How to Keep Warm After Showering in Winter

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: November 19, 2022 References

Nothing ruins a nice, hot shower like an icy-cold aftermath. The cold air that hits you when you step out of the shower can be miserable. But there are many things that you can do to fortify yourself against the cold. If you turn up the heat, prepare some warm towels, and use the right showering techniques, you can avoid frigid moments and enjoy showers all winter long!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Creating a Warm Bathroom

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Crank up the thermostat before your shower. You want to make sure that your bathroom and all adjacent rooms get as warm as possible, so remember to turn up the heat around 30 minutes before your shower. You won't need to keep your heat on full blast all day--just long enough to avoid becoming chilled when you're done.
2
Add a space heater to your bathroom. Sometimes your regular heating system just doesn't cut it. A small space heater can add extra warmth. Find a place to put it that's as far from any water source as possible. Make sure it's facing the shower and enjoy your extra toasty bathroom!
- If you want to splurge on a fancier option, you can look into having overhead heat lamps installed in your bathroom.
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3
Place a draft stopper under the bathroom door. If you have a large gap under your bathroom door, heat can escape since heat energy flows from warmer to colder spaces. You can stop this flow of precious warmth by purchasing a “draft stopper" or “door sock” at a home improvement store. Or you can simply keep an extra bathmat or towel next to the door, and when it's time for your shower, roll it up and place it in front of the gap.^{[1]
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- While not necessary for all bathrooms, blocking drafty door gaps can be especially important for small bathrooms or bathrooms that open into very cold rooms and hallways.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Preparing Your Towels and Clothes

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Use separate towels for your hair and body. The best way to protect yourself from the cold is by removing excess water as quickly as possible. Drying your hair can leave a towel wet, soggy, and without enough absorbency to get your body dry fast. Having at least 2 towels ready will ensure that both your hair and body will benefit from a dry towel experience.^{[2]
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- If you have short hair, a small hand towel should be sufficient for drying your hair.
- However, if you have super long locks, feel free to use multiple towels for your hair. On a very cold day, it's worth it!
- Super-absorbent, microfiber towels are also good options for long hair.
- Consider washing your hair less frequently, if you're concerned about using too many towels. Most people don't need to wash their hair daily.
2
Warm your towels. A warmer towel guarantees a warmer you! If you have a clothes dryer at home, toss your towels in for a few minutes on a hot cycle before getting in the shower. Alternatively, you can purchase a towel warmer or heated towel rod at most home improvement stores.^{[3]
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3
Hang your towels as close to the shower as possible. If you can drape them over the shower curtain without them getting wet, that's a great option, but a nearby towel rack works too. Not only will the proximity to the shower keep them warm, but it'll also ensure that they are close at hand, so you can dry off quickly after your shower.^{[4]
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4
Place robes and clothes near the shower. Your hot shower can warm more than just towels! Place anything else you plan to wear after your shower like a cozy robe or pajamas close to the shower as well.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Taking Your Shower

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Use the hottest water that you can tolerate. You want your shower to be at a hot—yet safe—temperature. The hotter the shower, the more steam you will generate. Water vapor retains heat well, so the shower steam will keep the surrounding air warm.^{[5]
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2
Open the shower door or curtain a bit towards the end of your shower. By creating this small opening, you can let more steam seep into the rest of the bathroom. You may feel a little colder at first, but it will prepare your body for the colder room you're about to enter. Additionally, it helps to warm that room ever so slightly, helping to protect you from the shock of cold air.^{[6]
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3
Flip your towel around midway through drying off. Don't make the mistake of continuing to dry off with a damp towel. When you towel dry, the side you are using gets wet much faster than the outer side that isn't touching your skin. When you're about half through drying off, just flip the towel around to enjoy the dryer side!
4
Stay in the bathroom as long as possible after your shower. The steam will keep you warm longer and will give your body a chance to acclimate gradually. You can use that time in the bathroom to do other things like brush your teeth. By the time you leave the bathroom, you'll be ready to face the winter.^{[7]
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Warnings

Try not to take hot showers that last too long. Too much exposure to heat can be drying for your skin and hair. Also most home hot water heaters run out of hot water, which could leave you in a truly frigid situation.

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Never warm towels on a radiator or stove, as this approach can cause a fire.

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If you use a space heater in the bathroom, make sure it is far away from all sources of water and make sure you turn it off after use.

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Make sure you don't scald yourself. You want a shower that warms you--not one that burns you!

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