You shower daily. You slap on deodorant. Maybe you even floss when you remember. But something’s still off. You’ve got flakes on your shoulders. Your feet stink. Your breath turns sour by lunch. And don’t even get started on your toenails.

No one ever sat us down and taught us this stuff. So here’s the crash course—no BS, no product plugs, just the unspoken hygiene rules every guy should’ve learned in high school.

Scalp and Hair: Not All Flakes Are Dryness

Think dandruff means dry scalp? Not always. Most guys actually have oily scalps and a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. Overwashing with harsh shampoo just makes it worse.

Fix: Stop nuking your scalp. Wash with warm (not hot) water, and use a mild shampoo every few days—not daily unless you’re sweating heavily. If flakes stick around, try a dandruff shampoo once a week and leave it in for 5 minutes before rinsing.

Feet and Toenails: Fungus Among Us

Your shoes are a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. If your socks reek or your nails are yellow and thick, it’s not just “normal dude stuff.”

Fix: Rotate your shoes so they dry between wears. Use foot powder if needed. And for the love of hygiene, cut your nails straight across—don’t dig into the corners or you’ll get ingrown nightmares.

Armpits and Body Odor: Bacteria Love You

You think you smell because you sweat. Wrong. Sweat is odorless. The smell comes from bacteria breaking it down.

Fix: Wash your pits thoroughly—yes, actually scrub them. Dry completely. Wear breathable fabrics. If BO still creeps in by noon, check your diet and stress levels—they both mess with body chemistry.

Breath and Oral Care: The Tongue Tells All

Brushing your teeth doesn’t guarantee fresh breath. Most bad breath comes from your tongue and gums.

Fix: Get a tongue scraper and use it every morning. Floss daily. And if you’re a coffee drinker or mouth breather, rinse your mouth with water during the day.

Nails, Ears, and Neck: The Details Women Notice

  • Clean under your nails once a week.
  • Wipe behind your ears. Seriously. Oil builds up there.
  • Trim neck hair between cuts—keeps your look clean without effort.

This isn’t about being pretty. It’s about basic self-respect. Nail these and you’ll smell better, feel cleaner, and avoid being the guy nobody wants to sit next to.

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