Personal hygiene is one of those things that’s easy to overlook… until it’s not.
Whether it’s someone you work with who constantly comes into the office a bit whiffy, or even a friend or partner whose personal grooming habits leave a bit to be desired, no one wants to be around someone who lets basic personal care fall by the wayside. However, if you notice these things happening with them, it might be time to find a way to have a chat with them about freshening up their routine a little.
1. Their breath could clear a room.
We all get a bit of morning breath now and then, but when someone’s breath is consistently knocking people backwards, it’s usually a sign they’re missing a few key steps in their oral care routine. A quick mint might mask it for a moment, but the real fix lies in regular brushing, flossing, and maybe even a chat with the dentist.
Bad breath doesn’t just happen from food. It can build up when someone isn’t giving their mouth enough love. If conversations start happening at arm’s length, it might be a gentle hint that something needs addressing.
2. Their clothes always look like they’ve come from the bottom of the washing basket.
Everyone has the occasional off day when it comes to outfit choices, but if someone’s clothes are always wrinkled, stained, or smelling less than fresh, it’s usually a sign they’re skipping some important steps. Clean, well-kept clothes can make a huge difference to how someone feels and is perceived by others.
It’s not about being obsessed with fashion; it’s about showing a little care for yourself. Clothes don’t need to be designer to look good; they just need to be clean, relatively tidy, and free from mystery smells and yesterday’s lunch.
3. Their hands always look like they’ve been through a tough day, even first thing.
Dirty fingernails, grimy palms, and general grubby hands are a strong giveaway that hygiene isn’t quite where it should be. In a world where handwashing is more important than ever, it’s one of the easiest things to spot, and one of the hardest to ignore.
Washing hands regularly isn’t just good manners; it’s basic health and safety. When someone’s hands are permanently questionable, it makes you wonder what else they’re skipping. Plus, no one wants to shake a hand that looks like it’s been on an unexpected adventure.
4. There’s a lingering odour wherever they go.
Body odour happens to everyone, especially after a workout or a hot day, but if it’s an everyday thing no matter the situation, it might be a sign that showers aren’t happening as often as they should. A whiff once in a while is normal, but a cloud that follows you like a loyal pet? Not so much.
Good hygiene habits, including regular showers and wearing fresh clothes, go a long way in keeping things pleasant. Deodorant is a helpful backup, but it can’t do all the heavy lifting if there’s no clean base to start with.
5. Their hair looks (and smells) like it’s been neglected for days.
Greasy, stringy, or visibly dusty hair is a telltale sign that someone’s skipped a few washes. They don’t need to have a salon blowout every day—it’s about basic upkeep that leaves hair looking and feeling clean.
Hair can also trap odours more than you’d think, so if someone’s hair smells suspiciously like yesterday’s takeaway or the inside of a gym bag, it might be time for a date with some shampoo. Fresh hair doesn’t just feel better — it helps someone look instantly more put-together too.
6. Their nails are bitten down and grimy.
Nail-biting happens, but when nails are permanently chewed up and carrying visible dirt underneath, it’s not a great look. It suggests not just a hygiene issue, but sometimes stress or boredom, too. Either way, a little TLC could go a long way.
Clean, trimmed nails don’t require fancy manicures, just basic care and a quick scrub with soap now and then. Hands are on show all the time, and clean nails quietly say a lot about how much attention someone pays to the small things.
7. Their shoes and socks have seen better (and less smelly) days.
Feet don’t get enough credit when it comes to hygiene, but they definitely should. If someone’s socks are grimy or their shoes smell like they’ve been marinating, it’s a pretty big red flag. Fresh socks and breathable footwear can make a massive difference to foot health and overall comfort.
Neglecting feet might seem harmless, but bad odours have a way of making themselves very known, very quickly. A little foot powder, clean socks, and giving shoes time to air out now and then can work absolute miracles.
8. Their skin looks oily, grimy, or uncared for.
Everyone’s skin is different, but if someone’s face looks like it’s been coated in a layer of day-old takeaway grease, it might be time to rethink their cleansing routine. Basic skin hygiene, like a quick wash morning and night, can do wonders.
It’s not about having a complicated 10-step skincare routine; it’s about showing a bit of care. Fresh skin not only looks better, but it often helps with self-confidence too. A clean face can say a lot without needing to say a word.
9. They smell heavily of covering scents instead of clean.
There’s a big difference between smelling fresh and smelling like you’re hiding something under half a bottle of body spray. Heavy use of perfume, aftershave, or scented lotions can sometimes be a sign that someone’s masking underlying issues rather than tackling them properly.
Freshness should feel natural, not overwhelming. When people walk through a room and leave a chemical trail behind them, it’s often because they’re relying on quick fixes instead of sticking to basic hygiene habits. A clean base always beats a cloud of cover-up.
10. They have that permanently “just rolled out of bed” look.
We all have lazy days, but when someone looks rumpled, unwashed, and half-dressed in every setting, it tends to send a pretty clear message. Good hygiene is often visible in the small details—brushed hair, fresh clothes, and a general sense of effort put into getting ready.
Looking a little scruffy now and then is completely normal, but consistently appearing unkempt usually hints at a deeper routine problem. Taking a few extra minutes each day can make a world of difference, both in how someone feels and how others react to them.
