Woman Alive deputy editor, Jemimah Wright takes a light-hearted look at the latest wellness craze making waves, even in Vogue, and asks whether “dark showering” might offer more than just a moment of calm. Could switching off the lights in one of our most ordinary daily routines actually help us switch our focus back onto God?
Did you know that the latest practice to emerge from the ever-creative world of self-care is “dark showering.” Yes, you heard correctly. People are now intentionally turning off the lights and showering in near darkness, all in the name of relaxation and mindfulness.
I decided to put this to the test, for you, dear Woman Alive readers. Yesterday I had a shower in the dark. I can report that it was, in fact, quite relaxing. With the lights off, I found myself more aware of the sound of the water, the early morning birds outside, and the gentle hum of the world waking up. It did feel… calmer.
That is, until I realised I needed to wash my hair.
At this point, the experience became less “spa retreat” and more “guessing game” as I couldn’t see which bottle was the shampoo or conditioner. In the end, I had to ruin the moment entirely by flicking on the mirror light to find the right bottle.
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Still, there may be something in it. According to research from the Fresha platform, interest in “dark showering” has surged by a remarkable 2,238% over the past year, with around 50,000 searches in the past month alone. This isn’t just a quirky idea, it’s part of a wider movement.
Dark showering is really part of a bigger movement towards beauty and wellness routines that feel calmer and more intentional.
As beauty expert Danielle Louise explains: “Dark showering is really part of a bigger movement towards beauty and wellness routines that feel calmer and more intentional. People are looking for ways to make everyday habits feel more soothing, and lowering the lights can instantly change the mood of something as simple as a shower.”
She adds: “It turns a routine task into more of a ritual… that softer environment can feel far more relaxing than harsh bathroom lighting.”
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There’s a reason spas keep the lights low. It’s because softer lighting helps us slow down.
And I have to admit, she has a point. There’s a reason spas keep the lights low. It’s because softer lighting helps us slow down. It signals that this is a moment to rest, not rush. Another observation from the research stood out to me: “People are no longer just thinking about beauty in terms of how something makes them look. They’re thinking about how it makes them feel.”
Now that is interesting. Because as Christians, we’re often invited into rhythms that are not just about outward behaviour, but inward attentiveness. We know the value of pausing, of stillness, of stepping away from noise and distraction. So, should we all start showering in the dark?
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Well, perhaps not as a new spiritual discipline (and definitely not if you value using the correct hair products, and don’t even think about shaving your legs). But the instinct behind it is worth considering. Any space that removes distraction, especially our ever-present phones, and creates quiet can become an opportunity to fix our thoughts on Jesus. A darkened shower might not be everyone’s idea of sanctuary, but it can become a moment to pray. To give thanks. To be still. To listen.
You might even find, as I did (before the conditioner incident), that when the lights dim, your awareness sharpens. The ordinary becomes noticeable again. And in that small, slightly soggy space, there is room to encounter God.
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