Photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt.
This morning, I sent off applications to a bunch of jobs, and then gave myself a manicure.
As I was smoothing on a no-nonsense topcoat of Essie Mademoiselle (highly recommended), I thought about the cost of being a girl.
That is, the cost of being a girl according to gender expectations.
Helpfully – or rather, not at all helpfully – I have a book that breaks it down.
In Camilla Morton’s frothy pink volume on Living While Female (actual title: How to Walk in High Heels
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Brazilian: every 2-3 weeks
Underarms: wax every 2-3 weeks
Legs: every 3-4 weeks (or shave as required). Note: half leg in winter, full leg in summer
Eyebrows: treatment of your choice once a month
Facial: every 6 weeks
Pedicure/manicure: once a month
Lip hair: if necessary, wax once a month
Perhaps this seems reasonable to Ms. Morton – she works as a fashion editor, so this schedule is probably de rigeour. However, for those of us who would have to pay for such services (fashion editors, you ken, generally do not), it’s less reasonable.
For example, here are some average prices for such services, here in Toronto. I figured them out by looking at the price list for salons and spas I use personally (notably, Lily Of The Valley and Haartek). I also worked as an office manager for a year at a medical aesthetics spa, and these prices are in line with the regular industry research I did during that job. Prices estimated include tax and tip.
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Brazilian: $75
Underarms: $28
Legs: Full: $75; Lower: $45
Eyebrows: $25
Facial: $130
Manicure/Pedicure: $85
Lip: $20
When you tot it up, according to the schedule that Morton provides, this means that you’re spending about $5600 a year on spa services. And that doesn’t include product.
Minimum essentials, my ass.
Morton’s book is a fun and frothy read, but there’s no way that list is acceptable for the average woman. Canadian census data shows that in 2000, the average income for women between the ages of 25 and 44 was $30K – before tax & deductions.
Given the other data provided (stats for 1995), it seems reasonable that the 2011 average income for women in this bracket probably hovers closer to $35K.
If that’s true, $5600 represents 16% of the cash we actually get to bring home.
I think this underlines the real problem with the fashion industry. It’s not the image of beauty they portray that’s the snake in the apple tree; no, it’s the idea that being an ideal woman is something you buy. Specifically, it’s something you MUST buy. Both male and female roles are achieved with a credit card and professional help. I’m betraying my gender by sitting at home with my $9 bottle of nail polish and a non-disposable file.
Once, when I worked at the aesthetics clinic I mentioned above, I served a woman who bought a series of 10 facials using her husband’s business credit card. She had paid $1200 for them.
“It’s so important, don’t you think?” she said, examining herself in my office mirror.
“Hmm?” I said, putting her payment through.
“It’s so important to look your best. It’s what you owe people. And I look so much better, don’t I?”
“You look happy,” I said, prevaricating.
“Do you think I look better, though?” she asked.
“You’re certainly glowing,” I said.
“Oh thank you,” she said. “I knew I needed these treatments. I knew my husband needed me to get them.”
Dear reader, that exchange made me sad. No one needs us to spend $5600 a year on grooming.
No one, except the people who make fashion magazines.