For a reflexive verb, the person or thing doing the action is doing the action
to itself. As examples, you comb your hair, you brush your teeth, you
take you clothes off, and
you shower yourself.
If you use these verbs without the reflexive structure, it implies you are
doing the action to someone else. As examples, you are a parent brushing your
child's teeth, combing your child's hair, etc.
himself