Just because you’re a mother and you decide to get a haircut doesn’t automatically mean you have a “mom” haircut. The stereotype that women abandon their sense of style and stop caring about their appearance after having children is both outdated and unfair. Sure, some moms may shift their focus—whether out of necessity (because let’s face it, extra sleep often takes precedence over hairstyling) or simply by choice. However, it’s not anyone’s place to label a mother’s practical hairstyle as a “mom” haircut.
Seriously, let’s leave that stereotype behind.
Writer Jessica Hart recently shared her experience of choosing a “mom” haircut, expressing that as a mother of two young kids, she craves a style that’s both versatile and low-maintenance. “I need a haircut that fits my busy life, but I refuse to slide into that soccer mom stereotype,” she remarked. Her tone seemed almost defensive—as though she felt compelled to justify her choice of hairstyle. While she wants to feel stylish and fun, it also needs to be practical enough for quick school drop-offs, without appearing as if she’s clinging to her youth.
What is that about?
We can’t fully blame Hart for this mindset. Society has conditioned women to believe that once they become mothers, they must adopt a matronly appearance, forsaking any desire to look attractive. After all, we are MOMS, right? Supposedly devoid of allure, focused solely on practicality and minivans.
But that’s not the case.
The haircut Hart eventually chose is actually quite chic, defying the typical “mom” haircut stereotype perpetuated by pop culture. You know, the boxy, harsh styles poked fun at in recent comedy skits? Those cuts are meant to symbolize our busy lives and the expectation that we shouldn’t care about looking feminine or attractive anymore.
But why should shorter, low-maintenance hair be considered unattractive? Or exclusively for moms? Many women without children decide to sport shorter hairstyles at various stages in their lives for reasons unrelated to motherhood.
Some women simply feel that long hair no longer suits them as they age. Perhaps their hair has thinned, making a shorter style appear fuller. Others may prefer the ease of maintaining color with a shorter cut. And some just genuinely like short hair.
No one tells these women they’ve “given up” on looking attractive. It’s usually only mothers and a few celebrities whose hair choices are scrutinized and judged.
As if we don’t have enough on our plates already, right?
If a mother opts for a short haircut, it should simply be a short haircut—not a “mom” cut. If she chooses to keep her hair long, she should be simply a mom with long hair. There should be no societal pressure to conform or change our appearance merely because we’ve given birth. Moms can be attractive. Moms can have hairstyles that take hours to style. Just because we have kids doesn’t mean we have to alter our appearance if we’d rather not.
Personally, I adore my long hair. While I’ve experimented with shorter styles in the past, including right after my daughter was born, it just wasn’t for me. I admit that I once felt I had to sacrifice my long hair to fit some sort of “mom” image—thankfully, that notion is long gone. I’ve come to understand that I can wear my hair however I choose. My identity as a mother has nothing to do with it.
So, the next time you jokingly tease a friend about her “mom” haircut, consider refraining. It’s a tired stereotype that seriously needs to be retired.
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Summary:
The article challenges the stereotype that mothers must adopt unflattering hairstyles after having children. It highlights how societal pressures lead women to believe they should conform to a “mom” image, while asserting that short hair can be stylish and is not exclusive to mothers. Each woman should feel free to choose her hairstyle based on personal preference, without the stigma of being a mother influencing her decision.