The pressure to maintain certain beauty standards often leads individuals to spend significant amounts of money and time on appearance maintenance, with Black women experiencing particular financial strain. However, an increasing number of people are finding freedom by rejecting these rigid routines in favor of embracing their natural appearances or alternative styles that challenge traditional norms. This shift is not only about individual liberation but also fosters a sense of community and support among those who share similar experiences, such as the Candid Conversations platform founded by Nifemi Kesinro. It offers space for women to candidly discuss their beauty journeys, challenging societal perceptions and consumer culture’s influence on beauty standards. While embracing natural hair or alternative styles may come with its own set of challenges—like navigating workplace expectations—the movement towards diversifying the definition of beauty is about finding confidence from within rather than conforming to external pressures.
‘People think that looking better means you will have a better life’: why gen Z spends so much on beauty – The Guardian
