By Neal Talbot, All-Star contributor
Updated: 10:16AM, September 1, 2008
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but there is still a basic level of personal hygiene and grooming one must meet to succeed in the dating world. Meeting and exceeding these expectations can dramatically improve your physical appearance.
So don't be afraid to shave, trim or tweeze. Find time to brush, wash, lotion and gel. Well-groomed men take at least a couple minutes out of each day to ensure they look their best because women notice the effort they have put in and view them as more attractive.
While a beautiful white smile, smooth skin and clipped nails are musts for every man, there are two major grooming decisions men must make on their own: facial hair and hairstyle. Each should be taken seriously because they can have a dramatic impact on how well you do in the dating world.
Spend time choosing a hairstyle. Flip through the pages of men's fashion magazines to see what's hot. What's not. Get the opinions of fashionable women you trust. Have a stylist explain what cuts best fit your bone structure, hair texture and personal style. Find the cut that suits you best.
There are many parts to a successful grooming routine. And the Attraction All-Stars guide below is going to examine each from head to toe.
Hair
Women love a man with attractive, touchable hair. They also make some judgements on his character from whatever cut he chooses. Spiky means fun and energetic. Wavy means cool and seductive. Buzz cut means rough and tumble. So make sure your hairstyle matches your personality and style.
The hottest men's hairstyles can be found in the pages of GQ, Details, Men's Health and Maxim. Tear out pages of your favorite cuts and show them to a stylist. Ask them which cuts fit your bone structure and hair texture best. Also consider getting a woman's opinion before facing the scissors.
When it comes to haircuts, you get what you pay for. A high-end stylist will get you a high-end cut. A discount stylist could land you a hairstyle headache. If you want to look your best, pick a stylist who has great references, make a reservation and get ready to look even more attractive.
Short hair
The most common and popular of all men's hairstyles. It's simple, elegant and relatively risk free. Mess it up or put a lift in the front to spice it up. The Hollywood gold standard is Matt Damon, followed closely by Jude Law. If two of Hollywood biggest leading men can pull it off, so can you. And it's one of the easiest cuts to maintain.
Cropped curls
A clean and classy look. The cropped curls or mini 'fro works because it doesn't steal attention away from any of your other features. The Hollywood gold standard is Denzel Washington, followed by Justin Timberlake. The oversized 'fro is a novelty act. It may get attention, but doesn't spark attraction. So keep it cropped.
Buzz cut
The favorite cut of basketball, football and baseball players everywhere. The buzz cut offers a rugged beauty. An intensity and aggressiveness. It's a cut that's growing in popularity - especially as a summer cut. The Hollywood gold standard is Usher, followed by Matthew Fox. The buzz cut is the easiest men's hairstyle to maintain.
Spiked hair
Perhaps the most noticeable of all men's hairstyles. Spiked hair, when done properly, is twisted into spikes - not simply stood on end. It takes time, practice and a lot of palmate/gel to master, but offers a completely unique look. Nothing looks more energetic and fun, giving off a rock star vibe. The Hollywood gold standard is rocker Mark McGrath.
Braids
One of the more daring hairstyles. Braids are eye-catching, bold and ooze confidence. It's a great hairstyle to ensure you get noticed. Once braided, the hairstyle is easy to maintain and won't fall out of place. Braids offer a unique look, but can be time-consuming and expensive to get done. Their visual impact also diminishes as more people try them. The Hollywood gold standard is Xzibit, followed closely by Busta Rhymes.
Slicked
Pulled back and professional. The slicked back hairstyle is associated with confidence, class and power. It's eye-catching and daring, but not usually a young man's hairstyle. The Hollywood gold standard is Andy Garcia, followed by Alec Baldwin.

Rubén Hidalgo / iStockphoto.com
Don't let poor personal hygiene and grooming habits disrupt your dating life.
| GROOMING TIPS |
| Not any haircut will do |
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A great hair cut can dramatically improve your appearance and how well you do in the dating world. If you pick long, straight hair when you should be sporting wavy curls like Tom Cruise, you're not doing yourself any favors. Avoid making a major hair mistake by finding an experienced stylist you trust. Use their years of experience to find the best cut. - allstardatingtips.com |
