Suited man drinking coffee

11 Steps on How to Look More Attractive & Be Your Best Self Unbeatable ways to make a lasting improvement

[Feature image by Christopher Hill]

Ready to become a more attractive man? Good.

Becoming more attractive is something that interests all of us. A favorable presentation provides general benefits, from how you’re perceived at an interview to even how you’re treated at the grocery checkout. And it never hurts to look more attractive to your wife, your girlfriend, or your crush.

Put all notions of vanity aside, because being attractive is more than just being handsome (though that’s also important). Looking and being attractive comes from within as much as it does from without.

Table of Contents

We put together 11 specific, actionable steps to becoming more attractive:

The Importance of Hygiene

man shaving in mirror
Patrick Coddou
Sale

Philips Norelco Multigroomer All-in-One Trimmer Series 3000, 13 Piece Mens Grooming Kit, for Beard, Face, Nose, and Ear Hair Trimmer and Hair Clipper, NO Blade Oil Needed, MG3750/60

Full size steel trimmer, a steel precision trimmer, a nose and ear hair trimmer, 3 hair trimming guards, 3 beard trimming guards, a stubble guard, an accessory travel storage bag, and a cleaning brush.

On the journey to becoming a more attractive man, we’d be remiss if we didn’t start here. Bad hygiene takes you out of the game before it even starts. Changes here can make a big difference.

If you aren’t dedicating time to your skin and oral care routines, you’ll never be as attractive as you should be. Imagine kissing someone with a greasy face and Frito breath. Disgusting right? (Sorry to put that image in your head). Yeah, those same standards apply to you.

Oral Care Routine

Morning:

  • Brush Teeth
  • Floss
  • Mouthwash

Night:

  • Brush Teeth
  • Floss
  • Whitening Mouthwash with Flouride

Skin Care Routine

Morning:

  • Wash Face
  • Preshave
  • Apply Shaving Cream
  • Shave
  • After Shave (No Alcohol)
  • Moisturize
  • Eye, Dark Circle Remover
  • SPF

Night:

  • Cleansing Face Wash
  • Exfoliate (2x a week)
  • Moisturize
  • Nighttime Anti-aging Face Serum
  • Eye Cream

Essential Skin Products

Lab Series Moisturizer 

Kiehl’s Eye Alert

Brickell Anti-Aging Cream

Becoming a Well-Groomed Man

man getting a shave at a barber
Christoffer Engstrom

Of course, how you take care of your hair plays into your attractiveness. A well-groomed man will always have a leg up on his counterparts.

Learn to manage your mane and your scruff. What hair type do you have? Is it thin, thick, curly, straight, or wavy? Find the best products and cuts for your specific hair type.

Start and maintain a routine of washing and conditioning. This way, your hair will never be left dry or greasy. If you’re thinning up top, go read our guide on how to save your hair, and get things under control.

For my bearded friends, don’t forget to show your facial hair some love. Your beard needs washing and moisturizing just like the top of your head. Finish things off a couple of times a week with a trim and some beard oil.

Hair Care Routine

  • Wash your hair every day or every other day (use a light shampoo that’s paraben free)
  • Condition 2-3 times a week
  • Multivitamin
  • Biotin Supplement
  • Nizoral 1-2 times a week (thinning hair)
  • Minoxidil twice a day (thinning hair)
  • Finasteride once a day (thinning hair)

Beard Care Routine

  • Shampoo twice a week
  • Condition twice a week
  • Trim 1-2 times a week
  • Beard oil every day or every other day

As for brands, the men’s grooming market is oversaturated. There are tons of grooming creams, oils, accessories, etc… That’s why we’ve included a list of some of our favorite men’s grooming products.

Essential Hair Products

Free and Clear Shampoo

Jack Black Conditioner

Scotch Porter Beard Conditioner 

Why Posture Matters

man with back against brick wall
Jamieson Murphy

Your teachers and parents were secretly doing you a favor when they told you to stand up straight. Good posture is another immediate way to improve your attractiveness. Standing tall with your shoulders relaxed and your chest open portrays confident body language.

Even better, good posture improves your overall body functions so that you’re less likely to be sore or to get injured after a particularly hard set at the gym.

Standing:

  • Head up and slightly forward
  • Shoulders back
  • Chest open

Sitting:

  • Back straight
  • Shoulders back
  • Knees bent at a right angle
  • Feet flat on the floor

Improving your posture won’t happen overnight. Things like posture exercises such as pull-ups and push-ups can help though. If you’re serious about it, there are posture correctors on the market. They’ll strap onto your back and make a ping sound whenever you start to slouch. After a couple of days of that annoying sound, good posture will is ingrained in you.

Fitness Goals

man running on dirt road
Jenny Hill
Sale

adidas Men’s Aeroready Sereno Slim Tapered-Cut 3-Stripes Pants

  • Men’s slim soccer pants for versatile comfort
  • 100% Polyester

We’re not going to claim that in order to be attractive, you need six-pack abs and be movie star shredded. However, being in shape is always a good thing.

Time spent at the gym or out running keeps you slim. As a general rule, when you’re athletically fit, you look better in your clothes and have more energy. There are no downsides to being all-around healthier.

You know that glow you get after exercising? Yeah, it’s good, people like that. Besides keeping you physically healthy, exercise releases stress and is a vital component in looking younger. As they say, “if you feel good, you look good.”

Our Men’s Workout Routine

  • Weights 3-4 times a week (upper body 2-3 times, lower body 1-2 times)
  • Run twice a week
  • Rest 1-2 a week

Note: Keep in mind your body shape and maximize your workouts. Never workout beyond your capacity, and do find workout regimens that are within your skill level.

Utilizing Style

Stylish man walking on roof
Kyle Loftus
Sale

COOFANDY Men’s Casual Suit Blazer Jackets Lightweight Sports Coats One Button

  • Casual and elegant looking
  • 100% Polyester
  • suitable for banquet, wedding, graduation, nightclub, disco etc.

First and foremost, we are a style publication, so we understand the importance of looking good. Your style plays a big part in how others see you, but more importantly: how you see yourself.

Broadcast who you are as a person and exemplify your best features. Being mindful of how you dress shows self-appreciation and savvy. We have tons of articles on The GentleManual to help launch your journey of style discovery and exploration.

Men’s fashion can be daunting; we get that. If you’re looking to start immediately, here are your must-have men’s apparel pieces.

Men’s Style Must-Haves:

  • 1 Bomber or Harrington jacket
  • A white tee
  • A black tee
  • An olive or navy tee
  • Two pairs of jeans (light and dark, i.e black and blue)
  • A pair of chinos
  • A leather jacket
  • A blazer
  • 1 Pair of sneakers
  • 1 Pair of boots
  • Sunglasses

The Power of Scent

Collection of mens fragrances
Charisse Kenion
Sale

Cremo Blue Cedar & Cypress Cologne Spray, A Woodsy Scent with Notes of Lemon Peel, Cypress and Cedar, 3.4 Oz

  • A brisk, woodsy scent with notes of lemon peel, cypress and cedar
  • Long-lasting fragrance that doesn’t overpower

Your scent can often speak for you. Hopefully, it says something sexy and confident, and not B.O related. Our sense of smell plays a huge role in human thoughts, memories, and emotions. So give people something pleasant.

Choosing a cologne takes a bit of work. Make sure to smell all the varieties and consider how they fit with the aura you’d like to give off.
Also, keep in mind that scents change over time and throughout the day, as they are affected by your body heat.

There are just as many expensive cologne brands as there are cheap ones. Price doesn’t necessarily guarantee a better product. That being said, the pricier bottles are likely made with better ingredients and have more nuanced scents.

There are countless cologne brands and styles, so things can get complicated. Scents fall into the categories of citrus, wood, marine, gourmand, oriental, floral, oud and sporty. Each one has its own qualities. So we’ve done the work for you.

Read – How to Wear Cologne: A Beginner’s Guide

Citrus: Fresh, lively, zesty

Wood: Pine, outdoorsy, confident, manly

Marine: Minimalist, clean, elegant

Gourmand: Vanilla, coffee, bold, sensual

Oriental: Spicy, tobacco, boozy

Floral: Light, perfumed, gentle

Oud: Strength, musk, maturity

Sporty: Herbal, loud, vibrant

Our Top Picks:

Versace Pour Hommes

Dior Suavage

Note: Go easy on the cologne. People shouldn’t be able to smell you from a mile away. A small spritz on your neck, chest or wrist should be enough.

Being Attractive with Confidence

confident looking man
Mohammad Faruque

I’m sure you’ve heard over and over again that confidence is key. Well, that’s right. A confident man has control of one’s self and how he handles the world around him. Confidence isn’t the ability to never doubt yourself. It’s not cocky or loud.

What confidence is:

  • Faith in your abilities
  • Love and respect for yourself
  • Understanding the role of failure
  • Handling what the world throws at you

Confidence gives you the power to try things you otherwise wouldn’t. Maybe you want to rock a bold print shirt or finally approach your crush.

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There’s this false assumption that confidence comes from how others treat you, but relying on praise and approval will only ever give you temporary confidence at best. True confidence comes from within, and it is related to self-esteem.
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Instead of focusing on the things that you need to be better at, zone in on what you’re already good at. Give yourself love and recognition for excelling at those things. Not everyone has your same talents. Be proud of that fact.

It’s not easy to be confident all the time. Sometimes it’s important to fake it. If you act confident, soon enough you’ll find yourself and others starting to believe it.

Must Read:

The Art of Extraordinary Confidence

Conversational Superstar

two men talking on a bench in the snow
Anna Vander Stel

Words are power, and a good conversationalist makes an attractive man. This skill seems deceptively easy, but it’s not. Think about the conversations you have every day. Are they mostly boring interactions with the dreadful hum of small talk? Every once in a while though, you meet someone whose words have a lasting impact. It’s largely because of their conversational skills. Their words made you think and feel things deeper than you do on an average basis. You felt heard, and you felt engaged. And you can have that effect on others as well.

I want to introduce you to the term “deep diving.” Deep diving is the ability to move past the surface level and go into the topics that a person values. It entails identifying something a person cares about and creating a space for that to be expressed.

It’s not about constantly asking questions. Instead, you are slowly delving into meaningful conversations.

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Ironically, a great conversationalist spends more time listening than talking.
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People love to talk about themselves and deep diving does just that. More so, it has the added benefit of tying you to whatever strong emotions and realizations come up as someone speaks about their passions.

If you’re serious about being attractive, you must learn this skill.

Why you Must have a Sense of Adventure

man hiking outside
Alexander Ramsey
Sale

ATTCL Men’s Driving Polarized Rimless Sunglasses Al-Mg Metal Frame Ultra Light

  • 100% UV400 protection coating
  • 100% harmful UVA & UVB Rays
  • Eliminate reflected light and scattered light and protect eyes perfectly

There’s no substitute for a curious mind. If being adventurous seems only tangential to being more attractive, let me change your mind on that. “Being adventurous” may seem like a broad statement, but that’s because it has broad effects.

An adventurous man experiences life. He tries new things, visits new places, is open to learning, and he pushes himself. Repetition leads to stagnation. When trying to be more attractive, it’s crucial to understand that there is no end date. Your journey is never complete. Becoming more attractive, or improving in any way, is an ongoing process. Thus, a sense of adventure provides the juice to stay interesting.

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When venturing out of your comfort zone, you become self-reliant, and attractiveness starts with how you see yourself.
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Humor and Charm

woman smiling at table across from a man
Rawpixel

Women love a sense of humor. Well, everyone loves a sense of humor. We’re not talking about mimicking the class clown. That guy sucks. We’re talking about utilizing humor and charm.

Humor comes from a healthy self-awareness. It’s the act of putting things into perspective and not sweating over the small stuff. With humor, you can disarm people and break down their walls so that deeper connections can form.

Charm depends on a couple simple factors: eye contact and connection.

Eye Contact

man making eye contact
Dana JM

Charming men understand the power of eye contact. Your eyes communicate just as much as your words. Always meet the gaze of who you’re talking to; this is actually a scientifically recognized approach to being more attractive. Learning when to soften your gaze and when to hold it will serve you particularly well in romantic endeavors.

If you’re shy or have social anxiety, this will probably be a hurdle for you. That’s okay, with practice, you’ll get this down in no time.

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Instead of expecting yourself to pull this off with everyone, pick a specific group or person to work on it with. For instance, you can focus on holding eye contact with the barista at your local coffee shop. Soon enough, it’ll become second nature.

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You really can’t skip this one. Eye contact is essential.

Compliments and Connection

group high five
Rawpixel

The charming man is expert at connecting. Besides deep diving, one should understand compliments.

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People appreciate when you make them feel good about themselves. Learn when to dole out compliments, and you’ll instantly be more charming.
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Praising your coworkers when their expertise deliver solutions is an example of when to compliment. Take note that there is a time and place for compliments. Over-doing praise can make it seem less genuine. Or it can have the adverse effect of putting people on a pedestal.

Work on your humor and charm, as they go a long way. Being attractive is more than just the physical. It’s just as important to be emotionally pleasant as it is to be physically pleasant.

Creating an Attractive Lifestyle

men in a circle around a fire
Phil Coffman

As they say, “it’s a lifestyle.” The way you live is perhaps the biggest contributor in your attraction level. Your daily habits influence your health and fitness as well as how you come across to others. Most importantly, your routine and personal views affect how you interact with the world, and how you see your place in it.

For instance, you won’t see yourself as a successful visionary if you’re on the couch watching sit-com reruns all day. Well maybe you can, but that’s called “delusion.”

Creating an attractive lifestyle comes from a few things.

Making and Maintaining Friendships

four men sitting overlooking a view
Matheus Ferrero

No man is an island. We all need to rely on friends from time to time. Way too often we allow ourselves to stay in our own bubble and create distance from most of the world. This prevents us from making new connections and lets old friendships disappear.

Attractive men have strong networks of friends. They make friends wherever they go and put in the effort to stay in touch. Your attractiveness gets by with a little help from your friends.

A solid support group gets you out of the house and aids in an active, exciting lifestyle. This signals to others that your time is precious and in demand.

You Own Your Responsibilities

entrepreneur wearing a casual suit
Rawpixel
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An attractive lifestyle comes with responsibilities. Own these commitments and take care of your personal business. This means making career moves, dealing with issues before they fester and grow, and being decisive.
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Being successful is attractive. Success doesn’t mean making money; it means making progress in whatever you excel at. With that, others will see that you are trustworthy and in control of your own world.

Most people find life to be largely out of their control. More or less, it’s chaos for them. By showing the opposite, others will naturally want to gravitate toward you.

Having Fun

man jumping off waterfall
Jakob Owens

We all take life too seriously sometimes. A great lifestyle is balanced, and fun is an important balancing factor. People always think that attractive people have more fun because they’re attractive. In reality, they are more attractive because they are having fun with life.

Focus on the things you love. Give them attention and cultivate those hobbies. People want to be around others with a positive outlook.

These eleven tips will no doubt help elevate your quality of life and thereby make you more attractive. Understand: it’s a process, so don’t be too hard on yourself. How can others see how great you are if you don’t see it in yourself first?

Go out and try these tips for yourself. Tell us if you found these helpful. Are there any you would add?

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