Taking a shower takes up your time, energy and water, and then leaves you to deal with your soaking wet body and hair. And there are days when that’s a far bigger commitment than we can handle. Taking the occasional waterless shower is a great way to achieve shower-fresh status without getting wet. Plus, you’ll nourish your hair with natural oils and save water. Here’s how to complete a typical shower routine sans eau.
Step 1: Exfoliate
This step is for all the body and face scrub fans out there who crave baby smooth skin, but it’s an optional step. For everything below your décolletage, give dry brushing a try. All you have to do is gently brush your skin with a body brush. Dry brushing will not only remove dead cells, it’ll also increase blood flow. For your face, neck and chest, you can use a clean washcloth to rub even more gently.
Step 2: Cleanse
If you want to master of the art of laziness waterless showering, you’ll need to invest in cleansing cloths. These little guys will make your life so much easier. All you need to do is wipe your body and face down with wipes. Give special attention to your more aromatic areas (armpits) and don’t forget to wipe behind your ears.
Step 3: Powder
Some people like to finish showers with a little powder; for example, baby powdering their underarms. The cleansing cloths will offer just enough moisture for powder to be absorbed if you’re into that. However, the real star of the waterless shower is dry shampoo, an oil-absorbing powder for the hair (it typically comes in an aerosol spray). Apply dry shampoo to greasy roots, bangs, etc., and no one will even guess you skipped a shower. It’s like magic.
Step 4: Moisturize
Apply lotion or body oil to your skin as you normally would after a shower. However, since you didn’t soap up, chances are you won’t need as much, so proceed lightly. If you want to add a little extra luster to your hair or went a tad too far with the dry shampoo (it is pretty fun to spray!), add some oil or styling cream to the ends of your hair. Stick to the bottom three-quarters of your hair, though, because putting product too close to your roots will undermine your water-saving dry shampoo job.
Step 5: Scent
Apply your usual deodorant, essential oil or perfume. It may sound obvious, but applying deodorant to clean underarms will keep you fresh longer. Also, scents from oils and perfumes will last longer on moisturized skin.
Step 6: Dress
I know this is a no-brainer (and should apply even after a wet shower), but it has to be said: Make sure you wear clean clothes (undergarments especially).
And there you have the waterless shower. For an even lazier stealthier waterless shower, keep dry shampoo and cleansing cloths on hand for quick, on-the-go freshening.
Beatrice Strnad is a writer and editor based in Brooklyn, NY. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications that cover topics such as beauty, fashion, technology and literature. She writes frequently for The Style Glossy.
18 thoughts on “How to Take a Waterless Shower …Yes, Waterless”
Live and learn–I had never heard of a waterless shower before. I definitely am going to try this. f course I will have to go and find dry shampoo and pick up some extra wipes!
I prefer my showers with water…LOL! I have heard you can use just regular powder on your hair to make it appear less greasy if you are in a rush and have no time for a shower!
Lol… never heard of waterless shower. Looks cool to try in winters :p
I haven’t tried waterless. I love my baths and showers – not sure I could give them up but think this is a good idea when you don’t have time to bathe and need to freshen up fast.
Sounds interesting! I have never tried one, have done a sink bath but never water-less!
Waterless showers are great for camping, but I don’t think I could have a waterless shower on a regular basis. Good tips though for those that are interested.
To each his own, but waterless showers are just not my thing. A shower isn’t a shower without shampoo, body wash, and water. For me, at least.
Ha! What a great post! I never even thought of this. Being a stay at home mommy, there are many mornings that it seems impossible to get in the shower. Good tips!
Waterless showers {I have only heard them referred to by another name} are great if you are in a hurry or if you just have a lazy day. I remember once that there was some water issue in our development and we didn’t have water for a few hours. This would have definitely been a great alternative then, too.
This will be a helpful article when we run short of water at home. It’s the first time I hear about waterless showeing. Applying scents or fragrances to a body with bad odor even more create bad odor, don’t you agree though? 🙂
My parents used to take their own and give us kids what they called a “bird bath” It’s not waterless, but all you need is a little soap and water. Wash your face, pits and anything else that needs cleaning. You freshen yourself up without wasting a ton of water and it saves time. I also use powder on my scalp when it’s greasy and I don’t have time to wash. That way my ends don’t get so dry from washing daily.
This is the first time I’m hearing about waterless showers. It does sound like a great idea, probably best to do in places that are cold.
excellent post as always! Thank you so much for the great tips 😀
I know people that do this, but I would much prefer to jump in the water. Even if I’m not washing my hair, I prefer to wash off my body in a shower– no matter how quick–I will keep in mind though In case my water goes out sometime
Thanks… you know there are some times I can think of when I would need to do a waterless shower. At certain showers. After a day at the theme park or another fun outdoor event when you are going out to eat before you go home. Or if your water in the house isn’t working. 🙂
Sounds interesting, would be great if you are camping or something. I think if I was home I would still take a regular shower.
This sounds great, especially for when traveling to go on long hikes. I shared this link with my hubby.
Waterless showers seem like just as much work as regular showers – if not more! lol However, it is really convenient for times I get a blow out, or need to skip actually washing for a day or two.