I have decided to stop outsourcing my beauty services. I’m cutting my own hair, waxing my own eyebrows, and doing my own nails. This recent change to my beauty routine has brought me to the realization that these services are a financial privilege… and a sign of wealth.
My brain is definitely over-indoctrinated with the expectation of women getting things done (regardless of your socio-economic status) — thank you, popular culture. In high school, a day out with my friends sometimes looked like nail salons and eyebrow threading appointments. It was all so commonplace that I never gave much logical thought to the financial expenditure that these never-ending beauty services are. And no, you won’t convince me that eyelash extensions are at all a necessity.
I’m now of the camp that taking care of these things myself is way more fun and interesting, anyway. I’d rather fix my own mistakes than cry over a $65 manicure or a terrible $120 haircut. Talk about financial empowerment.
Kiara Okonkwo is a writer and creative. She received a diploma in Screenwriting from Vancouver Film School and is pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Media and Communication Studies. Kiara values self-expression and authenticity.
