Hair Makeovers- why did the women allow themselves to be so plain looking BEFORE? (cut, haircut)

[goodtype]

I always enjoy the before and after makeovers I see on TV and in fashion magazines. But I have a question: how and why did the women allow themselves to be so unfashionable before their makeover? Is it a problem with the training of our Hairstylists? (who do not recommend updates) Are people so out of touch with how they look to others? Do we see ourselves as we looked 20 years ago? What is it?

Regardless, many American men and women need a serious beauty makeover.

[MeSoBe]

Watching one of the makeover shows, I heard a stylist say it best, "Your hair is an accessory not a permanent fixture."

But many women don't view it that way, sadly. Their look grows dated and their style takes a hit, sometimes several hits. Some get complacent, some are scared to try new things, some hide behind their hair and some women use it as a crutch. I'm sure you've seen the women on various shows who have a poor self image. They feel they're too fat, too short, too this, too that. You can entice them out of their old clothes but take a few inches off their hair and it's as though you just stamped reject on their foreheads.

I've never seen a haircut you couldn't grow out.

I also think some women believe their options will be taken from them or they won't have time to maintain some snazzy hair style. But the key is to get a hair cut that suits your lifestyle and imparts a sense of style thereby boosting your self image.

Your haircut can make you look younger, thinner, sexier or more sophisticated. It can also help you feel that way.

Hope that answers your question.

[hollygolightly]

My man doesn't need a makeover! I might , but I like him just the way he is, jeans, flannels, and shaves when he wants to. I just don't dig metrosexuals, IMHO.

[MB2]

It's weird.......some people just "let themselves go", and never had anything to let go off in the first place.
Some people were never raised that way, to make themselves up, style etc.
Others used to look good, kept themselves up....got into a situation like illness, marriage, children...etc., they just stopped caring on WHAT they looked like.
Others know that they HAVE potential to look better, but have settled into a plain, basic lifestyle of very much "subdued", and are to afraid of testing the waters, making a change.
Yes.....I agree....some people COULD look so much better.....but I think they need to be shown HOW!
I you are comfortable on the outside...you will feel brilliant on the inside!
I wouldn't really say that humans are very vain....but we sure are very visual!

[Ohiogirl81]

I'd be willing to bet that many women have higher priorities which trump looking glamorous, fussing with hair and makeup, folloiwng the latest fashions, etc.

And, in those makeovers, the "before" pictures always show mussed hair and a frown. Doubtful that the women really look like that on a day-to-day basis. It's done just to make the "after" picture seem more dramatic, therefore manipulating the audience.

I try not to judge someone on their haircut or their clothing. Because I sure as hell don't want anyone to judge me that way.

[easternerDC]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81

I'd be willing to bet that many women have higher priorities which trump looking glamorous, fussing with hair and makeup, folloiwng the latest fashions, etc.

And, in those makeovers, the "before" pictures always show mussed hair and a frown. Doubtful that the women really look like that on a day-to-day basis. It's done just to make the "after" picture seem more dramatic, therefore manipulating the audience.

I try not to judge someone on their haircut or their clothing. Because I sure as hell don't want anyone to judge me that way.

So true. For the magazine shoots, they are basically told to come in for the before picture without doing their hair or makeup.

[country pride]

I dont think its a matter of 'allowing to be plain looking' in some cases. There are women who work in fields where fancy hairstyles or hours spend on 'glorifying' the hair isnt an option. I wouldnt worry so much about mine in construction. Its just gonna get messed up anyway, so a simple pony-tail worked just fine.
And keep in mind there are a lot of 'fashion freaks' who think that taking long beautiful hair and chopping it all the way up to the shoulders is an improvement? Maybe for some, but not for me. I dont care what fashion says, I like my long hair and you can do a heck of a lot more than you could with shorter hair.
Personal choice.

[Twinkle Toes]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81

I'd be willing to bet that many women have higher priorities which trump looking glamorous, fussing with hair and makeup, folloiwng the latest fashions, etc.

And, in those makeovers, the "before" pictures always show mussed hair and a frown. Doubtful that the women really look like that on a day-to-day basis. It's done just to make the "after" picture seem more dramatic, therefore manipulating the audience.

I try not to judge someone on their haircut or their clothing. Because I sure as hell don't want anyone to judge me that way.

I totally agree. I just got my hair layered and was looking through several hair mags a week prior to having it layered and I thought the same thing - "that's not really what these ladies look like in real life!" Notice that to go along with the unkempt hair, they aren't wearing any makeup either. You just know these women don't sport that as their everyday look!

[songinthewind7]

I think that some women, including myself, would love a hair makeover but trying to find a good hairstylist in Central Texas is very tough.
Maybe I'm too picky but it seems they don't know anymore than I do about cutting hair.

[Mojo Riley]

While I think it's true that *most* Americans could afford to spend a bit more time making themselves presentable, there are a number of factors involved that don't necessarily have anything to do with being lazy or naturally unstylish.

Many people are living on the edge financially (whether they advertise that fact or not) and simply cannot afford to spend money on pricey clothes or haircuts from fancy salons or makeup.

Other people might have vastly different priorities than yourself, in that they would prefer to spend time on hobbies, family, or volunteer engagements than on what they may perceive as a useless, vain endeavor.

Many people struggle with depression and anxiety problems, or issues with low self-esteem that hamper them. When simply getting through daily life without pain is a struggle, getting gussied up is simply not on their radar.

For most others, I suspect there is that most precious of commoditites- *time*- that Americans are sorely lacking for in our modern lives. We work *many* more hours than any other industrialized nation- yes, including Japan, and that means there is less time to spend on other pursuits. We're spread thin, and being pulled in a number of directions at once, and something has to give. For a lot of people, what *gives* is devoting time to primp oneself, or spend time gazing into mirrors. I have heard the comparisons to European women over and over again (and am in the process of gaining citizenship to an EU nation myself in order to improve my quality of life), and quite frankly, I think it's a bit unfair. They work quite a bit less than us on average, and therefore have significantly more time to devote to other things- among them, thinking about their personal style.

I say this as one who always tries to pull herself together before leaving the house, and have my mother's old fashioned views regarding "appropriate attire" and for myself I see time invested in looking presentable as a symbol of self-respect and respect for others. But I don't judge others with less time, fewer resources, or different priorities than myself.