A recent article in the New York Times has sparked a discussion about the so-called “mom haircut,” a term laden with negative connotations. Traditionally, this haircut is characterized by its short length and low maintenance. For years, society has ingrained in us the idea that such styles are decidedly uncool. However, an interesting shift is occurring: it’s not merely the haircut that’s deemed uncool, but rather any hairstyle favored by moms.
Bee Shapiro notes, “Just as there are ‘mom jeans’ in fashion, there exists a parallel in beauty: ‘mom hair.’” She describes the typical mom haircut seen in suburban malls as a bob that’s longer in the back and slightly shorter in front—intended to look sleek, yet often perceived as frumpy. Apparently, motherhood has single-handedly tarnished the reputation of the bob.
But it’s not just the classic bob that’s been deemed problematic. All variations of short haircuts have fallen victim to this stigma. Even moms living in urban areas, who might attempt to add flair with blunt bangs or layers, find themselves struggling against the label. Shapiro highlights that any bob a mother opts for is automatically labeled as frumpy, and styles shorter than a bob have long been the punchline of mom jokes. The implication is clear: if a mom chooses any shorter style, she risks being labeled tragically unhip.
This phenomenon is not new. Moms have long been associated with the mainstream adoption of trends, transforming them into “mom” versions—like higher-waisted jeans for postpartum bodies, which became known as “mom jeans,” or minivans that quickly morphed into “mom cars.” The same narrative applies to yoga pants, wine, bootcut jeans, crossover SUVs, and, it seems, any haircut that doesn’t scream high fashion.
While Shapiro acknowledges that many mothers opt for shorter haircuts to reclaim their identity or manage postpartum hair loss, stylist Juan Carlos Maciques warns against such choices, labeling them as “a big mistake.” He suggests that short hair exposes a woman more, making it harder to conceal changes in her body, which can be uncomfortable for many.
So, rather than embracing a style that feels liberating, moms may feel pressured to maintain longer hair as a way to hide their post-baby bodies. Maciques even recommends the dreaded “mom bob,” but with bangs cut slightly too short for a juvenile flair—essentially encouraging a look that feels less polished and more chaotic.
I find it disheartening that the term “mom” has become synonymous with dullness and the idea of being out of touch. A bob is a timeless hairstyle, but if it’s embraced by many mothers, suddenly it’s considered passé. The truth is, when a significant number of women choose the same haircut, it often means that it resonates with them personally or fits their lifestyle.
This tendency to label a popular style as “mom hair” reflects a broader societal issue: the failure to recognize that mothers can be stylish, vibrant, and relevant. Even if we were to grow our hair to the floor, that wouldn’t change the underlying problem.
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In summary, the stigma surrounding “mom hair” reflects a narrow view of motherhood and femininity. Women should feel free to choose any hairstyle that resonates with them without fear of judgment.