Unpacking #BlackGirlShowerTok: a viral trend revolutionising self-care routines

When it comes to shower routines, most people are used to the simplicity, lathering up, rinsing off, and calling it a day.

But with the #BlackGirlShowerTok trend, a shower routine is more than just a quick cleanse. It’s an experience, a moment of self-care and pampering.

From pre-hair treatments to exfoliating gloves, black women on TikTok are sharing their very layered shower routines.

But what’s behind this trend, and how did it become a cultural phenomenon?

The rise of #BlackGirlShowerTok

The #BlackGirlShowerTok trend evolved from a genuine niche for black women to share and exchange ideas on shower routines, personal hygiene, and self-care. 

The trend is rooted in the “smelling” good aesthetic, which emphasises the importance of cleanliness and freshness, whether you’re getting ready for work or bed.

However, it soon shifted to focus on the broader aspects of self-care and personal hygiene.

For black women, sharing their shower routines became a way to connect with others who share similar hair and skin care needs.

It became a trend on TikTok because that is a platform where people learn how to do almost everything under the sun.

The trend highlights the unique details of black hair and skin care, which often involve specific products, techniques and routines due to different hair textures and skin types. 

As the trend gained momentum, it became a platform for black women to showcase their self-care practices and learn from others.

Cultural significance of shower routines

Interestingly, the trend caught the attention of women from other racial backgrounds, particularly white women.

One TikTok user @msgingersnapqueen found herself on the other side of the algorithm, where she discovered  #BlackGirlShowerTok and sparked a conversation about the differences in shower routines between cultures.

She expressed her admiration for the thoroughness and attention to detail in black women’s shower routines, realising that her routine might not be as effective. 

This sparked a broader conversation about the importance of self-care and personal hygiene, and how different cultures approach these practices.

TikTok’s role in trend formation

TikTok’s algorithm plays a big role in shaping the trend and creating niche communities like #BlackGirlShowerTok, “white TikTok” and “women loving women (#wlw) TikTok”. 

TikTok’s algorithm plays a significant role in shaping the content users see on the platform. As users engage with specific types of content, the algorithm categorises their preferences and serves them more content that aligns with their interests. 

This categorisation makes it easier for people to discover their niche communities like #BlackGirlShowerTok.