Recently, I shared a snapshot of my feet in a trendy pair of sandals from a well-known retailer. These chic gladiator-style shoes, featuring an ankle strap, marked my first foray into non-sport footwear since giving birth. And by “since giving birth,” I mean I am a full year into my second journey of motherhood. (Is that even considered postpartum anymore? It feels like just yesterday I was cradling a newborn.)
These sandals are not only stylish but also affordable and comfortable, making them a perfect addition to my mom wardrobe. Naturally, I was eager to pop them onto my social media feed for my handful of followers to see.
Moments after posting, my best friend sent me a text: “YOU NEED A PEDICURE NOW!” Upon a closer look at the image, I realized she was spot on. My right toenail resembled a witch’s claw, while the left looked like it was ready to cause some serious damage with its jagged edge. In a world filled with meticulously manicured nails and endless hashtags, my unpolished look simply didn’t fit. I couldn’t remember the last time I spent a peaceful hour in a nail salon, which got me pondering how my beauty routines have shifted since welcoming two little ones into my life.
Hairstyling Changes
Do you remember the days when regular haircuts and highlights were a norm? There was indeed a period in my adult life where I adhered to the “every six weeks” haircut philosophy. Thinking back on that now makes me chuckle.
After my first child, it took me months to confront the dilemma of my visible roots. I even found someone in a local mom’s Facebook group to come to my home for highlights, allowing me to nurse my persistent 10-week-old on-demand. This resulted in chaos, as my baby cried nonstop, the stylist ended up with bleach on her pants, and my hair turned out a shocking white instead of blonde. It was a disaster that necessitated a costly corrective procedure later on, as finding a reliable babysitter took time.
When my second child arrived, I was already two years into the joy of the ombre trend—easy, low-maintenance, and ideal for my new budget constraints. Is ombre still in style? I’m not overly concerned. If it works, why change it?
However, three months after my son’s birth, I began to lose large clumps of hair, leaving me with bald patches at my temples. It was a wake-up call that forced me to cut my hair shorter than ever and update my ombre. Although I felt a little better afterward, the prospect of a second round in the salon didn’t excite me. These days, I’m more of a twice-a-year salon visitor. Surprisingly, my natural hair routine has left my tresses healthier and my wallet fuller.
Waxing and Grooming Habits
Prior to becoming a mother, I was diligent about monthly waxing sessions. After my daughter was born, those visits became sporadic. I’ve since accepted that I’m not destined to join the ranks of hairless cats. That at-home laser hair removal device? It’s been used once. Who has the time to endure that?
I’d much rather invest my rare quiet moments in activities I enjoy rather than in hot wax procedures. And don’t worry, I won’t be sharing any bikini photos anytime soon.
Nail Care and Maintenance
As previously mentioned, I simply don’t have the time for manicures. While I admire the elaborate nail designs of others, I know they wouldn’t last five minutes in my chaotic world. Long nails and toddlers’ clothing are a recipe for disaster.
For now, I’ll stick to short, unpolished nails that appear healthy enough without the need for toxic nail polish. At least that’s the mantra I tell myself when my best friend arrives with her freshly painted spring pedicure, making me long for that 45 minutes of pampering. Okay, maybe I do care a little.
Embracing Makeup
My love for makeup remains unchanged. It’s the magic that helped me look somewhat presentable for family photos taken just weeks after my son’s birth. While my daily routine has shifted to mascara and tinted lip balm, I still cherish how makeup can elevate my mood and confidence. Yet, I’ve grown comfortable leaving the house without it, which is a significant personal milestone. My children have gifted me the realization that I’m not as vain as I used to be, and it has made me significantly happier.
Motherhood has dramatically impacted my beauty expenditures, grooming practices, and the energy I devote to my appearance. However, I still enjoy making an effort to look nice. I hope that my spontaneous red lipstick days show my children that wanting to feel beautiful is valid, and that it’s perfectly fine to embrace a more natural look. When beauty routines detract from the things that truly matter, they’re not worth the time.
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In summary, motherhood has transformed my beauty standards, shifting my focus from self-care to the joys of parenting. While I may have reduced my grooming habits, I still cherish moments spent feeling beautiful, teaching my children that self-expression and confidence are essential, even if it means skipping the salon.
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