Why Your Look Matters ~ Now More Than Ever!
Remember when? Hair, lipstick, coffee and out you go to start your day.
This is a pleasant but distant memory, replaced with stretch pants and minimal effort to look “good enough,” not “better than,” for those home office Zoom meetings. Yet, grooming can be a very powerful wellness tool, helping us to maintain our self-esteem, identity, effectiveness and professionalism. Now more than ever, we need every support to keep ourselves at the top of our game as we ride out the coming months. It’s time to get our sh*t together!
It’s safe to say that we all are witnessing a historic new paradigm.
The traditional workplace has been irrevocably changed by the shift in how work gets done during Covid-19. “Work from Home” is, in many ways and places, here to stay. Couture designers are issuing sweatpants and hoodies to meet the demands for the new casual wardrobe. And fashion and beauty practices have diminished in the face of this relaxed set of grooming expectations.
I believe this comes at a cost.
And what are we left with? More pounds and more grays. For so many, loss of the motivation to maintain our “look” has brought about a loss of routine, a loss of control, and a loss of self-confidence. My Zoom meetings look like a satire of “The Hollywood Squares” game show featuring the “Care” and the “Care-not’s.” No makeup, gray roots, rumpled clothing and related lack of self-esteem show in illuminated contrast to those who are still showing up in polished and professional form to communicate that we are still relevant, effective, and ready to meet the challenges of the day.
Taking care of your hair regimens can have profound influence on your mental state and degree of confidence with which you approach your day.
Emma Tarlo, professor of anthropology at the University of London and author of the book, Entanglement: The Secret Lives of Hair, explains:
“Hair frames and represents us … It is intrinsically bound up with our identities and sense of who we are. People grow into particular styles over time, and to find themselves unable to maintain these is disturbing. It eats away at our sense of self. It alerts us to the abnormality of the situation and our loss of control over our own lives.”
I have been in this business for many years and have learned from experience that taking pride in the appearance of your hair is strongly linked to identity.
This concept rang out loud and clear as I welcomed back “the first wave” of clients who rushed in, desperate for an appointment, when state restrictions lifted last May. I continue to see it from those who eventually returned to the Salon, cautious but ready to resume a ritual that is so important to their own self-image. “It’s so great to feel good about myself again” has been the mantra I’ve heard over and over. Attention to your appearance really does lift you out of the funk and keep your attitudes positive and your spirits and confidence high! As the adage goes, “When you look good, you feel good!”
With much hard work, we at K/WSalons are blessed with no Covid-19 cases to date!
It’s proven that masks, social distancing, contactless payment systems and other Covid-related safeguards, done right, are very effective in salon settings. (Read about what we do here and, if you are a patron of another salon, check their practices to make sure your visit is safeguarded.)
I want you all to know how grateful we are to see you come through our doors, enjoy your rituals, then leave with that extra spring in your step and sparkle of renewed confidence in your eyes. It brings great meaning to the work we do. Your support for our Salons and other businesses in our industry will always be essential to our ability to serve you in the future.
I also would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the many of you who have expressed how much you are enjoying HairLine. Please keep the feedback coming and share your ideas and suggestions for future topics. You bring tremendous value to our conversation.
Regards,
Kenny