Thuli Phongolo on Men’s Hygiene: Why Looking Good Means Smelling Good Too

by Zaghrah Anthony

South African actress and DJ Thuli Phongolo has turned heads online, but this time it’s not her outfits or DJ sets making waves, it’s her bold callout on men’s hygiene. Taking to Instagram Stories, the 31-year-old shared her frustration about men who invest in designer wardrobes yet skip the basics of personal care.

“I just don’t get it,” Phongolo wrote. “Why would someone have access to so much information, social media, Google, family, friends and still neglect hygiene or self-care?”

Designer Clothes Don’t Mask Bad Breath

Phongolo didn’t hold back. She highlighted the irony of men decked out in luxury from head to toe while battling halitosis. “Imagine being dripped in designer, but suffering from bad breath. PLEASE MAN, FOR YOURSELF,” she emphasized. Her candid approach quickly drew attention, with screenshots of her post going viral on X (formerly Twitter).

The conversation ignited a storm of reactions. Users like @Fif_laaa agreed wholeheartedly: “A lot of men suffer with personal hygiene, even our peers. The halitosis one is the most triggering 😭 go to an oral hygienist PLEASE!!!”

Similarly, @Gee__Mot added, “Maybe they’ll listen when it’s a baddie telling them 😂 All the money in the world doesn’t make up for bad manners, bad breath, poor physical/mental health and poor basic hygiene.”

A Step-by-Step Plan for Self-Care

Phongolo didn’t just rant, she offered a practical roadmap for men aiming to improve their wellbeing. Her advice includes:

  • Establishing a proper hygiene routine

  • Consulting doctors when necessary

  • Exercising and eating healthily

  • Paying attention to mental health

She also made it clear that wealth is not an excuse for neglecting self-care. “The big bellies aren’t healthy. It’s not a look, it’s a health concern,” she wrote, urging men to stay neat, presentable, and responsible for their health.

Social Media Reacts: Women Approve

Phongolo framed her message as a plea on behalf of women: “Gentlemen, please, most of you are slacking. The ladies sent me to tell you that we are suffering and you speak so close to our faces.”

The online community quickly chimed in, blending humor with serious agreement. Many praised Phongolo for sparking a conversation that’s often ignored, highlighting the importance of hygiene as a key component of confidence, relationships, and health.

In South Africa, where fashion and self-expression are celebrated, Phongolo’s comments underscore a cultural tension: style without substance, luxury wardrobes without personal care is increasingly unacceptable. By tackling this issue publicly, she’s opening the door for men to rethink self-care and its social impact, bridging the gap between looking good and genuinely feeling good.

{Source: IOL}

Featured Image: X {@BuzzLifenews}