Hiya Peeps.
Over the past week the brothers have been reaching out hard core asking me to feature specific topics. One particularly fine brother has asked me to discuss personal hygiene. As he has been horrified by the levels when dating. Now this may seem elementary to many of you, but not every-body got this information within the confines of their family so I have decided to document a quick run through of my own personal hygiene regimen. A version of this for the fella's will follow. If you can add something to from your own routine I would appreciate it if you left a comment.
- Hair
Whether you rock a fro or a floor length weave ladies please keep it clean. Most of us can tolerate at least a bi-weekly hair wash regimen. But for those who choose to wait the full month please make sure you do not go any longer. Your head really can and does stink, especially if you are a product junkie or wear a weave as both these factors stop the scalp from breathing. The oils and lack of air can create a situation that is ripe for bacteria growth. Which can also leads to other issues such as hair loss. 'Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about'. Cause not all of you have a hair line!
 |
| African Black Soap one of my Favourite shampoo's |
- Hair Removal
I pluck my brows myself, as I don’t have thick brows (they grow all over the place) and I have to be careful who I let work on them, or I end up looking like I’m in shock. My girly friends with thicker brows get them threaded or waxed and they do look amazing.
Now girls I know that various trends in the media will dictate what you do with regards to your body hair. I think this one is a personal choice and you have to look at how each hair removal method affects your body, and what works well for you; as long as you are groomed. I personally go to the salon monthly for bikini waxes. If I am going on holiday I will also get my legs, arm pits etc… waxed. I usually use hair removal cream for my under arms and forearms. (I’m quite hairy) but I like to shave my legs in between salon visits. But I do recommend you use a Venus razor. (I clean mine with witch hazel) If you do use disposables just use a new one each time to prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs.
 |
| Please make sure your groomed no-one likes to discover a beaver in your pants |
- Keeping your body clean
Now, on to the good part. I like to start my regime by washing my face with clean and clear face wash and my Body shop face brush. Followed by, exfoliating my face with St Ives Apricot Scrub. I often skip the first step but the second is essential.
l brush my teeth manually with bicarbonate of soda or a good whitening tooth paste. Then I repeat this process with Macleans whitening toothpaste and my electric toothbrush. Followed by mouth wash. Some mouth washes make my mouth strip. So I only use Corsodyl
First I wash my coochie followed by the booder with a wash cloth (I use a clean one every day, and a different one for the face) with Dr Bonners Castile Soap. To prevent bacteria transferring from the the booder to the coochie it is really important that you do it this way round. Now remember that all the experts say you should wash this area with water only due to PH balance and douching is said to be a big no, no. I would also suggest that the washing routine is stepped up during warmer months, menstrual cycles and when you have company sexual or otherwise.
Then I will exfoliate my under arms with the apricot scrub. Soap up with dove body wash using a exfoliating body sponge. Then I will do my final wash down with my Body shop body brush and some body wash in a circular motion towards the heart.
Fine Details
- Wash make- up brushes weekly ( tiny bit of fairy liquid as it is anti bacterial)
- Wear Deodorant
- Do something to hands and feet/ hard skin removal. File nails so they are neat and clean
- Make sure your clothes are clean. Ladies there is no point in doing some version of the above if you do not wear clean clothes. If you can afford it, your clothes should not be bad colour or show extreme signs of wear and tear, especially your underwear.
- Keep your living quarters as sweet as your body.
I'll be interested to read the male version haha.
ReplyDeleteWould you recommend a less invasive routine for those not dating/wed? I think you make some good points but I can only imagine how costly it must be to have everything from monthly waxes to multiple wash clothes.
Also when dating it's so disappointing to meet someone who looks after themselves but not their personal space. Ever been to a guy's room only to find that he hasn't even made the bed???
Hey NaturaLocs,
ReplyDeleteIts not that a less invasive routine would be more apropriate for those not dating/wed but I just think people should be self aware when they have company. But i'm all about loving your-self first. There is nothing like having a bath and climbing into clean sheets with a good book(alone). lol
I do take your point about the expense, but really this was just a template based on what I do myself. So that people are prompted to negiote their own routines that fit their budget and lifestyles. I would love any suggestions/ money saving tips that could help us all. As your contributions are always so insightful.
Take care
Based on your points DIY seems easy enough. Self trimming is always an option and can be done at a moment's notice if you do find yourself on a hot date.
ReplyDeleteIf you're in a financial dip look to your kitchen first: making your own scrub from either sugar or salt is brilliant and minute amounts of olive oil straight after a shower will combat those ashy knees and elbows.
Moving outside: I recommend taking advantage of community steam rooms that do wonders for skin too. I know many people are attached to deodorants but if you're really, really trying to cut back, talc works well enough. Try investing in an aloe plant, it's natural (for those with sensitive skin) and great as a face wash and deep conditioner (again follow up with trusty olive oil).
I'll admit the one thing I'm attached to is eyebrow threading, as it's so affordable, but I space out my sessions up until the day before I really need to look my best and tweeze in between.
As for clothes, I agree looking your best is important. Sometimes ladies dislike shopping so much that they wear the same clothes forever. My remedy is to find low key shopping areas or thrift early in the morning, avoiding saturdays as much as possible and of course ebay!
Best thing for looking good and improving external hygiene is to improve you diet and simplify you product cabinet.
Speaking of dating though. I find those who have REALLY let it all go and don't seem to be aware that it links to their lack of success are those who haven't really prepared themselves for dating. Stubborn women might say "A man should accept me for who I am" but as your previous post touches on, we seem to have double standards for what we expect of men.
ReplyDeleteSelf Reflection people, we've all got improvements to make, myself included.