The Ultimate Teen Shower Checklist: What Every Teen Guy Needs

Jun 06, 2025

Let’s be real: the “boy bathroom” is a legendary place—sometimes for all the wrong reasons. If you’ve ever opened the door after soccer practice and wondered if something died in there, you’re not alone. In our house, we joke that the shower is where science experiments (and mysterious smells) go to thrive.

But here’s the secret: a great shower routine isn’t just about fighting funk—it’s about giving your teen the tools (and the confidence) to take charge of their own hygiene. Whether you’re a parent hoping for fewer “reminder” texts or a teen who just wants to get clean and move on, this checklist is for you.

Why a Checklist?

Teens have a lot on their minds, and hygiene isn’t always top of the list. A checklist takes the guesswork out, builds independence, and (bonus!) keeps the bathroom from turning into a disaster zone. Plus, there’s something empowering about knowing exactly what to do—and what to use.

Healthy hygiene habits now = confidence for life.

The Ultimate Prep U Shower Checklist

Hydrating 2-in-1 Hair + Body Wash Personal Care Prep U

1. 2-in-1 Hair + Body Wash

Why juggle bottles when one does it all? Our 2-in-1 Hair + Body Wash is designed for quick, effective cleaning from head to toe. It’s plant-based, gentle on skin, and smells fresh without being overpowering—because no one wants to leave the shower smelling like a fruit salad.

Pro tip: Keep it in the shower caddy, and it’s impossible to forget.

2. Foaming Daily Face Wash

Teen skin is unique—think sweat, sports, and the occasional pizza face. A gentle foaming face wash clears away oil and dirt without stripping skin. Use it morning and night for best results (or at least after practice if your teen is still working on that “twice a day” habit).

Bonus: It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require a science degree to use. It literally foams for you, so no extra work to get suds ;)

Bar of soap with a 'Prep U' label on a light gray background

3. Cleansing Bars (for Extra Freshness)

Some days call for a little extra cleaning power. A plant-based cleansing bar—like our Tea Tree Cleansing Bar or Peppermint + Oats Bar—can target those “problem areas” (think feet, underarms, and anywhere else that needs a little TLC). Plus, it lasts forever when stored properly and is perfect for tossing in a gym bag.

4. Exfoliating Charcoal Face & Body Scrub (Once or Twice a Week)

Dead skin, sweat, and grime can build up, especially for active teens. An exfoliating charcoal or clay scrub helps clear pores and keep skin smooth. Use it once or twice a week—no need to overdo it (unless your teen is aiming for “lizard mode”). This is great for check, back, butt and yes, on your face.

Pro Tip: Still smell sweat after showering? Scrub again with the Charcoal Scrub or Charcoal Bar. It helps remove odor-causing bacteria from skin and hair—bye-bye, BO. This is no joke...it's the real deal.

5. Natural Deodorant Collection

This is the non-negotiable. Natural deodorant keeps odor in check without aluminum or harsh chemicals. Let your teen pick their favorite scent (Surfside, Solstice, Big Sur, or Hunter) so they’ll actually use it. And yes, the mini size is perfect for lockers, gym bags, or emergency “freshen up” moments.

6. Fresh Towel (Yes, Really)

It’s amazing how many teens think one towel can last forever. Spoiler: it can’t. Remind your teen to swap out towels regularly (mine do this daily). Do you remember which end of the towel you used for your face? Neither do we.

7. The Secret Weapon: The Checklist Itself

Print this out and tape it to the bathroom mirror or shower caddy. Sometimes all it takes is a little nudge (and a lot of humor) to turn chaos into routine.

Empowerment, Not Nagging

The real goal? Independence. A checklist isn’t just about getting clean—it’s about giving your teen the tools to own their routine, feel confident, and maybe even take pride in smelling fresh (imagine that!). And for parents, it’s one less thing to nag about.

So the next time you catch a whiff of “boy bathroom,” remember: with the right tools and a little laughter, even the toughest hygiene battles can be won. Prep U (or should we say PU?)—because every great day starts with a great shower.

Michelle Houp