Let’s be honest—how many times have you stood in front of the mirror, staring at yourself with a critical eye?
Sucking in your stomach, smoothing your edges, wondering if your lashes are dramatic enough or if your waist is snatched just right? How often do you scroll through Instagram and see influencers with perfect, unattainable bodies, flawless makeup and designer everything, making you question whether you’re measuring up?
It’s exhausting. Frankly, it’s time we stopped chasing standards that were never designed for us in the first place.
For generations, Black women have been expected to mold themselves into narrow definitions of beauty—ones that often exclude our natural features and unique expressions of style. Society tells us that our curves must be exaggerated yet perfectly balanced, our hair needs to be sculpted just right and our worth is tied to material symbols of status. We’ve been bombarded with messages that tell us we aren’t beautiful unless we alter ourselves in some way.
But we are reclaiming our beauty on our terms. We’re saying goodbye to unnecessary beauty rituals that drain our time, money and confidence.
Here are five outdated beauty standards that Black women should finally kick to the curb.
The BBL obsession
It seems like everywhere we turn, there’s another perfectly sculpted Instagram model with an impossibly tiny waist and exaggerated curves. The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) craze had women risking their lives for an aesthetic that isn’t even natural. We must celebrate all body types—thick, slim, athletic or curvy—without feeling pressured to fit into a cartoonish ideal. Honestly, BBLs aren’t that bad if they are done right and these days, I guess it’s popular to look like the anatomy of an ant.
Waist trainers and the “Snatched” Look
Black women have always had diverse body shapes, but the pressure to have an hourglass figure is exhausting. Waist trainers promise a “snatched” waist, but what they really do is suffocate your organs (literally).
Remember back in the days when women wore shapers? Or girdles? Why torture ourselves for a silhouette that isn’t even realistic without Photoshop? Your natural waistline is beautiful. Wear what makes you feel good—without a corset crushing your ribs.
Extreme lash extensions
Lash extensions have drawbacks such as potential allergic reactions, damage to natural lashes, eye irritation or infection, discomfort due to added weight, and the need for regular maintenance, which can be costly and time-consuming. Credit: Stefania Pelfini/La Waziya Photography Getty Images
We love a good lash moment, but the massive, over-the-top lash extensions that practically need their own zip code? We can let those go. Your eyes don’t need to be hidden behind thick spider-leg lashes to be beautiful. A natural lash lift or a subtle set can enhance your features without looking like you’re fighting against gravity. Let’s give our eyelids a break!
Designer brands as a status symbol
High-end brands and retailers have successfully diversified their offerings to attract a larger portion of Black consumers’ wallets. Credit: Eva Katalin/Getty Images
Owning luxury items is great if that’s your thing, especially if you are in the business of owning them as an investment. But be honest with yourself. Designer brands do not determine our worth. We don’t need to go broke trying to prove we belong.
Confidence is the ultimate flex. Wear what you love, whether it’s thrifted, high-end, or a Target clearance steal. Your style and swag make the outfit, not the price tag.
Baby hair obsession
Slicked-down edges have been a thing for years, but somewhere along the line, baby hairs turned into adult hairs, then into full-blown art projects. We’ve seen the exaggerated swirls and gelled-down waves that require a master’s degree in edge control. Natural hairlines are just as beautiful. If you don’t have any, many products can help you brow back those edges. Whether your edges are laid or left alone, your hair is already perfect as it is. Let’s stop letting gel determine our beauty.
