When it comes to changing how women navigate their careers—like asking for a raise or adjusting their posture—simply tweaking behavior won’t lead to real progress. The issue isn’t how women act; it’s the pervasive sexism that affects us all.
Grooming, however, is a different story. Opting to cut back on the time spent wrestling with your hair or applying makeup isn’t akin to altering your approach in a professional setting. Time and money are interchangeable; that half-hour spent on skincare could be better utilized elsewhere, and that $139 spent on a fancy facial brush might be better invested in something genuinely enjoyable. By skipping those painful hair removal methods that involve burning or yanking, you can reclaim both time and money—a net gain, if you will! My piece essentially poses the question: What if women devoted less time to grooming and more time to simply living?
While it’s true, as my friend Alex pointed out, that men also spend their fair share of time and money on things like sports, cars, and adult entertainment—often without the same professional consequences—this is a manifestation of sexism. Grooming isn’t just a trivial pastime; it’s an almost mandatory response to societal pressures to conform to a feminine ideal. The double standard is glaring: “professional appearance” means one thing for men and a much more elaborate, costly affair for women.
Alex also argues that my article falls into the trap of suggesting women should just “rise up and rebel” in a more effective way to create change. But in the realm of grooming, rebellion is not just valid; it’s essential. The history of feminism is packed with examples of women challenging restrictive beauty norms—from suffragettes in bloomers to the iconic bobbed hair of flapper Irene Castle. Rejecting these burdensome standards is, indeed, a form of rebellion that can drive cultural transformation.
Sure, Alex makes valid points: not every woman feels the weight of an extensive grooming routine, and many have mastered a quick and easy beauty regimen. Yes, some women enjoy primping—guilty as charged! And let’s not forget that men care about their appearances too; marketers will exploit our insecurities no matter who we are.
Of course, no one is suggesting we abandon all grooming standards and head out looking like a Muppet. But we need to confront the significant disparity between “masculine” and “feminine” grooming expectations, which consumes both time and resources. We must recognize when our natural desire to present ourselves beautifully tips into a cultural issue that favors one group over another.
This article originally appeared on Oct. 29, 2014.
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Summary:
This response critiques the notion that women’s grooming is merely a frivolous activity rather than a socially imposed burden. It underscores the importance of recognizing the sexist standards that dictate grooming expectations, which often consume valuable time and resources. The piece advocates for a rebellion against these norms, drawing on historical examples of women challenging societal expectations.