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I& #39;m approaching 23 and I am beginning to see more and more signs of early ageing (is there such a thing?) Fine lines, more grey hairs (got my first at 18). Why am I bringing this up...?
23 is not old. If we discount the awkward phases in my life, I& #39;m still probably -5yo. But society has conditioned me to cover all of it with dye and makeup.
To be honest, I can& #39;t be asked anymore. These things are expensive and time-consuming, not to mention toxic.
To be honest, I can& #39;t be asked anymore. These things are expensive and time-consuming, not to mention toxic.
I look at my mum, who even during lockdown feels an obligation to dye her hair. Since she can& #39;t go to a stylist anymore, she has been doing it at home. She was very proud to tell me she has saved so much money. She also told me she has another box I can use.
And saying I want to keep my natural colour shocked her.
& #39;Don& #39;t you want to look put together?& #39;
At first, this was a bit hurtful. Did she not think I look good enough? But then I realised she has succumbed to the pressure when she was my age and has forgotten the alternative.
& #39;Don& #39;t you want to look put together?& #39;
At first, this was a bit hurtful. Did she not think I look good enough? But then I realised she has succumbed to the pressure when she was my age and has forgotten the alternative.
I used to dye my hair red in university. I once asked my boyfriend to help me get the bits on the back of my head. Despite the open window, we both almost suffocated from the fumes.
My mum is a cancer survivor. The chemicals in these dyes put her at higher risk of getting it again. And being a doctor, she fully understands the risks. Yet she would rather look & #39;nice& #39; than cut those risks out. Doesn& #39;t this sound crazy for anyone?
Now, don& #39;t get me wrong. Changing any aspect of your body because you want to is fine. It& #39;s your prerogative.
But doing it because you feel obligated, because you feel inadequate or because you feel people will think less of you if you don& #39;t... that& #39;s messed up.
But doing it because you feel obligated, because you feel inadequate or because you feel people will think less of you if you don& #39;t... that& #39;s messed up.
It doesn& #39;t help that our celebrity culture influences girls (and boys!) with this mentality from a really young age.
Besides the risks these & #39;beauty& #39; standards pose to our health, they also hurt our confidence and ability to focus on what truly matters.
Besides the risks these & #39;beauty& #39; standards pose to our health, they also hurt our confidence and ability to focus on what truly matters.
