She Strengthens

The High Cost of Beauty: A Wake-Up Call

As someone who’s not swimming in wealth, I was shocked to discover that I’d been throwing away a small fortune on beauty treatments. It took a pandemic-induced pause in my spending habits to realize just how much I’d been wasting.

The Faux-Hair Conundrum

For the past few years, I’ve been a fan of wearing wigs as a form of protective styling and a way to express myself. Protective styles, like those worn by Ariana Grande, are designed to shield your real hair from damage caused by coloring, heat, and constant manipulation. While they’re popular across cultures, I didn’t start wearing them until my 20s, when I decided to go natural with my hair.

The Financial Reality Check

Before COVID-19, I was spending a staggering amount on beauty services, including regular wig installations, massages, pedicures, and facials. A single wig installation would cost around $400, with follow-up appointments running $120-$180 each. Add to that the cost of buying a new wig every 3-4 months, and my annual beauty budget was a whopping $4,980-$5,200.

The Pandemic’s Impact

When the pandemic hit, the beauty industry came to a standstill. The wig and weave industry, in particular, was affected by supply chain disruptions and a “lace shortage” in Switzerland and North Korea. As a result, prices skyrocketed, and I was quoted $400 for a new wig – a significant increase from the usual $220.

Rethinking Self-Care

The pandemic forced me to reevaluate my spending habits and redefine what self-care means to me. I realized that I’d been using the concept of self-care as an excuse to indulge in mindless spending. While it’s essential to prioritize our well-being, we should do so responsibly and within our means.

A New Approach

Since then, I’ve taken steps to reduce my beauty expenses. I’ve learned to install my wigs myself (although it’s not my favorite task), and I’ve found cheaper alternatives. I’ve also rediscovered the joy of embracing my natural hair, despite the challenges that come with winter air.

A Lesson Learned

My experience has taught me that it’s essential to track our expenses and be mindful of our spending habits. We can’t manage what we don’t track, and we can’t miss what we don’t know is missing. While it’s okay to treat ourselves, we should do so modestly and within our means. By redefining self-care and taking control of our finances, we can make more intentional choices that align with our values and priorities.