQ
How does water temperature affect my skin when showering?
The water temperature when showering plays an important role in skin health.
Water that is too hot can dry out the skin and destroy its natural protective layer. The ideal temperature is lukewarm water, which opens the skin pores without drying them out.
Why should I clean my face only at the end of the shower?
The facial skin is sensitive and reacts to temperature changes.
Lukewarm water during the shower opens the pores, allowing for a thorough cleanse. Cleaning the face at the end helps to keep the delicate skin flora intact and avoid irritation.
A short burst of cold water at the end can close the skin pores and improve circulation.
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