(This video is recorded from a Youtube Live session)

 

Did you know that grooming or lack of grooming could be sabotaging your personal brand?

 

What is grooming? Grooming is preparing your appearance through dressing, cleansing, self-care, etc.

 

The following are 10 grooming tips every professional should know.

 

1. Personal hygiene is the most important aspect of grooming. If you are not clean and smell no one will want to be near you. Ensure body odour is fresh, clean, and pleasant. Reduce body odour by: regularly cleansing, especially with medicated cleansers, use deodorants, detoxify the body, avoid synthetic fabrics, avoid tight fitting clothes.

 

2. Maintain healthy teeth & fresh breath by: brushing twice a day, using a soft brush, floss regularly, get your teeth cleaned and checked twice a year by a dentist, drink lots of water to help wash away bacteria and residue.

 

3. Skin is clear and healthy. Twice a day: cleanse, rinse, tone, moisturize.

 

 

4. Hair is clean and current with a flattering cut. If coloured, it is a flattering shade, without obvious re-growth. Any facial hair is clean and neat. Eyebrows are groomed, nose hairs are not apparent.

 

5. Nails are clean, trimmed, and in good condition. Nail polish is not chipped. Manicures should be ideally done once every 1 to 2 weeks, and a pedicure once every 3 to 4 weeks. Manicures and pedicures can be done professionally in a salon, or at home.

 

6. If fragrance is worn, it is subtle. Fragrance use has become a sensitive subject over the last decade. As many people are allergic, caution needs to be exercised as to when to indulge Generally, it’s best to avoid wearing fragrance in business situations. When you do wear a scent, do not over-indulge! You may not be able to detect the fragrance on you, but others can.

 

7. If makeup is worn, it is applied sparingly and properly, and not smeared or caked. Wear colours that complement you.

 

8. Footwear is clean, polished, and in good condition.

 

9. If you wear eyewear it is clean and in good condition.

 

10. Clothing is clean and in good condition; buttons are sewn on tightly, hems are in place, and fabric is not pilling. Ensure that clothing fits properly; there are no drag lines from being too tight, or bagging from being too big. Underwear is not visible.

 

What grooming habits have you developed? What could you be working on to improve?

 

If you want to work on elevating your brand,  I have created a brand new free guide 4 Personal Branding Secrets to Get your Next Promotion. Download it here.