How to Design Your Perfect Ritual

Just as every word can now end in “core” and become a movement, the same goes for “Tok.” BookTok. BeautyTok. And now… #ShowerTok. At the time of this article’s publication, the term “aesthetic shower routines” has 39 million views. Videos feature close-ups of shimmery body butters, beautifully lined-up bottles, and #unwindwithme routines. In true social media form, the content is quick, easy to consume (and obsess over), and definitely aspirational. But what is the shower routine aesthetic? And have we collectively moved on from baths and adapted the once-humble shower as our new rinsing ritual? Let’s dive in.

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

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What is “The Shower”?

We live and breathe Pinterest’s annual trends report. Without fail, when it releases in the fall, the Camille Styles team pours over its digital pages, checking to see whether our predictions match the data. The trend I was perhaps most surprised to see? Pinterest reported a 460% increase in searches for “shower routine aesthetic.” Related searches included everything from shower bombs to shower walk-ins—proving that this is a trend that encompasses both beauty and design.

Some factors driving the trend:

a widespread push toward water conservation
the need for increased floor space
an accessible, spa-like bathroom experience

It’s also a trend that’s evolved with our understanding of hair care. Since learning that we should only be washing our hair a few times a week (if that), folks are making the most of their wash days—seeing them more as an opportunity for self-care than a dreaded obligation to put off as long as you can.

Shanika Hillocks, shower routine aesthetic — *Image by Michelle Nash*

How to Create a Shower Routine Aesthetic

After uncovering Pinterest’s prediction, I started noticing people referring to “The Shower” (with the intended capitalization) everywhere. It’s thrown out casually in GRWM Reels and YouTube vlogs. Even while listening to my go-to, Gen Z guilty pleasure podcasts, I’ve noticed the common use of the term. Trinity Tondeleir, host of The Wellness Café podcast, threw out The Shower when describing her ideal bounce-back-from-a-hangover routine. “Do all the products, all the hair masks, your favorite shampoo and body wash.”

The vibes are abundant and nearly excessive. Creating your shower routine aesthetic is about making a necessary task a moment of relaxation and ease during your week.

Ideas for Designing Your Shower Routine Aesthetic

String eucalyptus on your shower head. You’ve probably seen this easy DIY on social. It adds a pretty pop of color while infusing your shower with the fresh and clean, mint-like scent of eucalyptus. The perfect excuse to make a trip to Trader Joe’s.
Close the door. Simple, but crucial. If you want to truly reap the skin-cleansing benefits of a little steam (and ensure you’re not letting in any of the outside chill), shut the door. Bonus points if you invest in underfloor heating.
Create a soothing color palette. Neutral accessories are the name of the game. Opt for towels and a bath mat in hues that instill a sense of calm in your bathroom. Or, if you’re doing a complete design overhaul, incorporate colors—whether your shower tiles or wall paint—that are all about ease. Our Design Editor Stacey recommends aiming for blues, greys, and cool whites.
Clear the clutter. There’s nothing more vibe-zapping than a cluttered space. Leave only the essentials—and find other homes for the rest.
Update your shower head. Swapping out your shower head for a custom option is easier than you think. Opt for one that filters your water (see below), a rain head, or whatever you prefer to guarantee an even, steady flow.