Its good personal grooming to go beyond natural   Photo: BlackDoctor

Just yesterday, about mid-morning, I and a colleague were having coffee along the corridor leading to the office premises exit; sharing male gossip just before one guy passed by in a hurry leaving a trail of “onion” stench behind him. It lasted for excess of 10 seconds, and that would most probably be the worst 10 seconds of the day. The remaining coffee ended up in the kitchen sink, thanks to the disruption by the pungent smell.

More often than not, body odor, one important aspect of hygiene, is a concern that most men do not give a hefty consideration. Unlike ladies who must be real enthusiasts of perfumes and colognes, most men do not fancy that very same realm. Instead some would rather consider going natural.

But what would be the essence of going natural and “emit” a hostile spoor that compels people to seek an extra source of fresher air than the one you just polluted.

I’m certain that at some point you’ve heard of the theory that women are sensually attracted to the pheromones from your sweat and whatnot. But would you believe a newer theory that you have a much better chance with cologne.

Let’s face it; from the science perspective, the importance of smell. Scent is one of the most important memory triggers. The mind isn’t stupid either, a good smell influences the thoughts and gives a positive impression of both you and your personality. It also indicates that you take care of yourself and your body. The ilk of Roses, Violets or Jasmine are fragrances that do not emanate from the body, you simply need a perfume. That’s my point exactly!

Now that we are on the same page, having understood the importance of an extra fragrance apart from your normal, “natural” scent, its equally wise to take into consideration the very basics of the DOs and DON’Ts.

DON’T soak yourself in cologne. It so happens that some men go beyond borders by over-spraying themselves thus becoming unpleasant than intended. Perhaps this is in a bid to get more noticeable, faster and for longer just as in the case of women’s perfume.

As a rule women’s fragrances are more intensely scented than those of men. Women’s perfume has greater radiance, expanding a few feet from the skin making a conscious impression on others.

Men’s cologne is subtle and won closer to the skin. They should only be noticeable from close range, something some men are yet to understand. Too much of it might build in others the impression of you skipping baths and hibernating under the concentrated attar.

DO choose what fragrance you like. Finally it matters most what particular fragrance you chose to wear since with time it slowly transforms to form your scent, the ultimate trait that describes you.