Let’s face it: 2020 is a year that won’t be forgotten — as much as many of us might like to. But now we’re turning the page to a new year, to a fresh start. While every New Year brings with it boundless promise, however, that faith in the future has perhaps never been more significant or more meaningful than in this New Year.
As you’re looking ahead to a better tomorrow, you may well find yourself itching to leave the old you behind. So why not shed those tired pandemic sweats, that DIY haircut, the shopworn makeup palette, and replace it with a whole new look for the New Year? After all, 2021 may require a new you to greet the bright new days to come.
Why It Matters
There’s no question that we’ve all been through a lot in the past year: civil unrest, a hotly contested election, and, worst of all, the damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the aftermath of all that, thinking about a style change might seem unimportant or even inappropriate.
In reality, though, it’s anything but. That’s because, in the end, personal style isn’t about hair and makeup, clothes, and accessories at all. It’s actually about self-care, and we could all use a bit of that right about now. Studies show, for example, that grooming and style are strongly linked to mental health.
When you’re feeling blue, few things make you feel better than taking a shower, doing your hair and makeup just right, and slipping into that special outfit that makes you feel your best.
Above all, it’s a reminder, even to yourself, that you matter. That no matter what life and the world may bring, you are still you. That even in the face of troubles, you are beautiful, important, lovable, capable, and fierce.
Skin In The Game
If you’re looking to break out of a style slump, there’s no better place to start than at the foundation — your skin. Although some may downplay the importance of our skin, and assume it as a point of vanity; it’s much bigger than that. In fact, our skin can be an indicator of our overall health.
For example, time spent every day focusing on your skin means you’ll be able to more quickly recognize potential changes in moles and freckles that might indicate a potential problem with dangerous skin tissue. Your skincare routine can also enable you to detect bruises and discolorations that might be a symptom of an emerging medical condition.
A nightly skincare regime that includes cleansing, toning, and moisturizing will help you identify any of these abnormalities, and slow any unwanted signs of aging. Ultimately, however, this routine comes down to self-love and care.
A Hairy Situation
Once you’ve updated your skincare game, it’s the perfect time to take an honest look at your hair situation. After all, months of lockdown probably haven’t been all that kind to your hair. From at-home haircuts to pandemic stress eating, your hair is not likely looking as well-nourished and well-tended as you’d like.
But even if your favorite salon is still shuttered, there are nevertheless things you can do to revive and restore those ill-treated tresses. For instance, invest in an in-home hair-care regime that includes shampoos, conditioners, and detanglers that are suited to your particular hair type.
While you’re at it, ditch those damaging elastics and rubber bands that can lead to breakage. Instead, splurge on silk pillowcases to give your lovely locks the TLC they deserve.
Of course, as you embrace your inner style diva for the New Year, it’s not only the hair on your head that you should be worrying about. Laser hair removal, for example, can be ideal for removing stubborn facial and body hair to get the smooth, clean finish you want.
Best of all, it can last longer and can look better than other forms of hair removal, such as shaving, waxing, plucking, or threading.
It’s important to do your research, though. There are many in-home devices on the market, but in general, it’s best to seek out the services of a licensed dermatologist with experience in laser hair removal. That’s not only going to give you better results, but it’s also going to last longer, and significantly reduce your risk of injury and scarring.
Overall, taking the time to consider your haircare might even inspire you to change your style in other ways as well.
Shake Things Up
If you’re looking to break out of a style slump, then it’s probably not enough to focus only on skin and hair.
If you’re all in for a new look and new you for the New Year, then why not make a bolder leap? Consider giving your closet a complete overhaul. Purge everything that no longer suits you and invest in new staples. Look for inspiration on online platforms like Pinterest, build a style vision board, and start building your new wardrobe.
If you want to take it to the next level without making a permanent change, then try getting more creative. For instance, why stop at your wardrobe or your makeup when mixing things up? Why not go as far as changing your eye color? Colored contact lenses aren’t just for Halloween anymore. They can be a great way to shake up your style.
Imagine turning those baby blues into sultry browns? Those hazel-hued peepers into icy green glances? There’s perhaps no more dramatic way to temporarily change your look and freshen your style.
The Takeaway
There’s no question that 2020 has been a tough year. But now as we turn to the dawn of a new year and new hope, it’s time to leave the old you behind. There’s no better place to start than by breaking out of your style slump and building a bold new look for the bold new year ahead.
Sarah Guerrero
A self-taught artist, Sarah loves anything that has a unique aesthetic appeal and everything from her home to her work desk carries a stamp of personal taste. When she’s not busy at her desk job, she loves to pen her thoughts down and often engages in creating mood boards inspired by nature, fashion, culture, and art.
