Covid-19 and Beauty Supplies

Covid-19 and Beauty Supplies

Before you get your knickers in a twist (I've always loved that expression and waited this long to put it in my blog) please read this entire post.  Then you can argue the point and we'll enjoy a lively back and forth.

Essential supplies

During this pandemic, essential businesses remain open: supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants for takeout, etc. For several reasons, I think beauty supply stores should be included on the list.

There're the practical reasons: it is where I bought the generous supply of gloves - latex and otherwise - that I have because I color my own hair.  In early March, I returned to my local beauty supply store and bought another box for myself and one for my parents. Now my Mom and Dad, in the suburbs and in their 80's, can protect their hands when they go to the grocery store.

Then there's the just as important mental side.  Most women feel better when they look good.  With hairdressers and nail salons closed indefinitely, we've got to take care of ourselves, and we cannot do it without products!

My 22-year-old daughter is coming over tomorrow because she needs some highlights in her beautiful curly hair.  This is a wonderful bonding exercise we engage in a few times per year.  Hair color is toxic.  One must wear gloves - and now a mask - to color hair.  With appropriate precautions,  there is zero chance that we will be exposed to each other's droplets.

 If men can buy items for their cars...

Finally, there is the feminist perspective, and I know this is the part where I'm likely to ruffle some feathers.

Stores that traditionally and still predominantly cater to men - gas stations, auto supply stores, liquor stores - are deemed essential and are open.  Why should Autozone be doing business when Dolly's Hair Essentials cannot?  In New York State, the sale of alcoholic beverages is considered essential. Why should alcoholics be permitted to self-medicate when all I want to do is make myself pretty?

Growing up, I always thought I would let my hair go gray.  I thought with good hair and good skin, a mature woman could look sexy.  Then I worked in television where gray hair on women is against the law.  I got used to coloring my hair and now I cannot stop.

Beauty is power and as everyone knows it takes a bit of effort and a lot of L'Oreal to put your best face forward. Zoom meetings have become an important part of working from home, but I wouldn't dream of doing one without the same effort I employed before leaving the house in the pre-COVID days.  Yesterday, I colored my hair and though I cursed the process and avoided it for days, today I feel like I can conquer the world.

Call me shallow.  I can take it.  My hair looks great! 

Who knows how long this misery is going to continue?  People don't congregate in a beauty supply store the way they do in a barbershop.  We go in, pick up products and leave.  I want to keep these stores in business.  I want to get personal advice on what strength developer would work best with the dye for my hair...and I want to look gorgeous.

Don't you want me to?

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Keep calm and carry on...Lori Bores