Have you thought about how much money you spend to look good each month? Many women ask themselves this question. Spending on beauty and self-care can feel important. But is it worth it if it strains your wallet?
Maintenance spending means all the little and big things we do to take care of how we look. This includes getting our nails done, wearing makeup, buying skincare, going to the gym, or even applying lash extensions. Many women in the UK spend hundreds of pounds a month on beauty.
For example, a wig can cost £120 or more, and acrylic nails might cost up to £120 per session. Add lash extensions, skincare, and eyebrow grooming, and the costs start piling up. Some women choose more affordable options, like braids or at-home treatments. That can help save money.
Why Do Women Spend on Maintenance?
Women spend on beauty for many reasons. First, it can help boost confidence. When women feel good about how they look, it can make them happier. For example, dressing up for an interview or a date can help you feel ready.
Social media and society also play a big role. We see polished looks online. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram show trends like “soft life” or #ThatGirl, which focus on looking perfect and stylish. These trends make women feel they have to keep up to be accepted.
There’s also pressure from others. Sometimes beauty routines feel less like a choice and more like a rule. Women may think they need to look their best for work, social events, or dating.
The Cost of Keeping Up
Beauty routines don’t come cheap. Many women in the UK spend £300-£400 every month on maintenance. For some, this includes multiple treatments like nails, hair, lashes, and waxing. The money adds up fast.
Luxury beauty trends make things even more expensive. A long, shiny wig can cost over £400. Special facials or microblading can cost even more. These things used to be extra treats. But now, they feel like everyday essentials.
The problem is, spending so much can leave little for other things. Some women struggle to save money or even pay bills after spending on beauty.
How Social Media Adds Pressure
Social media makes beauty spending feel unavoidable. Influencers show perfect hair, glowing skin, and flawless nails. The message is clear. To look “effortless,” you need to spend money.
Take the TikTok hashtag #BlackGirlLuxury, for example. It has nearly a million posts. These posts show luxury outfits, dream vacations, and expensive beauty routines. It all looks glamorous. But it also creates pressure.
Young women might feel they need to spend more to look like their favourite influencers. This can lead to unnecessary spending and even stress.
Can You Avoid Overspending?
The good news is, you can spend smarter on beauty. Start by looking at where your money goes. Write down all your beauty expenses for a month. Then ask yourself, “Do I really need all of this?” If the answer is no, reduce some of those costs.
Think about DIY options too. Many women save money by doing treatments themselves. For example, you can make sugar wax at home instead of paying for salon waxing. You can also switch to cheaper beauty products that still work well.
Another tip is to skip trends that don’t suit your budget. Not every beauty trend is right for you. Focus on what makes you feel good within your means.
Finding Balance
There’s nothing wrong with spending on beauty. It’s a form of self-care that can make you feel good. But it’s important to budget wisely. Spending too much on beauty can hurt your finances.
To find a balance, ask yourself some simple questions:
- “Am I spending money on this because I want to, or because I feel I have to?”
- “Can I afford this, or should I save the money for something else I need?”
- “Does this routine make me truly happy?”
Creating a budget for beauty can make a big difference. Decide how much you can spend each month. Stick to it. Use the extra money for something that helps your future, like savings or investing.
Final Thoughts
The question, “Do we ladies spend too much money on maintenance?” depends on each person. For some, it’s worth every penny. For others, it causes financial stress. The key is to know what works best for your life.
Remember, beauty is about confidence. It’s not just about your nails, hair, or lashes. True beauty includes feeling good about yourself and having a stable future. After all, a soft life also means having financial stability. Make choices that build both your confidence and your bank account.
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