How to Maintain Good Hygiene (For Girls)

Shower daily or every other day. Bacteria thrive on sweat and dead skin cells, which can cause body odor. Shower daily using a mild soap to wash away the day's dirt. Pay special attention to cleaning and thoroughly drying your feet, face, hands, underarms, and buttocks.

• In addition to daily showers, make sure to shower after exercising or sweating to keep your skin clean.
• It doesn’t matter whether you shower in the morning or at night—choose a time that works best for you.
• Avoid using soap on intimate areas, as it can disrupt the natural chemical balance. Use a mild soap for the inner thighs and around the vulva, but only use warm water to clean the external and internal vulva (the outer part of the vagina). The vagina is self-cleaning and naturally produces discharge to maintain cleanliness.
• Deodorants and perfumes are not substitutes for daily showers.

Wash and condition your hair. Shampoo your hair 2-3 times a week. Overwashing can strip away natural oils, leaving your hair dry. Choose the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type—whether it’s dry, frizzy, straight, or curly, there are plenty of products to experiment with.

• Wet your hair with warm water. Pour a small amount of shampoo into your palm and gently massage it into your scalp (avoid harsh scrubbing) and down to the ends. Rinse thoroughly, then apply conditioner, using more for dry hair and less for oily hair. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes while you shower, then rinse it out completely.
• If your hair gets greasy near the roots after a day or two, wash it daily or every other day with a mild shampoo. Apply conditioner only to the ends, avoiding the scalp. Use non-greasy or oil-free styling products.

Wash your face twice daily. Use warm water and a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser in the morning and before bed. Apply the cleanser with your fingertips, as washcloths or sponges can irritate your skin. Avoid scrubbing too hard. Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel (do not rub).

• Avoid exfoliating products or those containing alcohol. Do not use regular soap, as these can be too harsh for facial skin.
• If your skin is flaky, itchy, or dry, apply a facial moisturizer using an amount smaller than a coin. For irritated or oily skin, opt for products designed for sensitive skin.
• Additionally, wash your face after exercising or sweating.

Wear clean clothes. You don’t need to wash your clothes after every wear, but ensure they are free of stains, wrinkles, and odors. If clothes are soiled or sweaty, wash them before wearing again. Change your underwear daily and replace socks as needed for comfort and to avoid odor. You may need to change socks multiple times a day, or less frequently if you only wear them indoors for a few hours without shoes.

• Change bed sheets weekly or more often if you sweat at night. Replace pillowcases weekly or every 2-3 days if your skin is oily.

Wash your hands frequently. Wash your hands multiple times a day, especially after using the restroom, sneezing, or coughing, before handling food, and after touching shared objects (like money—imagine how many people have touched it!).

• Wet your hands with warm water, then lather with soap for at least 20 seconds—make sure to clean your wrists, between your fingers, and under your nails. Rinse thoroughly, dry with a paper towel, and use the towel to turn off the faucet.

Carry small hygiene products with you. Keep a hygiene kit in your bag or backpack. Bring a pack of mints, gum, or a small bottle of mouthwash for after meals. Pack a small mirror, hand sanitizer, deodorant, a pack of tissues, and a compact comb for daily use.

Maintain good hygiene when sick. If you’re ill, it’s crucial to practice good hygiene to protect others. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing. If you’re vomiting or have a fever, stay home and avoid contact with others.

Use deodorant daily. Body odor is natural, especially under the arms. Sweating increases during puberty, and underarm hair can trap sweat and bacteria. Use deodorant daily to stay fresh and comfortable. Deodorants come in various forms—roll-ons, sprays, sticks, and gels—with or without antiperspirant properties. Some are scented, while others are fragrance-free. Choose what suits your preference.

• Deodorants are often marketed for specific genders, but the main difference lies in their fragrance.

Shave if desired. Whether to shave your leg hair, underarms, or intimate areas is entirely up to you. Long underarm and pubic hair can trap moisture and odor, but regular washing and keeping the area clean and dry can help. If you choose to shave, ensure safety and hygiene:

• Use a clean, new razor and shaving cream or gel (avoid regular soap). Never shave dry!
• Take your time. Ask your mom, aunt, or sister for help or advice.
• Avoid shaving facial hair. Use tweezers for stray hairs or try facial bleach, creams, or wax. For excessive facial hair, consult a doctor for permanent removal options like electrolysis or laser.
• Apply a non-greasy moisturizer after shaving to prevent dryness. Avoid using men’s aftershave—it can sting!

Trim pubic hair. Shaving the pubic area can cause itching, irritation, ingrown hairs, or folliculitis. Remember, how you groom your pubic hair is entirely your choice. You can shave the bikini line, trim with scissors (carefully), or leave it natural. Ensure you clean the area thoroughly in the shower. If you decide to shave, follow these steps:

• Use clean scissors to trim long hair first for easier shaving (do this in the bathroom to avoid mess). Make sure no one else uses those scissors!
• Soak in a warm bath or shower for a few minutes to soften the hair and skin.
• Use a safety razor (avoid straight or disposable razors), preferably one with a lubricating strip.
• Pull the skin taut and shave in the direction of hair growth—be gentle, don’t press too hard.
• Rinse with warm water, pat dry, and apply baby oil, aloe vera, or fragrance-free moisturizer.
• Read articles like Trimming Pubic Hair, Shaving the Pubic Area, Managing Pubic Hair, or Caring for Pubic Hair for detailed guidance.

Maintain oral hygiene. Brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash at least twice a day—after breakfast and before bed. This helps reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Try to use fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash. If you wear braces, brush your teeth after every meal.

• Use your toothbrush to clean your tongue as well.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 months or after recovering from an illness like strep throat.
• Visit the dentist twice a year for check-ups and cleanings.

Thoroughly clean dental appliances or braces. Yeast and bacteria can thrive on dental tools or their cases if not kept clean. Clean the case every time you brush your teeth and disinfect it weekly.

• For dental appliances, soak them in a solution like Efferdent or Polident in warm water. Rinse thoroughly before reuse.

Keep contact lenses clean. If you wear contact lenses, it’s crucial to keep them as clean as possible to prevent eye infections. Don’t rinse them with tap water and reuse old solution—this invites bacteria into your eyes! Clean your lenses thoroughly each time you remove them, wash the case, and use fresh solution. Remember to replace your contact lenses every 3 months.

Keep your feet clean. It’s normal for feet and shoes to develop odors, but you should keep it under control. Ensure your feet are dry before putting on socks and shoes. Rotate between different pairs of shoes, and let them air out overnight (don’t leave them in a closed closet). Wear socks with closed-toe shoes and choose cotton over synthetic materials.

• If you notice red, itchy, or peeling skin between your toes or on your feet, you might have athlete’s foot. Prevent this by wearing flip-flops in communal showers or locker rooms. Use over-the-counter foot powder or consult a doctor if needed.

Avoid sharing personal items. Sharing is caring, but not when it comes to items like toothbrushes, razors, or combs. Don’t lend your personal items to others, and don’t use theirs either. Additionally, use your own towels and face cloths.

Change sanitary products regularly. On average, you should change pads or tampons 3-6 times a day. During heavy flow days (the first few days of your period) and at night, use longer, thicker pads with wings to prevent leaks. Change pads or tampons every 4-8 hours, depending on your flow. Never leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours due to the risk of toxic shock syndrome.

• Don’t be embarrassed if you accidentally stain your underwear or sheets—it happens to almost every woman. Rinse the stain with cold water and wash it immediately.
• During your period, wear dark-colored underwear and clothing to hide any potential stains. If an accident happens in public, tie a sweater around your waist to cover up until you get home.
• Tampons are great for swimming, sports, or active lifestyles. Tampons with applicators are easier to use than those without. If you’re struggling with using tampons, try applying vaginal lubricant to the tip before insertion. Avoid Vaseline due to infection risks.
• You can also try alternatives like menstrual cups or THINX period-proof underwear.

Shower regularly. Showering during your period is not only safe but also essential. It helps you feel clean, and warm water can ease menstrual cramps. Shower as usual and rinse your intimate area with warm water. After washing, use a dark towel or tissue to dry first to avoid staining, then apply a fresh pad, tampon, or menstrual cup before getting dressed.

• You can remove tampons or menstrual cups before showering, but it’s not necessary. Of course, remove your underwear and dispose of used pads first.
• If your flow is heavy, avoid taking baths. Running water from a shower cleans better than bathwater.
• Clean up the bathroom after showering—don’t leave a mess for the next person.

Track your menstrual cycle. The best way to avoid accidents or being caught without a tampon is to predict when your period will start. Use websites or apps like WebMD’s Ovulation Calculator, or keep a diary or calendar to track your cycle. Record the first day of your period and monitor it over several months.

• The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, but this can vary significantly. Count from the first day of your period in one month to the first day of your next period. Average the number of days over three months to determine your cycle length. For example, if your cycles are 29, 30, and 28 days, your average cycle is 29 days. Remember, cycles can vary widely during puberty, ranging from 21 to 45 days.
• If your cycles are irregular, talk to a parent or doctor for advice and treatment options.

Ask for help. If you’re unsure how to use tampons, need help buying menstrual products, or have questions or concerns about your period, ask an older family member. Remember, your mom, aunt, or sister has been through it too! You can also consult a doctor if that makes you more comfortable.

Treat acne. If you have acne, use a gentle, alcohol-free, non-abrasive acne treatment. Avoid scrubbing your face harshly, as this can strip natural oils, dry out your skin, and even worsen breakouts. Try natural acne remedies, or consult a doctor for recommended products.

• Ask your family doctor to refer you to a dermatologist if acne persists after 4-8 weeks of using over-the-counter treatments or if it becomes painful. Some medications, like Accutane, have significant side effects.
• Never pick or scratch at pimples with your nails. Popping or squeezing acne can cause infections and scarring.

Avoid heavy makeup. When feeling insecure about your skin, you might want to use heavy makeup to cover up. However, thick layers of makeup can dry out or clog your skin, leading to more breakouts. Opt for a light foundation and minimal makeup for a natural, healthy look.

• Use makeup techniques to conceal blemishes if needed.

Take care of your nails. Keep your fingernails and toenails neatly trimmed and clean. Clean under your nails when washing your hands (and feet), and use a nail tool to remove dirt if necessary. Use sharp nail clippers or small scissors to cut straight across, then file the edges into a gentle curve. Apply hand lotion to your nails and cuticles.

• Avoid biting your nails or picking at them. This can cause infections and make your nails uneven. Use clean clippers instead.
• Paint your nails if you like! A clear coat or nail polish can give your nails a shiny finish. Use acetone-free nail polish remover.

Use perfume sparingly. If you enjoy wearing perfume or body spray, go for it! Just remember not to overdo it. Too much fragrance can be overwhelming and unpleasant for others. Spray perfume two or three times in the air and walk through it—this gives you a subtle scent without being overpowering.

• Don’t spray perfume directly onto your hair or hairbrush, as it can dry out your hair.
• Remember, perfume is not a substitute for daily bathing.