Recently, I shared a snapshot of my feet in some new sandals from Target—adorable gladiator-style beauties with a wraparound ankle strap. These were my first non-athletic footwear purchase since becoming a mom for the second time. (Can we still call it postpartum a year in? Because I still feel like I just had a baby.)
These sandals are not only cute but also affordable and comfy, a total win in the motherhood arena. So, naturally, I was eager to show them off to my five followers on Instagram.
Almost immediately, I received a text from my best friend saying, “GET A PEDICURE ASAP.” After glancing at the photo, I realized she was spot on. My right toenail looked like it belonged to a witch, and my left was jagged enough to be a weapon. In a world of manicured nails and fancy hashtags, my unkempt feet felt utterly out of place. I can’t even recall the last time I enjoyed a peaceful moment in a nail salon chair. This made me reflect on how my beauty routine has evolved since I became a mother—twice over.
Haircare
Ah, remember the days of regular haircuts and highlights? Once upon a time, I adhered to the “every six weeks” rule like it was gospel. Those days seem like a distant memory now. After my first child was born, it took months before I even thought about addressing my growing roots. I hired someone from a local mom’s group to do highlights at home while I nursed my stubborn 10-week-old daughter.
The chaos that ensued was something out of a sitcom. My baby wailed throughout the process, the stylist ended up with bleach stains on her pants, and I walked away with white hair instead of blonde—think snow leopard, not sun-kissed. The aftermath prompted a pricey corrective appointment months later, as I struggled to find a babysitter I felt comfortable with.
Fast forward to baby No. 2, and I discovered the beauty of ombre hair. Low-maintenance and budget-friendly, it fit perfectly into my new mom life. Is ombre still trendy? Who knows, and frankly, I don’t care. If it works, why change it?
But then came the hair loss three months postpartum, leading to bald spots and strands that made me look like a character from Fraggle Rock. This forced me to chop my hair shorter than ever, and while I felt a sense of relief, I’ve become a twice-a-year salon visitor. Now, with minimal heat styling, my hair is healthier and so is my wallet.
Waxing
Before motherhood, I treated myself to monthly waxing sessions. Now? I’m lucky if I manage a few a year. I’ve accepted that I’m not destined to be part of the hairless cat society. That at-home laser hair removal device I splurged on? Used once. It just takes too long. I’d rather enjoy those rare quiet moments instead of enduring hot wax on areas that only my husband should see. Don’t worry, I’m not sharing close-ups of my bikini area anytime soon!
Nail Care
As previously mentioned, I just don’t have the time—or perhaps I don’t prioritize it. Sure, I’d love to sport dazzling nail art like a Kardashian, but let’s be real; they’d last five minutes in my world. With a toddler around, those charms would probably end up in a smoothie. For now, I’m rocking short, polish-less nails that look relatively healthy, and I’m okay with that.
Makeup
Makeup? Oh, how I adore it! It’s the secret weapon that keeps me looking somewhat alive in family photos, especially two weeks after my son was born. While my daily routine has simplified to mascara and tinted chapstick, I still relish the confidence that makeup brings. Interestingly, I’ve become more comfortable going makeup-free, which is perhaps the best unintended lesson my kids have taught me: I’m 50% less vain and 100% happier because of it.
Motherhood has completely transformed my beauty budget, grooming habits, and the energy I invest in my appearance. But I still enjoy getting pretty. My sporadic red lipstick days remind my children that it’s okay to embrace beauty and creativity without sacrificing what truly matters, like those precious moments together. When beauty routines start eating into time spent on what you love, it’s time to rethink priorities.
In the end, I’ve learned that it’s perfectly fine to skip the salon and let those roots show. It’s all about balance and finding joy in the journey.
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