Are You Showering Wrong? Experts Reveal the Surprising Mistakes 80% of People Make Every Day

So, you think you’ve been nailing your showers all these years, right? Turns out, most of us have been doing it totally backward—and no, this isn’t some quirky myth your grandma made up. According to the experts (and a study that threw a whopping 80% of us under the bathroom faucet bus), there’s a right and a wrong way to shower. The shocker? It’s all in the order. Do you shampoo first or scrub your body right away? Pick wrong, and you might be just inviting skin irritation or missing out on that fresh, squeaky-clean feeling. I mean, who knew the humble shower routine could hide such a twist? If you’ve ever wondered if there’s a secret formula for getting clean—and yes, even an argument about morning versus night showers—brace yourself. It’s time to rethink your shower game. LEARN MORE

It’s something we do every day, but did you know you could actually be showering wrong?

You might be thinking there cannot possibly be a way to shower ‘incorrectly’ but, according to experts, it seems there’s a ‘right and a wrong’ way to wash.

What’s more, a study has claimed that 80 percent of us are getting it wrong.

It’s all to do with the order in which you shower, in other words, do you wash your hair first, or your body?

Apparently, there’s a correct way to shower (Getty Stock Image)

Experts over at shower gel brand, Original Source, have explained that the first thing you wash should actually be your hair.

And of course, shampoo should be used first before moving on to conditioner.

Shampooing first removes dirt and oils from our hair and scalp before rejuvenating and moisturising our hair with conditioner.

Once the hair has been washed, then it’s time to move on to the body.

Apparently, showering in this order is key, with Original Source explaining: “Doing so allows the hair to be cleaned, and any residual product or oils to be washed away, before the shower gel is applied to the body.

“Otherwise, there’s a danger of skin irritation, caused by the buildup of various products lingering on your skin.”

Experts say shower gel should be used after shampoo and conditioner (Getty Stock Image)

According to the survey of 2,000 Brits, 44 percent wash their body before shampooing and conditioning, while 22 percent use shampoo, then shower gel, then conditioner.

In fact, only 14 percent are showering in the ‘correct order’.

“There’s so much more to a shower than getting yourself as clean as possible,” said Alice Plimmer, Refreshment Lead at Original Source.

“If you want to kick start your morning, turning the shower into a full sensory refreshment experience, and one free from any distractions, is vital.

“If you want to get a real morning boost and kick start your morning, using a shower gel with 100 percent natural fragrance is the answer.”

According to the survey, most people have been showering ‘wrong’ (Getty Stock Image)

Recently, a doctor settled the debate on whether it’s better to shower in the morning or the evening.

Dr Jason Singh took to TikTok to give his take on the debate, explaining the pros to both sides of the argument.

The American doc explains that overnight, ‘your body can accumulate germs such as bacteria and fungus’.

Dr Singh says this happens through ‘processes like sweating and shedding skin cells’.

“The by-product of these creates an odour and so morning showers cleanses the bacteria and skin secretions that have built up,” he added.

Therefore, if you shower in the morning, you’re starting the day with a ‘more hygienic baseline’.

But the doctor also says having a shower at night has ‘three things going for it’.

Firstly, he says warm shows triggers ‘the release of melatonin’, a sleep-inducing hormone. And then, when you’re drying off and cool down, your body is set up for a better sleep.

Another benefit is that it washes away ‘the entire day’s grime’. And thirdly, showering at night is a ‘better way to help hydrate your skin’ if you’re prone to being drier or more sensitive.

Dr Singh pointed out: “Overall night-time showers has more benefits to it but morning showers has really one benefit and that’s better hygiene.”