Top 10 things Brits avoid changing - including their haircut and clothing style

15 August 2023 , 08:42

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Brits are least likely to change their haircut - with over a third having stuck with the same style for “as long as they can remember” (Image: Yakobchuk Olena/Getty Images)

Some of the top things Brits are reluctant to change in their lives include their haircut, the style of clothes they wear – and even their oral health routine, a study has found.

Other changes they are not willing to make include the brand of smartphone they use, where they live, and what they eat for breakfast.

And nearly a quarter (23%) prefer to stick with a familiar genre of TV shows, while the same number have been hanging out with the same group of people for years.

In fact, the survey of 2,000 adults found that four in ten (41%) would describe themselves as a “creature of habit” – with 22% always ordering the same drink at the pub.

However, half of those polled wish they could be more spontaneous – and almost one in three (32%) fear missing out on new opportunities or experiences, due to their aversion to change.

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One in four (26%) say their reluctance to try new things stems from a lack of confidence – but 14% worry their attitude to change will negatively impact their health and wellbeing.

And while 61% feel like they have at times been “stuck in a rut”, 34% recognise making small changes is a great way to shake themselves out of it – with 27% even pushing themselves to try something new in order break the mould.

The study was commissioned by TePe, as part of a campaign raising awareness about the importance of good oral health.

The oral care brand has teamed up with behavioural psychologist, Jo Hemmings, to highlight how small changes to daily habits can improve health and wellbeing.

She said: “People are reluctant to change for a number of reasons – including fear of the unknown or a loss of control, attachment to familiar habits, previous negative experiences, or confirmation bias, where they are simply resistant to change.

“Or, they may be risk-averse people by nature. However, embracing change gives us opportunities to become more adaptable and resilient, to achieve personal growth and development, and prevent us getting stuck in unhealthy habits.

“It also can act as a preventative measure for health issues that may occur further down the line.

“Taking on new experiences can improve our perspective on life, help us be more empathetic, and keep us motivated. When we open our minds, and are at least willing to consider small changes, the net effect can be an overall improved level of wellbeing.”

The study also identified a lack of awareness when it comes to oral health and possible implications of not looking after it.

Top 10 things Brits avoid changing - including their haircut and clothing style

And three-quarters fail to floss regularly, with over two-thirds not cleaning in between their teeth on a daily basis (Voyagerix/Getty Images)

While 80% feel their oral health routine is effective, 75% fail to floss, and two-thirds (67%) of those polled don’t clean between their teeth daily.

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Over time, plaque build-up between the teeth can lead to cavities, gum disease, and possibly even tooth loss, which can also have negative consequences for general health and wellbeing – with studies linking poor dental hygiene to conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.

Amanda Sheehan, dental therapist for TePe, said: “It is understandable that many people are apprehensive about changing their daily habits – including their oral care routine.

“However, oral health is intrinsically linked to our overall wellbeing, and it is clear from the survey findings that greater education about how to look after our teeth and gums is needed.

“It is not enough for adults to simply clean their teeth with a traditional toothbrush. This, in fact, only cleans up to 60% of the tooth’s surface, leaving behind a perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria to develop between the teeth.

“Because most dental disease starts between the teeth where food and plaque accumulate, along with regular dental appointments and brushing teeth twice a day, it’s important to clean between the teeth daily, using floss or interdental brushes.

“In turn, incorporating interdental cleaning as part of your routine will surely then become a “habit” that becomes hard to break.”

TOP 10 THINGS BRITS AVOID CHANGING: