Maybe you have bad odor without noticing.
It probably goes as far as your:
- Friends
- Classmates
- Coworkers
..talking about you behind your back. But not telling you about it.
You probably don’t even notice it because you’re so used to it all day every day.
Well, we’re about to change that. Not when, but today.
Whether you’re in social events or going about your day, smelling good is important as it boosts your confidence and make you more attractive.
Why Smell Good?
Smelling good, especially in social settings, plays a big role in how others perceive and interact with us.
We often come off as:
- Attractive
- Approachable
- Authoritative
..when we smell good. Therefore leaving a positive first impression on others.
On the other hand, smelling nice makes us feel more comfortable and assured about ourselves. And is a great way to be respected by many.
1. Common Body Areas That Generate Odors.
1.1 Your Hair
Especially if not washed after a while, your scalp may leave dead skin cells which we call dandruff. Therefore creating unpleasant smells.
However, It’s not just dandruff that makes your scalp smell.
Other factors include:
- Excess oil.
- Sweat.
- Bacteria.
- Fungal growth.
When all these mix, an ugly smell is created. Which makes your hair smell really bad.
1.2 Your Piercings
If you’re not careful, piercings can accumulate odors from:
- Poor hygiene.
- Bacterial build-up.
- Dead skin.
Creating a foul smell.
1.3 Facial Sebum
Your face collects all sorts of residues from:
- Products we use every day.
- The sweat.
- Dead skin cells.
In all this, excess oil is created and live in our skin. They stay for days on end which leave a smell.
1.4 Bad Breath
One of the most common and disgusting smells out there.
Bad breath is caused by several reasons. Such as:
- The food and drinks that we inhale daily.
- Tonsil stones, eww.
- Decayed teeth.
- Not cleaning your tongue or brushing your teeth.
..and so on.
Bad breath is one of the worst enemies most people have. And it can wipe away your attractiveness in a beat.
1.5 Your Armpits
Another common smell that skinks horrendously. Your armpit sweat a lot due to your body regulating it’s temperature. Especially on hot days or when exercising.
However it’s not the sweat that smells. It’s the bacteria that’s stored in your underarms.
The hairs in there don’t make the smell any better.
And another thing that creates a horrifying smell is not washing the area properly or putting deodorant that does not agree with your skin.
1.6 Groin
Your groin as well as buttocks are enclosed areas day in and day out for obvious reasons.
However, in doing so, the moisture can lead to bacterial growth. This creates not-so-nice smells. Especially if not cleaned properly.
1.7 Feet
This is yet another area that has warmth and bacteria. Specially when you’re wearing sneakers or any enclosed shoes.
Your feet sweat easily. The sweat mixes up with bacteria and dead skin. All which create a horrible smell.
Another thing that makes your feet stink is wearing closed shoes without socks.
2. Now How Do We Fix This?
We’re going to follow an in-depth step-by-step guide on how to combat this effects. This is what you’ll do:
2.1 Clean your Hair and Scalp By:
2.1.1 Shampooing And Conditioning Your Hair
There isn’t a one size fits for all hair routine honestly.
Shampoo is a great product to use to wash your hair. Because it removes all the impurities on your scalp. Thus, leaving it clean.
In doing so, you shouldn’t shampoo every day as this can remove your natural oils and dry out your hair.
The recommended time to use shampoo & conditioner on average is 2-3 times a week.
Product Recommendations
S&C – Shampoo and Conditioner
The shampoo & conditioner you can use is from OUAI.
Not only does it leave your hair shinning and smelling literally amazing, but it also cleanses it without leaving any damage.
If you’re on a tight budget, get the Native Shampoo and Conditioner which is another great product.
Personal Experience Advice
Make sure to use a conditioner after shampooing. This helps moisturize and detangle your hair. Thus leaving your scalp clean and fresh.
Shampoo and Conditioner come together. So there’s no need to get them separately.
2.1.2 Using a Scalp Massaging Brush
These babies help you distribute the shampoo evenly on your scalp. Ensuring that dandruff and dirt is washed away.
What’s also nice is, they improve blood circulation on our scalp and this promotes more hair growth.
Not only that, but they feel amazing on the scalp because of the massaging experience they give.
Product Recommendations
This brush comes in 5 different colors including:
- Oatmeal.
- Hazel blue.
- Luxury Khaki.
- Pastel pink.
- Twilight mauve.
How it works?
Firstly, make sure that your massager has soft bristles. The one linked above has soft ones.
- Okay you’re gonna apply shampoo like how you normally do.
- Get your hair foamy.
- Take this brush and gently massage your scalp in tiny circular motions.
- Massage with light pressure for about 2 minutes.
If your hair is too long, rather not use the brush in the shower. Our hair is very vulnerable when it’s wet and can cause tangles. Therefore leading to breakage.
Instead, use it on dried up hair. The steps are similar when massaging your scalp. The difference however, is that you’re just gonna massage gently in tiny circular motions on dried up hair for 5-10 minutes.
2.1.3 Applying a Leave-in Conditioner and/or Essential Oils
Now you’re done washing and conditioning. You need to keep the moisture in your hair locked in place.
You can do this by applying a leave-in conditioner or any hair moisturizing product of your choice that’ll include:
- Aloe Vera.
- Glycerin.
- Coconut oil.
- Hyaluronic Acid.
- Panthenol (Provitamin B5).
- Argan oil.
- Hydrolyzed Proteins.
These can be found written on the packaging of hair moisturizing products. Thus, it’s essential to read what you’re buying.
Product Recommendations
This section contains affiliate links.
Moisturizing your hair helps to prevent frizziness and dryness. On the other hand, oils lock in moisture that’s already on your hair.
Oils such as:
- Coconut oil
- Castor oil
- Rosemary oil
..retain moisture, increase hair growth and leave your scalp smelling really good and fresh. An achievement we’re looking for.
2.2 Take Care of your Mouth
2.2.1 Salt Water Gargle
The first step to having fresh breath is to gargle with warm salt water in the morning.
Salt has antibacterial properties. So salt water can break down and wash away bacteria and tonsil stones. And tonsil stones are the primary cause of bad breath.
How to prepare salt water?
- Pour in warm water in a cup or glass. (It doesn’t have to reach the top)
- Mix in about a tablespoon of salt.
That’s it.
As you gargle: make sure to:
- Not swallow the solution.
- Gargle for about 30 seconds then spit out.
- Do this twice a day.
2.2.2 Flossing
Next, you have to floss. This is to remove any food particles and plaque that may be stuck in between your teeth that contribute to bad breath.
How to floss
- Take a floss of about 18 inches long.
- Wind it around your index fingers and leave a few inches to floss in your mouth.
- Make sure the tension of the string is strong.
- Gently so, glide the floss between your teeth using slow swaying motions.
- Go a bit deeper and reach below the gumline. No rush. This will remove plaque that’s in there.
- Repeat this with all your teeth.
Make sure to use a clean side of the string when flossing each tooth.
Doctor Joyce The Dentist says if you notice a bit of bleeding afterwards, it’s completely normal. Overtime, it’ll stop.
2.2.3 Tongue Care
After our meals and drinks, food particles as well as sugars remain on the tongue. Therefore making a perfect ground for bacteria to build up.
To properly clean your tongue, you need a tongue scraper. It helps by removing the build-up of food and bacteria that causes bad breath.
Product Recommendation
This step is crucial because it plays a big role in cleaning your tongue.
Unfortunately, many people skip after brushing their teeth. Primarily the reason why many suffer from bad breath.
How to use?
- Grab the tongue scraper with both hands.
- Stick your tongue out as far as you can.
- The V side should placed at the back of your tongue.
- Gently pull out the scraper and spit out the coating that comes out.
- Repeat until your tongue feels clean.
- Rinse the scraper after you’re done.
2.2.4 Teeth
This is the part where we clean your teeth.
Ideally, you have to brush for a good two minutes.
Product Recommendation
Many dentists recommend using an electric toothbrush as they use movements like:
- Oscillations.
- Rotations.
- Sonic vibrations.
Techniques that a normal toothbrush doesn’t have.
Electric toothbrushes can dislodge and remove any debris or bacteria from your teeth and gums. Leaving them clean and fresh.
How to use?
- Put toothpaste like how you normally do.
- Switch on your tooth brush.
- Gently place it on your teeth.
- Brush the outer teeth, inner teeth and the chewing surface.
No need to brush like how you would with a manual toothbrush. This one does the work for you.
Of course if you can’t afford it, use the manual toothbrush.
2.2.5 Mouth Wash
The last step to freshen your mouth is with mouthwash.
You need to gargle it approximately for 20 to 30 seconds and spit it out.
And Voila, your mouth is now clean.
Product Recommendation
Make sure that your mouth wash has Fluoride in it. This will protect your teeth against cavities.
Preventing bad breath throughout the day
If you eat something that triggers bad breath and you’re away from home, just pop a mint or sugar-free gum and you’re good to go.
Make sure to stay hydrated as well. Water will wash away those food particles on your tongue.
2.3 Care for your Face
2.3.1 Remove sebum oil
To remove the sebum oil from your outer nose or your chin area just before your skincare routine, you will need a skin scraper.
This device uses high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations to gently remove all the nasty dead skin cells and debris that live in your skin.
It also acts as a mild exfoliator that renews your skin’s surface.
This process helps in lowering acne on your face. Acne which is made from the bacteria that live there.
If you wanna disregard the skin scraper and use your hands, that’s perfectly fine.
However, you’ll need to use oil both on your hands and on the skin of your face to avoid irritations.
2.3.2 Piercings
To clean your piercings, you will need a safe disinfectant and wipes.
In this case, use Sterling gauze and Neimed Saline solution.
Make sure your hands are clean when performing this. You don’t want any more bacteria.
How to use?
Spray the solution on the piercing and gently wipe the area using the sterling gauze to remove any build-up that causes a stench.
Repeat this process twice a day and make sure to not touch it after cleaning.
2.4 Clean Your Body
But first, let’s remove the hairs on the armpits and groin. There are many ways you can use to cut the hair in these areas. You can:
2.4.1 Wax Out The Hairs
Whether it’s warm or cold wax, you have to rub it on the hairy area and wait for it to fully set.
Afterward, you quickly remove the wax which will come off with the hairs, leaving a smooth skin surface.
Waxing is nice because it takes longer for the hair to grow back.
2.4.2 Use An Electric Razor
If you’re gonna use this method, make sure to trim your hair first before introducing the razor.
Now take the razor and gently glide on the hairy area. Be careful not to nick yourself.
After that, you wanna rinse the area with warm water and pat it dry.
2.4.3 Hair Removal Cream
Make sure that the area is dry. Then put a good amount of the product directly on the hair.
Wait for about 5-10 minutes.
Then use a damp cloth to safely remove the product with the hairs.
Also, please don’t forget to read the given instructions on the product because they vary.
2.4.4 Shave Using A Shaver And Cream
Firstly, make sure the area is moist by tapping a wet towel in the area to open up the pores.
Next, apply the shaving cream. This helps to lubricate the area and avoid irritation.
Now use a clean razor to shave off the hairs. Remember to be gentle.
Finally, wash off everything from the skin with cool water and pat it dry with a towel.
That’s it. Now apply lotion or oil on the bald area to avoid dryness and irritations like itchiness.
2.4.4 The Shower Routine
The products you need and the steps in the shower are as follows:
2.4.4.1 Body Wash
You will need this to remove all the sweat and dirt from your body with the help of the African Net Sponge. Which is my next point
2.4.4.2 African Net Sponge
Ideally, you need to soak it in water first for about 30 minutes to loosen it up.
Now put the body wash on the net sponge then move it around all over your body, from the neck down to your feet. Do not skip any places.
To the boys, it’s not zesty to wash in between your cheeks. It’s called basic hygiene.
The African net sponge, unlike a Loofah,:
- Gently exfoliates your skin.
- Lasts for up to 2 years.
- Can reach your back due to its length.
2.4.4.3 Body Scrub Cream
Next is using the body scrub.
This helps remove any excess oils that didn’t get washed off and also smoothens your skin.
You only wanna use this product 3 times a week. Not every day because it’s like an exfoliator.
2.4.4.4 Exfoliating Body Polish
You use this product straight after using the body scrub which helps soften your skin. It also brings back the moisture in your skin.
Remember that all of this is happening in the shower.
Okay now that you’re done, gently pat dry your skin.
2.5 Moisturize Your Body.
2.5.1 Deodorant
You first apply deodorant on your underarms.
It’s a great item that controls and removes body odor. Thus making you smell amazing.
2.5.2 Moisturizer
Get the deep moisturizer to avoid any dryness and to hydrate your skin.
The vanilla or coconut flavor smell heavenly.
2.5.3 Oil Moisturizer
The next step of moisturizing is to apply oil. However not too much.
The one I typically go for is the Vaseline Cocoa Radiant.
This item locks the moisture and makes it last longer.
2.5.4 Your Hands
Hot days can sometimes cause our hands to sweat which can cause them to smell.
It’s essential to have a hand lotion or a hand sanitizer which you can use after washing your hands.
Not only will your hands smell amazing, but you won’t suffer from dryness.
2.5.5 Clothing
You can put on whatever outfit you planned for the day.
However, you have to wear clothes that allow your skin to breathe to avoid sweating.
This includes:
- T-shirts
- Button-down shirts
- Polyester
..etcetera.
Thus, even if you do sweat, it evaporates quickly which prevents odor.
2.6 Apply Cologne.
I’m gonna recommend 3 colognes for both guys and girls.
For Men, go for:
Jean-Paul Gaultier le male le perfum
This cologne smells fresh and sweet while maintaining a masculine smell.
Dior Sauvage
Aside from its popularity, this cologne is by far the best due to its longevity and the fresh but also woody smell.
Prada L’Homme
This fragrance has a very clean smell that’s also woody and it essentially lasts for hours on you.
For Women:
Victoria Secret Bombshell
My friend wears one of these and she gets compliments left right and center. It has a sweet feminine smell that lasts all day.
Miss Dior
This fragrance has a nice elegant fruity and sweet scent that complements your entire look.
Chanel Mademoiselle
The smell is almost like a grapefruit and orange that give off sweetness and femininity.
Best Areas to apply cologne On Your Body
The Neck
This is to make sure that should you hug someone, they’ll be able to smell the cologne which leaves positive first impressions.
The Shoulders
You know when you pass someone and you immediately smell their fragrance?
That’s because they apply it on their shoulders.
The Elbow Creases
Especially if you’re wearing warm fabric on cold days, they’re able to hold it in place.
And Lastly
Your chest area.
Pro Tip
If you wanna take it up a notch and make the fragrances last all day, apply unscented body lotion on a clean spot. This can be your neck or your elbow creases.
Now u want to spray your fragrance directly on the area where you put lotion. This will make the cologne last for hours.
This is because the fragrance sticks to your skin with the help of lotion.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, a step-by-step guide on how to smell good and fresh all day long.
After doing all these steps, just expect to be getting comments like, “You smell so good” which are the best compliments anyone can receive.
You’ll gain so much authority and respect just by smelling good and being clean as a student or as a worker.
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