7 shower mistakes you're probably making

Although you’ve probably been showering for most of your life, you still might be making one of these shower mistakes. Here's how to fix the unintentional blunders that may be harming your skin, your wallet, and the planet.

1. Running the water for too long

One of the biggest culprits for water waste is running the shower waiting for the water to heat up. You can wait much longer than needed, and it’s easy to get distracted while you wait. Thankfully, a smart shower head can help. Get a hai shower head, then use its companion app to personalize the color-coded LED hai light. You’ll get a mobile push notification and the hai light will illuminate when it’s time to get in! 

2. Showering with extra-hot water

Hot water strips away your skin's natural protective barrier. This leads to dry skin and can even exacerbate conditions like eczema and itchy skin. Take warm or cold showers, every time—preferably within a degree or two of your body temperature.  A hot shower might feel nice, but it also creates a bigger carbon footprint since heating water to higher temperatures requires more energy to sustain. 

If you still want the ultra-soothing experience a hot shower gives you without the heat,  try a spa shower head with full coverage and customizable spray settings instead.

3. Washing your hair last 

Wash and condition your hair before you cleanse your body and face. If not, you’ll end up with hair product residue all over your skin. It might not seem like a big deal, but that residue can build up on your body just like it can build up on your scalp leading to dullness and dermatological issues like acne and clogged pores.

4. Using the wrong shaving method

Turns out there are right and wrong ways to go about shaving. If you're using shower gel or body wash for your shave, you're setting yourself up for dry, itchy skin and possible irritation. Opt for shaving cream or gel, which feature hydrating agents that provide a sleeker shave action in the shower. Shaving should be one of your last shower steps, after exfoliating. Waiting until the end of your rinse will ensure your hairs are at their softest, making them easier to remove.

5. Using loofahs for too long

Your old, dingy loofah that's been hanging in your shower for the last year has to go. Unfortunately, research has proven that loofahs are a breeding ground for dead skin cells and bacteria—pretty much the last trait you want in a shower product. Loofahs should be replaced monthly. Or opt for machine-washable shower sponges if you're concerned about sustainability.  Follow these safety tips from Cleveland Clinic.

6. Showering too often

Showering every day may be a habit you picked up as a kid, but unless you’re grimy or sweaty, you may not need to do it more than a few times a week. Similar to hot showers, showering too often strips your body of your skin's natural oils and imbalances the natural bacteria that grows on your skin to protect your immune system. 

Same goes for your hair. You might think that washing your hair every day is the key to keeping it clean and healthy. But over-washing can have the opposite effect. Washing hair too frequently dries out your scalp, leading to irritation, flaking, and itchiness. It can also strip away the natural oils that keep hair healthy and shiny. For most people, twice a week is plenty. Try a dry shampoo in between if your hair starts to feel heavy or greasy.

Overwashing has been linked to everything from sensitive skin to eczema flare-ups to throwing off the balance of health-promoting and protective microorganisms on the skin. Showering less can also drastically reduce your carbon footprint and water usage. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American family showers with nearly 40 gallons of water per day.

7. Toweling dry too hard

Intense towel drying can ruin your hair follicles and damage your skin. Always gently pat your skin and hair dry with a soft towel. Use a microfiber towel, if possible. Microfiber is gentler on both your skin and hair, and it’s also more absorbent than traditional cotton towels.

It's important to be mindful of the way we shower and the mistakes we make in order to protect our bodies, wallets, and planet. Hopefully, these tips will help you reduce your environmental impact while still having an amazing shower experience.

Ready to take your shower to the next level? Check out the hai Smart Showerhead.