Men’s Shower Routine: 5-Step Shower Strategy for Guys

There’s nothing like stepping out of the shower feeling like a brand-new man. Squeaky clean, smelling fresh, and ready to take on the day. But if your shower routine consists of whatever soap is closest and a quick rinse, you’re selling yourself short. 

A great shower routine isn’t just about basic hygiene; it’s about self care—keeping your skin, hair, and beard healthy, while making sure you step out into the world smelling incredible in the process.

Remember when the internet was debating about whether people were “properly” washing their legs and feet? One side’s stance was that the soapy water running down from the upper body sufficiently washed their legs and feet. Now, if you’re just hearing about this—spoiler, the opposing team won the debate. Full body cleansing is essential.

So, let’s talk shower strategy—because yes, there’s an art to getting clean, and we’re about to break it down.

Here's your five-step strategy for how to properly take a shower. 

*If you’re looking for quick FAQs on showering, like how often to wash your hair, jump to the bottom!

Step 1: Start with the Right Water Temperature

Yes, we know, a scalding hot shower feels amazing after a long day. But then you step out and realize your skin is dry, itchy, and irritated. Hot water strips natural oils from your skin and hair, leaving everything feeling parched. On the flip side, freezing cold showers? While apparently boasting lots of benefits, they aren’t exactly relaxing.

The sweet spot for proper skincare? Warm water—hot enough to open your pores and cleanse properly, but not so hot that it wrecks your skin.

If you can’t help but turn things a little toasty, a good tip is to finish with a 30-second cold rinse. It will tighten your pores, reduce puffiness, and lock in moisture. Plus, it wakes you up faster than a double shot of espresso.

Step 2: Wash Your (Whole) Body the Right Way

Now that we know that there’s a difference between getting wet and actually getting clean, it’s time to learn the ultimate shower grooming tips of what to use and where.

What You Should Be Using:

Ditch the bar soap and generic soaps. If you’re grabbing a bar of soap and calling it a day, you’re missing out on a next-level clean. 

Look for a high-quality body wash that doesn’t dry your skin out. The Beard Club’s Body Wash formulated for men hydrates while it cleanses. Plus, it smells incredible—the kind of fresh scent that makes people want to be around you.

Every shower should include a full body wash using a soft loofah or washcloth (Sorry guys, your hands aren’t enough to wash away dead skin, dirt, and sweat). Try using an exfoliating loofah or glove once a week, which will be key to prevent ingrown hairs and keep your skin smooth. 

On the flip side, you don't want to overwash and dry everything out, so on top of the soaps you chose, be mindful of your lifestyle, skin type, and environment. 

Don’t Skip These Areas (Seriously):

Lather up your washcloth with body wash until you have suds. From there, wash your whole body, not forgetting these key areas:

• Behind your ears, around your neck and jawline - these areas are perfect for oil, sweat, and soap to settle, so ensure you're mindful to wash and remove buildup.

• The belly button gets forgotten, but it basically becomes a pool for fuzz, sweat, and dirt. Please routinely clean it with soap and water, otherwise it'll get stinky.

• Underarms are important! Not just a quick pass, either. Try to wash thoroughly to break down deodorant buildup that can cause breakouts or uncomfortable rashes down the road.

• Your back is another forgotten spot, because how do you get back there? Try a long-handled brush or loofah to keep this area clean and free of that dreaded back acne (aka backne).

• Legs, feet & toes need their own love. We covered this, standing in soapy water doesn't count as washing. Lather up your loofah or washcloth and scrub down your legs, then wash the bottoms of the feet and in-between the toes.

People in dry climates or with dry sensitive skin should use cooler water on their bodies before stepping out. This helps seal moisture into your skin and keeps your shower feeling refreshing, rather than leaving you overheated and dried out post-shower. 

Step 3: Keep Your Beard & Hair on Point

Your hair and beard deserve their own special treatment—because using one-size-fits-all shampoo? That’s a rookie move. Beard and hair products come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, choosing what’s right for you can be tough with the barrage of options.

Besides what to use, you also want to make sure you’re scrub-a-dubbing the right way. Stick to these product and care tips below to keep those follicles healthy, hydrated, and clean.

For Your Beard:

Your beard traps sweat, oil, and whatever you ate for lunch (yes, even if you didn’t notice). Washing it 2-3 times a week is key to keeping it smelling nice, healthy, and itch-free. Follow these steps below on days you're washing.

1. Apply a quarter-sized amount of beard wash to your hands, then work it into a rich lather. Use a gentle, hydrating beard wash to cleanse without drying it out.

2. Starting at the roots, massage the soap deep into your beard with your fingertips, scrubbing the skin underneath. This removes dead skin cells and beardruff (yes, beard dandruff is real).

3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water to wash out all the product. Leftover residue can lead to dryness and irritation. After drying, apply a few drops of beard oil to keep your beard soft, conditioned, and smelling great.

On days you don’t use beard shampoo, rinse well with warm water, and detangle post-shower.

For Your Hair:

Depending on your hair type or hair goals, you may opt for certain shampoos that support curlier hair, thin hair types, or even hair growth. Regardless of the type, choose shampoo that cleans without stripping essential oils. If you have longer hair, you definately want a conditioner to keep those locks hydrated and detangled.

How often you wash your hair also depends on your hair type as well, but on days you do lather up, follow these steps for a deep clean.

1. Get your hair fully wet with warm water before applying any product. This helps loosen dirt and open up the cuticles for better absorption.

2. With about a nickel-sized amount of shampoo into your hands, lather together, then start at the scalp, massaging with your fingertips (not nails!). Your scalp is where oil and buildup start—so focus here and then work through the ends.

3. Rinse until squeaky clean and then apply conditioner. A good tip is to only use conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends (not the scalp) to keep hair hydrated without making it greasy. Finally, rinse with cool water to close hair cuticles and add natural shine.

Step 4: The Ultimate Manscaping Move—The Body Trimmer

If you skip manscaping, you’re missing out on a key part of looking and feeling fresh. Body hair is totally your choice, but keeping it clean, trimmed, and groomed makes a huge difference—especially in areas where sweat and odor love to linger.

If you’re doing a full trim with lots of hair removal, we recommend doing this before you hit the shower for easier cleanup. Dry hair on a dry surface is much easier to wipe away and won’t clog your drain.

On the flip side, it’s perfectly fine to shave it up and maintain things in the shower, but just be mindful of where the hair goes. The Beard Club’s waterproof Body and Groin Trimmer is designed for precision body hair trims in or outside the shower. No nicks, no irritation—just effortless grooming.

Where You Should Trim (If You Haven’t Already):

• Chest & Stomach: Keeping your chest and stomach hair trimmed gives everything an even, cleaner look.

• Groin Area: Trimming your pubes is good for overall hygiene, especially the more active and hairy you are.

• Back & Shoulders: If you’ve got random patches, trimming your back and shoulders levels up the game.

• Armpits: A slight trim of armpit hair helps cut down on odor and sweat buildup.

Step 5: Post-Shower Routine for Peak Freshness

You’re clean, you’re groomed, and now it’s time to lock in the moisture and freshness.

1. To start, towel dry and then moisturize ASAP (this is from the post-shower bible). Dry skin = itchy, flaky skin. From there, it’s time to lock in your skincare routine. Apply a high-quality moisturizer to your face (SPF is essential in the AM) and then use a fast-absorbing lotion on your whole body.
2. Now it’s time to give your facial hair some love with your usual grooming routine. If you need a trim or shave, we recommend doing so post-shower. Apply a moisturizing beard oil (bonus points if it smells nice) and distribute it using a beard brush for a polished look. 
3. Next, apply deodorant (the good kind). Choose an aluminum-free, skin-friendly deodorant to stay fresh without irritation.
4. Finish with your signature scent. Consider a high-quality cologne or body perfume if you don't have one. It makes a huge difference. Only do one or two sprays, max; you’re aiming for "smells good," not "gas station air freshener.”

Quick Shower FAQs for Men

How often should you shower? (morning vs. night)

For most guys, showering once a day is ideal. When it comes to morning vs. night showers, a quick shower in the morning is a refreshing way to start your day and show up presentable.

But keep in mind, if you’re hitting the gym, working a laborious job, or live somewhere hot, aim to shower every night. You don’t want to drag all that grim into bed or let it steep into your skin overnight (that’s a skincare no-no!).

Should you shave before or after the shower?

After the shower, hands down. A warm shower softens hair and opens pores, making shaving smoother and reducing irritation. Plus, washing your face first removes dirt and oils that could clog your razor. If you’re in a rush, at least splash your face with warm water and cleanser before shaving, applying a moisturizing shaving cream for a smooth finish.

How often should you wash your hair?

Your hair care routine depends on your hair type and lifestyle. If you have an oily scalp or live a more active lifestyle, you should wash your hair about 2-3 times a week. If you have longer or dry hair, shampooing 1-2 times a week is plenty. 

Should you wash your beard every day?

Nope! Overwashing strips away natural oils, making your beard brittle and itchy. Aim to wash it 2-3 times a week and rinse with warm water on off days.

Do I need a different wash for my hair vs. body vs. beard?

Absolutely. Your scalp, skin, and beard have different needs. A regular shampoo can dry out your beard, and body wash isn’t great for your hair. It gets even more complicated when talking skincare for your face. In short, get separate products for each—your face (and date) will thank you.

Bottom Line: Shower Like a Pro, Smell Like a Legend

A solid shower routine keeps you looking and feeling your absolute best. With the right products, techniques, and post-shower habits, you’ll see showers as a way to treat yourself after a long day. Morning showers more your vibe? There is nothing like the royal treatment in the AM before you step out into the world.

Looking for upgrades to create your perfect shower routine? Check out The Beard Club’s Body Trimmer Kits featuring everything you need for next-level clean. Looking and feeling your best isn’t just an option, it’s a lifestyle. Join the club!