What follows are some easy tips on how to relatively transform yourself at relatively little cost, except step 1, no matter how average or below average looking you are:
1. If you have noticeably bad looking teeth get them fixed immediately. This one might cost you a bit, but it's worth it, as one of the first things people notice about someone is bad teeth. Bad teeth indicate you either don't care about your appearance or can't afford or are too cheap to get your teeth fixed. Now I'm not saying you have to have a Hollywood smile which costs a fortune, but at least you shouldn't have fang teeth, crooked teeth and gaps. If you don't fix your teeth, most of my other points won't help.
2. Get in at least average shape. If you're noticeably overweight, go on some kind of diet and gradually lose the weight, jog and work out with free weights at home 3 times a week. You don't need to look muscular or anything but you should at least look relatively toned. The end object should be that at least someone won't look at you and notice that you look out of shape. It's not important that someone looks at you and is turned on by your body but that they're not turned off by it. I would not try to lose a lot of weight at once as the skin on your face might sag, but do it gradually.
3. Get your hair styled and if you're happy with it, always use the same hair stylist. Always tip your stylist well and listen to them. This will not make or break your bank as believe it or not, places like Supercuts have some excellent stylists and the cost of a cut without extras is under $15. I would bring with you the first time either a previous picture of yourself which you liked your hair or a magazine photo of a style you like and ask the stylist to cut your hair that way unless the stylist doesn't think it would work on you now. I would rely on what the stylist says. Tell them that they shouldn't cut your hair too short, if anything leave it too long. Look at both the front and the back when they're done and if something doesn't look right, tell them so they can still fix it. Don't judge your hair on how it looks till about the 5th day after it was cut. If you like it, get someone to take close up pictures of the front and back. Next time you get your hair cut again, bring the pictures in and only get your hair cut by the same person. After about 5 visits, your stylist will know how you like your hair cut and it won't be necessary to bring them in again.
4. If you don't already have them, get yourself a couple of pairs of decent looking shoes and always have them looking shined. You'd be surprised at how many women notice a man's shoes first before their clothes.
5. Always have your clothes neatly pressed and cleaned and make sure they are tailored to your body which most department stores will do at little cost when you buy your clothes. Make sure you are measured for the right size shirt, pants and jacket. If you can afford it, I would recommend owning at least 2 nice suits and some sports jackets from a designer label. If you can't, try to at least own decent looking clothes that you can get from a department store that specializes in clothes like say a Macy's as opposed to a place like Marshall's. There usually are decent sales at Macy's. You can always use the internet to shop for clothes online. Also buy some decent looking ties as there is nothing worse then wearing a cheap tie with a good suit.
6. Unless you have a mustache or beard always shave in the morning and shave before you go on a date.
7. Take a shower, at least once a day.
8. Brush your teeth and floss at least once a day and before you go on a date.
9. When going on a date for the first time, I would try to wear your best suit and tie or sports jacket and tie, if you want to give her the look that says you are a successful person with a good job and career even if it's not true, unless that will not impress her at all. You want to come from a position of power. Who knows, if she gives you a chance, the fact that your not upwardly mobile might not bother her! The important thing is, don't lie about yourself either.
10. If you are losing your hair, I would try treating it or going to Hair Club For Men and getting a Hair Piece. I did and I was quite happy with mine and no one was even aware it was a hair piece! Don't be afraid or embarrassed about people at work or in your daily life seeing you in your new hair. Within about 2 weeks they'll be use to it and won't notice it any more. I'd even tell them that you got a hair piece right away which would help mitigate any anxiety you might have.
I should add, if nature truly gave you an obviously bad prominent feature such as a large hooked nose, I would get plastic surgery on it if you can afford it no matter what nonsense a family member might say. Don't think of it as something that shows character because you're only deluding yourself. I'm not advocating getting plastic surgery unless you have a truly bad prominent feature that other people notice. The most important thing to remember is, the more confident and less insecure you are with yourself, the more attractive others see you.
By P. Hershon