We all like to think we have our hygiene in check since we shower daily (sometimes even twice a day), brush our teeth, wear our best perfume to work, and dress up nicely.
Well, these are just the basics, and we’re digging deeper here because merely looking clean does not mean a person has the best hygiene. News flash? I guess so.
There are many small habits that seem harmless to us, but for others, they are very off-putting. Sometimes, it’s the small things we ignore that end up making a bigger impression on people around us. And not always in a good way.
There are everyday habits that quietly chip away at how put-together we seem. We don’t really notice them because they’ve become such a normal part of our routine, or maybe no one ever pointed them out to us.
So, let’s get started….
1. Wearing the Same Clothes Too Often
Many of you might think, since when did repeating outfits too often become unhygienic?
Let me tell you, first off, I’m not saying you need to have a closet full of new clothes or show up in a fresh outfit every single day. That’s just not realistic. And honestly, nobody is expecting you to do that.
But some people wear the same clothes every other day without putting much thought into it. They don’t make that little extra effort to switch things up. Like, you can totally wear the same shirt again, just style it differently.
Pair it with another bottom, throw on a jacket or a scarf, and boom — you look like a whole new person. But wearing the exact same t-shirt two days in a row? That’s not giving “fresh” or very “put-together” energy.
I’ve seen people wear the same jeans for four days straight at work. Trust me, no one has nice things to say about that, even if they don’t say it out loud. People notice more than you think.
2. Neglecting Your Nails
You wouldn’t believe how often nails get overlooked when we talk about hygiene. But honestly, dirty or unkempt nails send a pretty clear message, and it’s not a good one.
I personally know a lot of people who notice hands first when they meet someone. Yes, not the face or the outfit — it’s the hands that catch their attention, and how clean and well put-together they are.
Hands are one of your most visible parts, whether you’re reaching out for a handshake, holding a cup of coffee, or just casually scrolling on your phone. And if they’re not taken care of, it leaves the wrong impression. That’s just how it is.
No, I’m not saying you need a fresh manicure every other week or that your nails should always be perfectly shaped. But basic cleanliness is a must.
Dirty nails, chipped polish, or extremely dry cuticles give off an “I don’t care” vibe, even if that’s not the case. It takes two minutes to trim your nails or apply a little hand cream. These things go a long way in making you look clean and well-groomed.
3. Overusing Perfume to Mask Odour
This is so important, I cannot stress it enough.
Some people think spraying extra perfume is a fix for skipping a proper shower or not changing sweaty clothes. It’s not. In fact, overusing perfume to cover up bad odour just makes things worse, like trying to put frosting on a burnt cake.
The mix of body odour and strong scent can be super off-putting.
One of my ex-colleagues was guilty of doing this, and trust me, the others did not have very nice things to say about them. It was second-hand embarrassment. No kidding.
And let’s be real, it’s not that hard to tell when someone’s just trying to mask the smell instead of dealing with it. We’ve all been there at some point — running late, quick spray, out the door. But when that becomes a habit, it shows.
People around you might not say anything, but they definitely notice.
Also, too much perfume can be overwhelming. You don’t want to give people a headache or make the whole room smell like you’ve bathed in a bottle of fragrance. Just stay clean, wear fresh clothes, and keep your scent subtle.
4. Not Cleaning Your Phone, Glasses, or Earphones
This one gets ignored way too often, but it’s honestly so basic. Your phone touches your face, hands, and every random surface throughout the day, and most people don’t even remember the last time they cleaned it.
The same goes for glasses and earphones. These things are always on you, picking up dirt, sweat, and, who knows, what else.
I’ve seen people dressed all nice and polished, but then they pull out a phone that looks like it’s been through a war — smudged screen, dusty case, and don’t even get me started on the inside of their earphones. It really kills the whole clean vibe.
And if you wear glasses, they literally sit on your nose and eyes — cloudy lenses and dirty frames are impossible to miss. You don’t need to deep clean every day, but a quick wipe-down now and then makes a huge difference.
It’s all about the little things that show you pay attention. Keeping these personal items clean doesn’t just help with hygiene; it subtly adds to how put-together and self-aware you seem.
5. Wearing Dirty Shoes
It’s wild how many people forget shoes are part of their outfit.
You could be wearing the sharpest outfit, but if your shoes are dirty, scuffed, or falling apart, that’s all people will notice. Shoes are one of the first things people see, and they can instantly affect how polished your whole look feels.
There are people in my circle who always dress well, but their shoes look like they’ve been through a storm. It throws off the whole vibe, no matter how much care they put into the rest of their appearance.
You don’t need a fancy collection or brand-new pairs for every day. Just make sure the ones you wear are clean and in decent shape. A quick wipe makes all the difference.
Looking clean is not just about your clothes and skin; it’s about the full picture, and shoes play a big part in that.
6. Bad Breath or Food Stuck in Teeth
This one’s a real conversation killer, and honestly, it’s something most of us have probably been guilty of at some point. Bad breath or a little piece of food stuck in your teeth can totally ruin the first impression without you even knowing it.
It’s tricky as well because most people don’t even know it’s happening until it has already happened. But trust me, bad breath is a deal-breaker. It makes people keep their distance from you, and no one will ever tell you straight up.
All well-groomed people make it a habit to carry gum, mints, or toothpicks for moments like these. Taking a quick peek in the mirror or using a toothpick after eating can help avoid awkward situations.
These little habits show that you care, not just about yourself, but about the people around you too.
Leave A Comment:
What habits do you think can secretly affect how we come across? Share your thoughts with me in the comments, I would love to hear from you.
