It’s time to put an end to the notion that having children means sacrificing your sense of style. The stereotype that mothers lose their fashion sense and stop caring about their looks is not only outdated but also unfair. Sure, some women may shift their priorities after becoming moms, whether by necessity or choice, but that doesn’t mean their hairstyles should be labeled as “mom” cuts simply because they’re practical.
Contributor Jane Adams recently shared her journey to find a “mom” haircut, emphasizing her need for something versatile and low-maintenance as the mother of two young kids. “I needed a haircut that could easily transition from playdates to drop-offs, but I certainly didn’t want to veer into the dreaded soccer mom territory.” Her tone reveals a sense of guilt, as if she must justify her choice for a hairstyle that doesn’t conform to society’s narrow definitions.
This expectation that once women become mothers, they should adopt a dull, matronly look is ridiculous. After all, why can’t a short and manageable hairstyle be chic? Jane ended up choosing a cute cut that defies the cliched “mom” style often portrayed in pop culture, like that infamous look skewered in comedic sketches.
Why do we label shorter, low-maintenance hairstyles as exclusively “mom” cuts? Many women—moms or not—decide to go short for a variety of reasons, such as ease of maintenance or simply personal preference. No one ever tells non-moms that they’ve “given up” on looking attractive based on their hairstyle choices. It seems only mothers and certain celebrities face scrutiny over their hair.
If a mom opts for a short haircut, it’s just that—a short haircut. And if she keeps her hair long? She’s a mom with long hair. There’s no need for any of us to feel pressured to conform to societal expectations about how we should look just because we have children. Moms can be glamorous, adventurous, and yes, even sporting hairstyles that require lots of styling time. Motherhood doesn’t mean we have to change our appearance if we don’t want to.
Personally, I love my long hair. I’ve tried shorter styles in the past—one being shortly after I had my child—but it just wasn’t for me. There was a time I felt I had to conform to the idea that long hair was not “mom-like,” but that notion has long since vanished. I now embrace my hair however I like, regardless of my status as a mother.
So, the next time you jokingly tease a friend about her “mom” haircut, maybe think twice. It’s a tired stereotype that we can all do without.
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In summary, a haircut should never define a mother. Whether short or long, moms can choose their styles based on what makes them feel good, not what society expects.