Looking good: how much time do you spend each week on personal grooming?

People average four hours a week on personal grooming says a survey of 22 countries and 27,000 respondents. GfK undertook a study of personal grooming in 2015. Personal grooming accounts for bathing, shaving, dressing, and doing hair and make-up (Finchannel.com, February 1, 2016).

The results showed that women spend an average of almost five hours per week on personal grooming, whereas men spend just over three hours per week.

The top three reasons for personal grooming for females included: (1) to feel good about themselves – 67%, (2) to make a good impression on people they meet for the first time – 44%, and (3) to set a good example for their children – 40%. (Multiple answers were provided.)

The top three reasons for males were similar: (1) to feel good about themselves – 52%, (2) to make a good impression on people – 44%, and (3) to set a good example for their children – 40%.

The 4th and 5th reasons were different for females and males. Females said: (4) to express individuality – 40%, and (5) to feel in control – 40%. Males said: (4) to please their spouse or partner – 37%, and (5)  to make a good impression on the opposite sex – 36%.

There was no age difference for the number one reason for personal grooming – to feel good about themselves. Age differences were noted in subsequent responses.

Under 30s spent time on personal grooming to make a good impression on people they met for the first time and for the opposite sex. Over 30s spent more time on grooming to set a good example for their children. Over 50s spent more time on grooming to please their spouse or partner.

MARTINA NICOLLS is the author of:- The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).