10 Grooming and Personal Hygiene Tips for Young Men

Good grooming matters.  Just look at the professionals around you.  We will bet that those who present themselves well are more likely to get ahead than those who don’t.

Read on for some tips so that, at a minimum, you don’t come across as one of the rare surviving Neanderthals.

1. Take a daily shower

And don’t make it a token soak.  Better yet, shower twice daily, especially in the summer months. Use a deodorant to save yourself the embarrassment of body odour. At the same time, don’t go overboard by lathering perfume onto yourself. Subtle scents that can be detected in close proximity are much appreciated, compared to overpowering scents that get heads turning the other way.

2. Watch your mouth

Don’t just watch it; wash it.  Brush your teeth when you wake up and before you go to sleep for healthy teeth and gums. Floss daily. It takes just a couple of minutes. If you’re pressed for time and can’t spend the recommended six seconds per tooth gap, remember the advice that dentists give: “You don’t need to floss between all your teeth; just the ones you want to keep!” Use a non-alcoholic mouthwash to keep bad breath at bay. If in a pinch, carry mints to camouflage stale breath temporarily. Also, make a trip to the dentist every six months to keep your oral hygiene in check.

3. Keep your fingernails and toenails clean

Keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed.  Remember to tend to them at least once a week. Under no circumstances should you allow dirt to accumulate under your nails. Dirty nails are a big turn-off. It’s okay to go in for the occasional manicure and pedicure and to sit back and let experts take care of your nails for you.

4. Timely haircuts

Image courtesy of Katie Wilson

Unkempt hair gives you a shabby and disheveled look. So, get a haircut every four to six weeks to look well-groomed. Do not wait for it to reach a point where either you realize it on your own or, worse, somebody else points it out to you. Also, if you’re planning on rocking a full beard, keep it trimmed. The same goes for your eyebrows; grooming them is not just a lady’s thing.  As for nasal hair, trim them also so that they don’t poke out of your nostrils and distract someone while they are talking to you.  Remember what they say about well-groomed men: “Not a single hair was out of place.”

5. Take care of the skin you are in

Routine skincare regimes are not just meant for the womenfolk; a man’s skin needs just as much care. Various men’s skincare products are available in the market these days and it is easy to get your hands on a few essentials. Make it a point to moisturize your skin after showers.  Nobody likes dry, chapped skin. Use a sunscreen lotion before stepping out into the sun to prevent over-exposure and unnecessary tanning.

6. Wear well-fitted clothes

If you are wearing the same old clothes you wore to college or to that New Year party two years ago, it is time to give your wardrobe a makeover. Read men’s fashion magazines and keep up with fashion trends so that your clothes don’t look obsolete.  Remember, though, that more important than style is to wear clothes that fit well.  Visit a tailor and get clothes custom-made.  One additional benefit is that you’d have a clearer idea of your sizes (neck, shoulder, chest, waist, arms, hips, in-seam, etc.) and that will help even in picking better-fitting clothes off the rack.

7. Maintain a good posture

A good posture is just as important to look well-groomed. Stand with your back straight, your shoulders held back and chest and chin held up. Slouching can also be taken as a sign of low confidence.

8. Perfect your handshake

Another characteristic of a well-groomed man that leaves a lasting first impression is the handshake. Make sure that your palm is not sweaty or wet and that the handshake is firm.  Please, no dead-fish handshakes!  Tone up the muscles in your arms if you must.  Yet, don’t go overboard and give a bone-crushing or endless handshake (keep it to three seconds). Sustain eye contact with the person you’re shaking hands with and smile while you are at it.

9. Do not compromise on sleep

Get at least seven hours of sleep every night as it is important for the proper functioning of your mind and body. Waking up after a good night’s sleep will help you look fresh and healthy—signs that men are frequently complimented for.  If what you see in the mirror are red, puffy eyes and dark circles, those are clear signs of lack of sleep.

10. Be organized and systematic

Good grooming extends to the space you spend time in, and messiness signals the opposite.  Keep your office space and living quarters organized and tidy.  Briefcases and wallets need to be routinely cleared of receipts, others’ business cards, and any expired coupons.  Remember, a thin wallet is classier than a fat one.

Editor’s note:

Think a woman in your life would benefit from similar tips?  Here are grooming tips for women.