What Women Really Think of Male Hygiene
Photo Credit: iStock
By Amanda Chatel
If you’re going to get close to someone, physically or emotionally, at some point their personal hygiene will come into play. Does he brush his teeth on a regular basis? Does he shower as often as human beings should? Or is he like Zac Efron, who would rather not shower after a very sweaty game of basketball? Gross.
While sweating, because it’s natural, isn’t exactly a no-no, not showering after this aforementioned sweat can be the kiss of death in a relationship. Guys, just think about how you smell everywhere after such an activity. Shower, dudes, shower!
We asked women how they feel about male hygiene, what they’d put up with, what would make them run, and what, surprisingly, they find attractive.
Sweaty can be hot.
Amanda, 25, was too embarrassed to admit it on Facebook, but she loves sweaty guys: “I LOVE sweaty dudes. Like not even lightly, just-worked-out fragrant, I like when it smells as if it’s been stewing and very strong. I don’t know why, I’m gross, I guess.”
“I know I REALLY like them if the sweat doesn’t bother me,” says Becky, 29. “Otherwise… not really a turn on.”
“Sweating just for the sake of sweating, no. Sweating in the sweltering heat or because we’re have sex, hot,” says Jen, 33.
Wash up, or you’re not getting’ any.
“They MUST be washed. And not wear bad cologne. Or too much cologne. Really I just need to be able to breathe,” says Rachael, 25.
“I can’t even with dirty guys. I think it’s because I’m the type who showers two to three times a day in the summer. Even with guys I’ve loved, I’ve found their sweat or body odor repulsive. Maybe I haven’t found the right guy,” says Tanya, 30.
“If he hasn’t showered in a couple days and he’s not a smelly person, then it’s fine. But the one major MUST for me is awesome dental hygiene. If he doesn’t floss and brush regularly, I’m gone,” says Lizzie, 34.
Cologne vs. au natural.
As we saw above, Rachael doesn’t like to be smothered with cologne, but what about other women? The men’s cologne industry seems to be thriving after all.
“My husband is pretty good about his hygiene from an actual HYGIENE standpoint. I DO wish he were a cologne dude. I DO wish that he spent about two more minutes on his hair because that extra two minutes would take him from hot to MEGA hot, but I also know that he’s not a fashion dude. So … there’s a wishful thinking aspect, but he’s presentable and not smelly so I can’t complain,” says Colleen, 30.
“I’d been smelling Bleu de Chanel for months and loved it. So I bought some for my boyfriend, and no thanks. It smells far better in my magazine than it does on my man. I guess I love HIS smell way more,” says Lynn, 36.
“Aftershave is nice but cologne can be overpowering,” says Becky, 29.
And for the unwashed hair debate?
Although she wasn’t crazy about cologne, Lynne does like stinky locks:
“I love unwashed hair on guys! I know this has everything to do with my childhood crush on Kurt Cobain. The smell really gets me excited,” she says.
"Love it! Besides I rarely wash mine, so why should I expect he washes his all the time?” asks Leigh, 31.
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