Consider the towering stilettos that elongate legs and add a touch of elegance. For many, these coveted shoes translate to aching arches, blistered heels, and the constant fear of a misstep
Emmanuel Thomas l Friday, May 02, 2025
LAGOS, Nigeria – We are often very quick to say that lady is stunning but a closer look reveals the intricate and sometimes uncomfortable lengths many women go to in pursuit of a desired feel and aesthetic.
While the final result may appear glamorous and confident, the journey can be fraught with discomfort, time commitment, and even physical pain.
It’s a silent narrative woven into the fabric of daily routines, a dedication to a certain ideal that often goes unseen and unacknowledged.
Consider the towering stilettos that elongate legs and add a touch of elegance.
For many, these coveted shoes translate to aching arches, blistered heels, and the constant fear of a misstep.
The price of that confident stride is often paid in throbbing feet at the end of the day. Similarly, the pursuit of smooth, hair-free skin can involve waxing sessions that elicit sharp stings, threading that tugs and pinches, or the ongoing expense and time investment of shaving.
These are not acts of mere vanity, but often perceived necessities in a society that often equates smoothness with femininity.
The realm of makeup, while transformative and empowering for many, also carries its own set of demands. Hours can be spent meticulously blending, contouring, and highlighting, a ritual that requires patience and a steady hand.
Heavy foundations can feel like a second skin, and the removal process, while essential, can be time-consuming and sometimes irritating.
The quest for perfect brows might involve painful plucking or threading, while voluminous lashes often require the careful application – and potential discomfort – of extensions or multiple coats of mascara.
Beyond the immediate physical discomfort, there’s the constant awareness and maintenance that comes with many beauty practices.
Carefully styled hair requires vigilance against humidity and wind, often necessitating a plethora of products and tools.
Manicured nails demand regular upkeep to avoid chips and maintain their polished appearance.
Even clothing choices can prioritize aesthetics over comfort, with restrictive waistbands, delicate fabrics, and intricate designs sometimes leading to discomfort throughout the day.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that these choices are often deeply personal and can be sources of empowerment and self-expression.
However, it’s equally important to recognize the underlying pressures and societal expectations that contribute to these practices.
The constant barrage of images in media and advertising can create a narrow definition of beauty, leading women to feel compelled to adhere to certain standards, even if it means enduring discomfort or investing significant time and resources.
The intention here is not to criticize personal choices but to illuminate the often-invisible efforts behind the polished facade.
By acknowledging the pains, both big and small, that women sometimes go through to achieve a desired appearance, we can foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the dedication involved.
Perhaps, by recognizing the “price of polish,” we can move towards a more inclusive and accepting definition of beauty, one that values comfort and individuality as much as aesthetic ideals.
The true beauty, after all, often lies not just in the final presentation, but in the confidence and self-acceptance that shines through, regardless of the effort – or discomfort – it took to get there.
