What Everyday Hygiene Habits Reveal About Your Personality
Brushing your teeth, washing your face, applying deodorant-- these are all habits that people do every day. But did you know that certain hygiene habits illustrate aspects of your personality? People who take short showers have different traits than those who like long showers. Those who buy a variety of skincare products are inherently different from those who don't. What do your hygiene habits say about your personality?
People Who Brush Twice A Day, Every Day
Are you strict about oral hygiene? Do you brush twice per day and floss frequently? If so, then you might be creative.
In 2014, a study by dentist Jeffrey Leibowitz connected creative people to positive brushing behaviors. These people might not be on top of dental appointments, but they cling to their oral hygiene regimen.
Those Who Shower Every Morning
For some people, a morning shower is as essential as coffee. There are a few reasons for why this might be the case.
One reason could be that these people desire to look or feel clean every day. Another reason is that they do not feel awake until they shower. Either way, these people want to feel prepared for their day.
People Who Have Rigid Morning Or Night Routines
Some people hold strict morning or night hygiene routines. They might practice oral care or use skincare products in a certain order. Psychologist Josh Klapow explains that this routine helps people feel like themselves.
"Their morning (and evening) hygiene routines are a part of who they are," he said. These routines are an aspect of self care.
Those Who Have No Routine
Do you not have a strict hygiene routine? If so, you might be more interested in fun and spontaneity than organization, explains professional counselor and founder of Parenting With Personality, Jami Kirkbride.
"A person who has no system of getting ready or personal hygiene habits [might] tend to run late and be very social," Kirkbride told Bustle.
Those Who Buy The Same Products Each Time
While some people switch up their hygiene products, others buy the same shampoo, body soap, and deodorant each time. Those people are pragmatic and focus on practical hygiene rather than trends or routine.
Even so, dermatologist Leslie Baumann recommends switching your hygiene products at least once a year, since your skin and hair stop reacting well to them after a while.
People Who Own A Bunch Of Different Hygiene Products
Do you own multiple types of soap, lotions, and serums? If so, you might be lively and open to new ideas, according to therapist director Amanda Birch.
"This [person] is always open to advice and is enthusiastic about looking after her skin," Brich told Psychologies. Your skin might also benefit from switching up skincare products.
Those Who Own Few Skincare Products
If you only own one face wash and one or two lotions, then you're likely a skincare minimalist. Dermatologist Leslie Baumann says that these people are frugal and pragmatic, since they save time and money.
On the downside, washing your face too quickly can dry out and irritate your skin. Make sure that you're rinsing gently.
People Who Take Speedy Showers
If your shower lasts between five to ten minutes, then you're all about speed. According to Jack Suvak, the Director of Market Insights for Moen, these people tend to be goal-oriented.
Because these people are about the destination, not the journey, they might be more high-strung than those who relax and enjoy the hot water.
People Who Love Long Showers
If you like long, steaming hot showers or baths, you likely enjoy the self care. People do this as a way to "recharge," says Jack Suvak, director of the faucet manufacturer Market Insights for Moen.
You could also be an ideas person, Suvak adds. Many people use long showers as a way to daydream or brainstorm.
People Who Floss And Use Mouthwash
For some people, brushing their teeth isn't enough; they also incorporate floss and mouthwash into their routine. These people tend to be extroverts.
In 2014, a survey found that extroverts are more likely to floss, use mouthwash, and schedule dental appointments to care for their teeth. However, their teeth brushing methods are average.
People Who Prepare The Night Before
If you have a morning routine, you might set out your supplies the night before, such as clothes, skincare products, or makeup items.
Kirkbride says that these people "generally care about order and productivity." They might be good multitaskers because they aim to be as efficient and organized as possible.
People Who Take Skincare Shortcuts
While some people prefer a multi-step skincare routines, others take shortcuts, such as using makeup wipes or not washing their face unless they have to. These people tend to be more laid-back.
"Chances are high [that] they value sleep and rest and took as much time to do that as possible, making their time short," Kirkbride explained.
People Who Strive For "Perfect" Hygiene
Some people take great pains to ensure that their personal hygiene and appearance are "perfect," in the words of clinical psychologist Carla Manly. These people tend to be more nervous than others.
According to a 2011 study, people who over-focus on hygiene might feel anxious more often. However, they also get 10% fewer colds than others.
People Who Cover Their Mouths While Sneezing Or Coughing
In 2011, the Global Hygiene Council surveyed peoples' hygiene habits and compared them to personality traits. Not many people reported covering their mouths with their arm or a tissue while sneezing or coughing. Why?
According to the study, these people are conscientious and want to display good manners. They are also two-and-a-half times more likely to have better health.
People Who Carry Back-Up Hygiene Products
Some people carry back-up hygiene products with them, such as deodorant, a hair comb, or oil blotting wipes. If this sounds like you, then you might enjoy appearing presentable in front of others.
"[These people] feel safe when hygiene materials are at their fingertips," explains clinical psychologist Josh Klapow. You prefer to be over-prepared than under-prepared.
People Who Sing In The Shower
Singing in the shower is fairly common, says psychologist Steven Schachter. If you do this, you're likely a fun-loving person, but you also feel most comfortable at home or around familiar people.
"Maybe [people who do this] want to have more fun than you're showing the rest of the world," Schachter suggested to Reader's Digest.
People Who Brush After Every Meal
Although it is essential to brush twice a day, some people brush their teeth after almost every meal. These people might feel insecure about their breath, according to Klapow.
"[People who do this] often are fearful or sensitive to comments about bad breath and may have had a bad experience with someone teasing them for having bad breath," he told Bustle.
People Who Ignore Oral Health
People who ignore oral health and have poor brushing habits tend to be more neurotic, according to a 2014 survey. Neuroticism includes negative thinking, feeling irritable, and having a short temper.
Neurotic personality traits were not only linked to poor oral health. These people were also more likely to use tobacco, which worsened their hygiene.
People Who Wear Sports Deodorants
Sports deodorants last longer and tend to be waterproof. But there's another reason people wear them, according to a 2018 study by the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation.
People who wear sports fragrances tend to be active and hardworking. The scents are usually designed to be spicy and uplifting, which can even help people wake up in the morning.
People Who Apply Flowery Perfume Or Deodorant
If you don't like sports deodorant, you might prefer flowery scents like lavender or rose. These people are usually down-to-earth and carefree, says Dr. lan R. Hirsch of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation.
People who love floral fragrances also tend to enjoy nature and be outdoorsy. They might dislike staying inside for too long.
