Adjusting our behavior in the workplace—like how we ask for a promotion or the way we walk—won’t change the reality of sexism. Rather, it’s the systemic issues that need addressing. Now, when it comes to grooming, the conversation shifts. Choosing to cut back on time spent with a straightener or a bottle of texturizing spray is fundamentally different from altering how we navigate professional environments. Our time and money are interchangeable; that half-hour spent perfecting your makeup could be devoted to something far more enriching. And that $139 facial brush? Well, let’s just say it could fund a night out or a new book instead. My piece essentially challenges us to consider what might happen if women devoted less time to grooming and more time to living life fully.
Moore argues that men also squander time and money on things like sports, cars, and yes, even adult entertainment, yet still find success in their careers. While that’s true—it’s still rooted in sexism. But let’s be clear: grooming isn’t just a frivolous hobby like watching sports. It’s often an unavoidable reaction to societal pressures to maintain a certain feminine image. There’s an undeniable double standard at play; “professional appearance” looks one way for men and another, often pricier and more time-consuming way for women.
Now, Moore suggests that my article falls into the trap of questioning why women can’t rebel effectively enough to change the status quo. But grooming is a scenario where rebellion is not just welcome; it’s necessary. Historically, rejecting rigid grooming standards has been a hallmark of feminist movements—from the suffragettes sporting bloomers to flapper Irene Castle rocking her bobbed hair. Even Hillary Clinton chose pantsuits to defy traditional expectations. “Rebelling correctly,” it turns out, is a powerful catalyst for cultural change.
Before wrapping this up, I want to acknowledge some of Moore’s valid points: Not every woman feels the burden of a complex grooming routine; many have figured out an efficient, no-fuss style that works for them. Sure, plenty of women enjoy beautifying themselves (guilty as charged! A great lipstick can be a total mood booster). And yes, men also invest time in their appearances—marketers will seize upon vanity and insecurity wherever they can, after all.
No one’s suggesting we forgo grooming altogether; I’m not advocating for all of us to step out looking like a wild animal. However, we must recognize the significant disparity between “masculine” and “feminine” grooming expectations, which consumes a lot of our resources—both time and money. It’s crucial to differentiate when our natural desire to enhance our appearance morphs into a cultural expectation that favors one group over another.
This article was originally published on Oct. 29, 2014.
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In conclusion, it’s important to continue questioning and challenging the norms that dictate our grooming choices, while also recognizing the broader societal implications of those choices.