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Why Is Professional Grooming Important

Source lifehack.org I The importance of grooming

Heard of the concept of personal branding? Well, the idea is to be your own PR professional and market your worth to competitors and employers alike. Hence, it is important to keep up a good personal brand image of yourself as it serves to communicate your reputation and professional excellence. Do you know that grooming or rather, the lack of grooming can literally sabotage your personal brand? But what is professional grooming and how important is it in the corporate world?

Professional grooming basically relies on all the activities that support to put forth a good professional appearance. In fact, style and discipline are the two pillars of professional grooming. Find out your personal style that fits the professional scenario that you work in and maintain discipline in achieving the nearly best of the perceived style.

Grooming yourself by way of appearing your best in dressing, cleansing and self-care is crucial in the professional background. Not only will good grooming build your personality and portray you as a true professional before others. But it also, helps you to be more confident and reflect your inner being through attractive conduct.

There are several reasons why you should take personal grooming seriously as a professional. The most relevant are:

To Maintain Professional Standards

Source thebalancecareers.com I Maintaining professional standard

In the corporate world and especially in the professional workspace, grooming and appearance plays a vital role. An executive is generally, a representation of the company that he works for. Hence, as part of the professional culture to maintain standards of the company, you are expected to look put together when you are at work.

To Elevate Your Personal Brand Image

Source psychologytoday.com I Elevate personal image

Your appearance is not only a direct reflection of your employer but also a representation of your own self. You are part of how you dress up, your mannerisms and how you convey yourself. Since the first impression majorly depends on the physical appearance of a person, it is always recommended that you adopt good grooming habits.

Represents Your Professional Potential

Source entrepreneur.com I Professional look to boost personality

Sloppy dressing and clumsy appearance immediately give a bad impression of yourself; no matter how talented you are at your job. On the other hand, when a prospective client or employer sees you well dressed and neat, onlookers naturally develop a conducive perspective. Afterall. You need to look presentable to impress in the first place.

10 Top Tips for Both Men and Women Professionals

Source mconsultingprep.com I Tips for professional dress code

In today’s competitive corporate world, it is important that you stand out among the crowd to procure your space. Or rather, blend in with the conservative corporate standards of dressing. Much has changed over the years, but the idea of following certain unwritten rules incorporate dressing is still relevant.

Here are some of the top grooming tips that have stood the test of time and are always important when it comes to maintaining professional decorum.

Always Wear Fresh, Crisp and Proper Fitting Clothes

Source gentlemansgazette.com I Wearing fit and fresh clothes suit

Make sure to keep a set of neat, presentable and professional clothes to wear at work. Hems should be in place, buttons must be sewn in place and fabric should not be pilling. Remember to iron your clothes in order to avoid any creases or lines. It is appropriate to dress conservatively and to avoid exposing too much skin. Also, the clothing must not be too tight or bagging from being too loose. The colour of the clothing is equally important to the clothing itself. Make sure to always choose corporate colours that are basic and neutral like grey, brown or beige for business suits.

Neat Haircut

Source info.optiontechnologies.com I Having neat haircut

Haircare is very important when it comes to professional grooming. Always make sure to cut and trim your hair well to appear neat. Leave the loud hairstyles for yet another time, as it doesn’t suit your professional look at all. Men must stick to short hairstyles. Ladies must choose conservative hairstyles that keep the hair out of the face. Hair colouring if done, must not be in unusual or shocking shades. Facial hair must also be properly groomed and neatly done.

Always Trim Your Nails and Keep Them in Shape

Source mirror.co.uk I Trimming nail

Hands quintessentially become a focal point as we often use our hands to express ourselves. It is always important to have hands and fingernails that look professional. Nails should always be kept clean and trimmed. Nail polish must not be chipped, and should not be of a flattering shade. Nail art is definitely a no-no in the professional workspace! So, it's always best to stick to soft neutral colours in nail shades while at work and save the daring colours for the evening.

Be Careful of Your Perfume

Source esquire.com I Choosing perfume

Fragrances are welcomed in the corporate world, only if it is of the subtle tones. Never overdo it and indulge in breathtaking strong odours, however good it may seem to you. In fact, many people are generally allergic to strong scents and thus, caution must be exercised when wearing strong perfumes to a business meeting. However, it is always important to smell nice while at work. So, please make it a point to use deodorant regularly to keep away any bad odour if you have.

Have A Good Skincare Routine

Source lorealparisusa.com I Skincare routine

So, you haven’t adopted a good skincare routine yet? Well, if you want to dwell in the competitive corporate world, then it's high time that you stick to one right now! When you take care of your skin, it shows, and the lack of good skincare is also equally visible. It is a total put-off if your skin isn’t as neat and good-looking as your designer clothing. Skincare doesn’t always have to be complicated, time-consuming or that demands expensive products. You can simply take time daily to cleanse, tone and moisturize regularly, to look neat and clean.

Avoid Heavy Blingy Accessories

Source upgifs.com I Avoid heavy accessories

Good grooming tips for professionals also suggest certain guidelines when choosing your accessories to be worn at work. Bags, watches and belts are considered as important elements that enhance your professional look. Corporate accessories as they are called must always be kept lowkey and must not unnecessarily attract attention. Regardless of your flair for style and however “in” the bright and blingy accessories may be, always make sure that it fits into the conservative corporate environment. Ladies invest in some decent light jewellery. And men, keep the bright tinted sunglasses for an off day.

Wear Clean Footwear

Source blog.samuel-windsor.co.uk I Clean footwear for professional look

Did you know that shoes are the first thing that someone notices about your appearance? It is thus, a no brainer that you have to wear clean, neat and well-polished shoes to work. Ideal office shoes must compliment your stature and dignify your appearance at first glance itself. Not only must it be appropriate to wear in the professional space, but also feel most comfortable for your feet. Uncomfortable footwear will only add to the stressful working hours. Always remember to choose footwear made from good quality material.

Personal Hygiene Is Important

Source in.pinterest.com I Maintaining personal hygiene

Personal grooming tips for professionals will and must necessarily include personal hygiene. Get your teeth cleaned and brushed twice a day using a soft brush and don’t forget to floss regularly. After all, good breath is a must in the workplace when you work with others. Also, it goes without saying that you must take a shower every day before going for work. Bad odour is a serious downside of the lack of regular personal hygiene and one of the main reasons why people fail to even achieve professional excellence.

Avoid Tattoos and Piercings

Source workforce.com I Avoid tattoo and piercing on work

Tattoos and piercings are generally considered to be untidy and professional. Hence, it is always best to avoid the same in the corporate scenario. This particularly applies to tattoos or piercings done on any part of the body that is exposed. Here is a tip. Should you have a tattoo on an exposed area of the skin, always remember to get it to look smudged with makeup before that important business meeting!

Keep a Moisturizer or Cream in Hand

Source health.harvard.edu I Moisturizing cream

A good and firm handshake is a strong personification of the professional in you. Nothing should hinder it, not even your dry and rough hands. Always remember to carry a moisturize or hand lotion while at work. Apply lotion on the hands before a meeting. Also, Deodorants play an important role in keeping you fresh throughout the day. You must use deodorant at frequent intervals especially if you have a body odour or if you are a smoker.

Bonus: What Not to Wear (Ever)

Source dailybulletin.com.au I How to look professional for business

You may be a die-hard fashionista who lives by the word of fashion every single day. But, always remember that professional grooming ethics have always stuck to conservative standards. You must never choose the office space to showcase your expressive and daring take on fashion and clothing. Instead, you can choose to find a contemporary yet simplistic style in clothing and appearance. The modern professional style has evolved over many controversial topics and is now sophisticated and chic at the same time.

Your appearance definitely makes a statement on your professionalism. And so, showing up in sloppy and inappropriate clothing can only kill your professional career. Dressing to match the ethics of your workplace is probably the most genius ways to start working towards professional excellence. Different workplaces have different styles and standards to follow. However, when it comes to conservative clothing there are certain common guidelines to follow everywhere.

Here are some insightful tips to avoid the most embarrassing moments while at work.

Tips for Men:

Source lindseypollak.com I Grooming tips for men

Probably you are a very light-hearted person. Or the workplace is quite informal and welcoming. But, if you plan to gain some respect at work and want to establish a powerful embodiment, then better to watch out for your casual appearance here.

Never ever wear formal shorts to a business meeting, however friendly the client or superior is. Also, kindly avoid dashing and bright coloured shirts on any day at the office. Character ties may be one of your favourite accessories of clothing, but always remember that it is notably a demeaning element.

Tips for Women:

Source dailymail.co.uk I Tips for women to have professional look

Want to stand out among the competitive crowd at work? Want to get noticed by your superior at a meeting? There are several reasons for those wanting to try out experimental styles in grooming. But wait, what if the style that you choose is more destructive than constructive?

So, it is very important that you vow to avoid certain items of clothing at all costs. Miniskirts that are way “too” short are strictly a no-no. You can save them for an evening outing or a party. But, exposing too much skin should never be the reason for you to get noticed. Deep necklines and tight shirts are again demeaning elements that you must stay away from. Always try to avoid sequined dresses that are too flashy. Fancy tote bags may seem handy to carry to work. Nonetheless, that too is an obvious no.

Tips for Clothing at Work:

Source talentcor.com I Formal clothing at work

1. Try not to repeat outfits within the same week. However good and comfortable the attire maybe, try avoiding to wear the same outfit on more days than one in the same week. Instead, you can mix and match the pieces to use your wardrobe to the maximum.

2. Keep a backup outfit at work. A mishap before an important meeting is one of the most dreadful of nightmares to happen. In order to overcome such a mishap like a spill of coffee, it is always best to keep an outfit that you can change into while at work.

3. Do not wear an outfit that your superior doesn’t approve off. There are instances when you have noticed that an outfit may probably suit the professional guidelines, yet your superior seems to frown upon it. In order to avoid any hindrances in communicating your best to your boss, its best to avoid the circumstances that cause the hindrance in the first place, isn’t it?

Writer
Rubina Cheruvalath
Rubina is a free thinker and a dreamer. She believes that there is something to be learnt from everything. In spite of securing a technical education, Rubina chose to think beyond it and work in the management field. A proud mum of two boys, she aspires to explore the world with her family and create cherishable memories.

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Professional Look will Always Give You a Bonus Points

We all know that if two similar talents are there to choose, the interviewer will always go for the neat one. Because the professional look has added a bonus point in his resume. So why take a chance and lose the opportunity which is meant to be for you. Always follow professional look in every meeting and office. It will not only increase your confidence in yourself but it will also add extra respect from the person side you will meet next.