“Men are from Mars, women are from Venus”, they say. It’s a playful but accurate take on the communication barriers the human species has yet to resolve over the centuries.
Between the sexes, the ideas of being hygienic and well-groomed can end up being on different ends of the spectrum – ultimately causing some friction between two otherwise loving parties, and not just because of stubble burn.
Gents, here are five personal-hygiene and grooming tips your current or prospective partner might want you to know about.
1. Excessive hair
Nature has deemed it possible, and even mandatory, for men to grow excessive hair where they need it the least. This applies regardless of whether they are hirsute, just mildly hairy, or completely hairless.
From eyebrows to ears – and most noticeably, the nostrils – a single extra-long strand will draw all attention away from the rest of the person.
Don’t hesitate to pluck it away or, if this is too painful, at least give it a trim. Shavers and hair trimmers exist for this reason, or be careful with a pair of scissors.
For the furrier fellas out there, the battle to avoid “neckbeard” status and maintain a well-kept moustache, goatee, or beard can be challenging. A visit to your barber, or use of home-grooming tools, to present your best face forward will not go unnoticed.
2. Combovers
Around 30-50% of men will experience male pattern baldness, an uncontrollable result of genetics and hormones.
The historical connection between masculinity and a lush mane makes hair loss a challenge for many men, but the decision to wear a combover – regardless of the volume of hair remaining – should be revisited.
A shorter hairstyle can offer the illusion of minimised hair loss; otherwise there’s the popular option of going for a shaved head. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Jason Statham, and Vin Diesel have led the way of advocating the mantra that bald is beautiful.
The low maintenance and ringgit saved on haircuts and shampoo alone might be worth sporting a cleaner look.
3. Mani-pedis
Women pay much better attention to their own fingernails and toenails. Unsurprisingly, they will notice the condition of a gentleman’s.
A standard nail clipper and nail file are all you need to tame back those claws pushing against the edges of your favourite sneakers or, worse, openly endangering passersby as you traipse about in sandals or flip-flops.
So, keep up with your trimming routine or consider regular manicures and pedicures. There’s no shame in it, and the effort will not go unappreciated.
4. Body wash and cologne
A regular routine of daily showers should go without saying, but reminders never hurt. Regardless of your scent preference – from musky sandalwoods to citrusy florals – pleasant smells reflect good hygiene… a kind of sexy that cannot be ignored.
When it comes to colognes, stick to the golden rule of “less is more”. A few dabs behind the ears and on the wrists are always more appealing than the overpowering drench of a spray bottle used too enthusiastically.
5. Clothing that fits
“It’s not the clothes that make the man, it’s the man that makes the clothes.” Labels and brands are often linked to bigger budgets, but good style is for everyone.
Undersized or oversized clothing are common fashion faux pas that can be easily rectified. The services of a tailor can ensure your garb perfectly suits your frame, and you could even upcycle older gear to give them a new life and better fit.
Find the middle ground that allows you to be comfortable while donning proper-fitting tops and bottoms; it beats ill-fitting branded clothing any day of the week.
