It is suggested by some experts that daily showering is influenced more by a “social contract” than by genuine necessity.
Infrequent showering is often viewed with skepticism. This perception extends not only to nature enthusiasts and tent-dwellers but also to low-frequency showering advocates on platforms like TikTok and even public figures. British TV presenter Jonathan Ross made headlines recently by sharing that washing less than once a week occasionally occurs.
Similarly, in 2023, actor America Ferrera surprised fellow castmates by admitting to occasionally skipping showers. In 2021, a wave of reactions followed actor Ashton Kutcher’s revelation of washing only “armpits and crotch daily and nothing else ever,” with actor Jake Gyllenhaal adding that bathing is sometimes “less necessary”—though later claimed as sarcasm. The discussion grew so intense that actors like Jason Momoa and The Rock felt compelled to clarify their frequent showering habits.
“Infrequent showering isn’t uncommon, but openly discussing it is a rarity.”
– Donnachadh McCarthy.
Frequent handwashing is widely regarded as essential for preventing the spread of germs. However, most medical professionals suggest that no inherent physical health advantage is gained from daily showering. In some cases, it may even have adverse effects, such as drying out the skin and potentially compromising the immune system. Despite this, research shows that over half of individuals in the United States and the United Kingdom maintain a daily showering routine. Could a reduction in this habit be worth considering?
Public discussions about infrequent showering are rare. In 2015, chemist David Whitlock gained attention for revealing that showers had been avoided for 12 years, choosing instead to spray with beneficial bacteria. This philosophy inspired the launch of a skincare brand. Similarly, in 2016, physician James Hamblin shared his decision to forgo regular showers. Upon the release of his 2020 book, Clean: The New Science of Skin and the Beauty of Doing Less, Hamblin noted,
“There is a smell, and my wife describes it as identifiable—but she likes it. Others don’t find it unpleasant.”
Environmental advocate Donnachadh McCarthy has also spoken openly on the topic.
“Being an infrequent showerer is not uncommon,” McCarthy stated, “but speaking about it is rare.” In a 2015 article for The Guardian, McCarthy described transitioning to weekly showers, paired with daily sink washes, and the apprehension of potential criticism. However, after publication, others privately admitted similar habits.
Formerly a ballet dancer with typical showering practices, McCarthy reexamined water usage after living with the Yanomami people in the Amazon rainforest. Inspired to reduce environmental impact, rainwater harvesting and solar thermal systems were installed in his London home, while showering frequency gradually decreased to about once a month. Daily sink washing, using a cloth to cleanse the entire body, has replaced conventional showers, and only a single cup of water is used for shaving. Concerns about odor have not been raised.
“In older homes, bedroom tables often featured built-in bowls. Water was used from these for cleansing with a cloth. Modern plumbing is a great advancement, but it leads to significantly higher consumption.”
Donnachadh McCarthy
“Performative” Showering
The modern devotion to daily soap-and-water rituals remains an infrequent topic of academic exploration, with a 2005 report still regarded as a foundational reference in shower research. In Britain, showering once or even twice daily is commonplace. The report notes that this habit has “become such a normal routine that it is socially and physically uncomfortable to wash any less often.”
Dale Southerton, Professor of Sociology of Consumption at the University of Bristol and a co-author of the report, remarks:
“We wash our bodies so much more than we did in the past.”
– Dale Southerton
This shift, he explains, emerged gradually over the past century, not as a deliberate change but almost by happenstance. The social dynamics of frequent showering are particularly evident in environments such as trekking holidays or music festivals, where conventional habits are often disrupted.
Historically, baths served as the primary method of personal hygiene, with traditions ranging from therapeutic soaks in spa towns to modern relaxation rituals involving bubble baths, beverages, and books. The environmental and economic impact of bathing versus showering depends on shower duration. While some advocate for the hygienic benefits of showers due to the constant flow of water, others suggest the differences are minimal.
In the 1950s, widespread access to indoor plumbing in Britain transformed hygiene routines. A pivotal invention followed: a hose attached to taps, equipped with a plastic sieve-like showerhead. This innovation simplified cleansing. Southerton highlights how accessibility influenced habits: in homes with shared showers, frequency was naturally limited. By contrast, the modern norm of en-suite bathrooms allows easy access, fostering increased showering frequency.
The abundance of private showers, originally designed for convenience, has reshaped hygiene practices into more frequent routines.
The shower has evolved into a symbol of more than just hygiene. During the 20th century, an emerging advertising industry redefined its significance. According to Dale Southerton, the shower was initially promoted as a time-saving tool but also as a source of rejuvenation. By the 1970s, advertisements often depicted simple bath setups with showerheads, but by the 1980s, imagery shifted to portray relaxation—typically showing a person surrounded by steam, emphasizing showering as a leisure activity. It also became a ritual for transitioning between roles, whether as a professional, athlete, caregiver, or friend. Southerton describes showering as a “threshold activity,” with the shower cubicle serving as a transformative space.
Professor Kristen Gram-Hanssen from Aalborg University notes,
“If you go back 100 years, daily showers were not typical because showers were not widely available. Showering isn’t driven by health but by social norms.”
– Kristen Gram-Hanssen
This social aspect of frequent showering becomes apparent in settings such as trekking holidays or music festivals, where alternative norms emerge, and reduced showering is more accepted.
What lies ahead for this practice? A societal shift toward significantly reduced showering seems unlikely. Environmental concerns have yet to influence a widespread change. Southerton remarks,
“This isn’t a case of recognizing a misstep and deciding to reverse it. Showering norms are deeply embedded in society.”
– Kristen Gram-Hanssen
For those questioning the daily routine, inspiration can be found in environmentalist Donnachadh McCarthy, who suggests that much of showering is “performative.” He adds, “Why is washing so frequent? Often because of fear that others will comment on smell… That fear was faced, and life continues.”
How to shower less and still be fine
- Stop showering out of habit – wash yourself when you need to
- Consider your “transition showers” – eg. are there other ways to mark the end of the working day?
- Do what Ashton Kutcher does – focus on the key areas
- Don’t forget to wash your hands as usual
