Parenting
Just because you’re a mother and choose to change your hairstyle doesn’t mean you automatically have a “mom” haircut. It’s an outdated stereotype that women abandon their sense of style and self-care once they enter motherhood. Sure, many mothers adjust their priorities—sometimes out of necessity (because let’s be real, sleep can take precedence over hairstyling) or by choice. Regardless, it’s not anyone’s business to label a mom’s low-maintenance haircut as a “mom” cut.
Seriously, just don’t go there.
Contributor Lisa Thompson recently shared her experience of getting what she called a “mom” haircut, expressing that as a mother of two young kids, she barely has time to fuss with her hair. “I desperately need a versatile, low-maintenance haircut,” she wrote, “but I’m not ready to fully embrace the soccer mom look.” Her tone seemed almost apologetic, as if she needed validation for her choice that she claims isn’t really a “mom” haircut. She wants to feel stylish and fun while also needing something practical for school drop-offs—yet fears that having long hair might make her seem like she’s trying too hard to hold onto her youth.
Um, what?
We can’t really fault Lisa for thinking this way; society has conditioned many women to believe that motherhood means looking frumpy and letting go of their youthful allure. We are MOMS, after all, right? Supposedly stripped of all attractiveness and solely focused on practicality, function, and minivans.
Or maybe not.
The haircut Lisa ended up with is completely chic and far from what pop culture deems a “mom” hairstyle. You know the one: the boxy, harsh, highlighted cut poked fun at in various comedic sketches. This style is supposedly designed for our busy lives and conveys a lack of care for looking feminine or attractive anymore.
But who says that shorter, easy-to-manage hair can’t be hot? Or that such styles belong only to mothers? I know many women without kids who simply opted for shorter cuts at a certain age for reasons completely unrelated to motherhood.
Some women realize that long hair no longer suits them as they age. Maybe their hair has thinned, and a shorter style appears fuller. Perhaps they enjoy changing their hair color, and shorter hair makes that easier. Or maybe they just genuinely prefer short hair.
Whatever the reason, no one tells them they’ve “given up” on looking good. It seems only moms (and Jennifer Aniston) face scrutiny over their hairstyle choices. Because, you know, we don’t have enough to juggle already, right?
If a mom chooses a short haircut, it should simply be described as that—just a short haircut. If she opts for longer hair, she’s a mom with long hair. No one should feel pressured to conform to a specific appearance because of the fact that they’ve given birth. Moms can be attractive. Moms can sport elaborate hairstyles. Just because we have kids doesn’t mean we need to change our appearance if we don’t want to.
Personally, I love my long hair. I’ve experimented with shorter styles over the years, including right after having my daughter, but it just didn’t feel right for me. I admit there was a time when I thought I should sacrifice my long locks because they didn’t seem very “mom-like.” Thankfully, that mindset is long gone, and I now embrace my hair however I like. My identity as a mother doesn’t dictate that.
So, the next time you jokingly tease a friend about her “mom” haircut, think twice. It’s a stereotype that really needs to fade away. If you’re interested in learning more about pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on fertility. For more about your options, consider looking at this guide to at-home insemination kits.
Summary
The article discusses the stereotype of the “mom” haircut, emphasizing that a mother’s hairstyle does not define her style or femininity. It highlights the importance of individual choice and the societal pressures women face regarding their appearance after motherhood. Ultimately, it advocates for freedom in personal style, regardless of parenting status.