How to Be a Hygienic Teenage Girl

Co-authored by Melissa Jannes

Last Updated: October 4, 2024 References

Every teenage girl wants to be hygienic, but some girls don't know where to start. Read this article to learn how to be hygienic.

1

Shower, wash or bathe every day.

Download Article

So, even if you don't feel like it, remember to clean your whole body every day. Make sure to wash your feet well and your armpits.^{[1]
X
Research source}

2

Remove any body hair you want to remove.

Download Article

Consider removing hair from your legs, face, or armpits if you want to. Body hair is not unhygienic, so this step is entirely optional. You don't have to shave to be hygienic, and whether or not you shave is completely up to you. If you do shave, though, make sure to use shaving cream or soap - never try to shave dry skin or with just water, as this can lead to irritation, nicks, and little red bumps, which you don't want. If you don't want to shave but still want to remove hair, you can also wax, thread, epilate, pluck or use hair removal creams.
- You can apply oil to remove wax from skin.
- It helps to reduce the stickiness of wax.

3

Have good oral hygiene

Download Article

It's also a good idea to use mouthwash to keep your breath fresh, and to see a dentist regularly to stay on top of your dental health.^{[2]
X
Research source}

4

Wear deodorant or antiperspirant.

Download Article

Smelling good does not necessarily make you hygienic, but, if you smell bad, it could indicate an underlying hygiene issue. You can also wear perfume, eau de cologne, eau de toilette, scented lotion, or body spray to smell fragrant, though this is optional. If you have asthma triggered by certain smells, avoid these products.^{[3]
X
Research source}

5

Wear clean clothes.

Download Article

Even if you've showered, put on deodorant, and taken care to have good breath, it can seem like you're unhygienic if you're wearing clothes that are stained or smell bad.

6

Wash your hair regularly.

Download Article

Use shampoo made especially for your hair type, and never skip conditioner. You can also straighten or curl if you want, but this is entirely optional. The hairstyle itself has absolutely nothing to do with how clean you are.^{[4]
X
Research source}

7

Trim your nails so that dirt does not build up under them.

Download Article

Nail polish is optional, but it can be a fun way to express your style.

8

Wash your face daily.

Download Article

Use gentle soap and water, and never go to bed with makeup on. This is enough to have a hygienic face. If you're interested in looking after the appearance of the skin on your face beyond hygiene you can:
- Use a cleanser recommended for your skin type. Put a small amount of face cleanser on your hands, about the size of a nickel, and rub some on your wet hands. Use a product that is gentle enough for your skin, because something that's too strong will just dry the skin out and stimulate the oil glands to produce more oil - you're trying to remove oil and retain moisture at the same time. Do not use soap - it's too strong, and can't be rinsed easily.
- Using your fingertips, massage the cleanser all over your face, removing any dirt and oil. Take thirty seconds or so, concentrating on first the hairline, then paying special attention to the "T-zone" (forehead, nose, and nostril area), then around the mouth and chin, then cheeks. Cleanse the neck using upward strokes. You have oil glands behind your ears, so don't neglect that area. It's messy, but do it anyway. When you're fifty, you will be glad you went to the trouble to help your mature skin look its best. Rinse your face with warm water and pat it dry with a soft towel.
- Moisturizer is a very good thing. You have just washed off dirt and oil, and a moisturizer will help keep the moisture in the surface cells, which promotes a more youthful looking complexion - plus it feels great.

9

Adopt healthy habits.

Download Article

Wash your hands before eating.^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services

Go to source} Don't pick you nose. Keep piercings clean. Don't pick scabs. Wash your hands after going to the toilet, every single time.^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services

Go to source} Always use cover your mouth when you cough, and always sneeze into a tissue or handkerchief. Never spit. Change your clothes whenever they become soiled.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Reader Videos

Submit a Video Tip!

Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!

Submit a Video

Tips

Always shower after exercise! Nobody likes the smell of sweat!

Thanks
Helpful 12 Not Helpful 0
Don't forget to thoroughly wash all of your conditioner out. If you don't it can lead to oily hair and residue.

Thanks
Helpful 10 Not Helpful 0
Always brush your teeth and comb your hair at least twice a day. You don't want to look like a mess!

Thanks
Helpful 13 Not Helpful 1

Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Take at least 2 minutes to brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash if you want to maintain healthy teeth. You don't want yellow teeth or bad breath.
Shower at night if you're short on time in the mornings. You'll still be clean when you wake up and it saves time getting ready.
Bring deodorant or perfume with you so you can freshen up if needed during the day. It's good to have on hand at school or work.
If you want to maintain long nails then make sure to clean underneath them with a nail brush, and trim or file as needed.
Wash your sheets and pillowcases regularly to keep them fresh and free of dirt and oil buildup from your body.
If you get your period, bring an extra pad or tampon in your bag in case you need to change it while out.

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Don't use too much perfume - one or two sprays will do. By spraying in front of you 2-3 times and then walking through the spray three seconds later, you will have just the right amount of perfume on.

Thanks
Helpful 63 Not Helpful 4