In today’s world, beauty is seen in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and forms. Long gone are the days when beauty was defined by just one look. Let’s dive into how beauty standards are changing, why this is important, and how everyone, especially young black women, can feel beautiful just the way they are.
What Are Beauty Standards?
Beauty standards are like a set of rules that some people think we should follow to be considered “beautiful.” These rules often focus on things like skin color, hair type, body size, and more. For a long time, these rules mostly showed beauty as being tall, thin, and usually white — what we call “Eurocentric beauty standards.” But that’s not fair because people come in all different looks, and every look can be beautiful!
Challenges for Black Girls
Sadly, even within the Black community, there can be pressure to look a certain way. Sometimes lighter skin or looser hair might be seen as “better.” That’s not true! All shades of melanin are gorgeous, and every hair texture is perfect. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.
Inclusive Beauty Initiatives: Changing the Game
“Inclusive beauty initiatives” are awesome projects that help make the beauty world welcome everyone. Brands are now creating makeup that matches all skin colors, and stores are using mannequins that look like people with different body types. This helps everyone find products that work for them and see themselves as beautiful.
Why This Matters
When girls see beauty products and clothes modeled by people who look like them, they feel included. Imagine walking into a store and seeing a poster of a beautiful model who has the same skin tone as you, or finding the perfect lipstick shade that makes you feel great. This shows that beauty isn’t just one thing it’s everything and everyone.
Diverse Body Positivity Models: Seeing Beauty in Everyone
Body positivity means loving your body, no matter what it looks like. “Diverse body positivity models” are models of all shapes and sizes who help us see that every body type is beautiful. They show us that it’s okay to be tall, short, slim, or curvy.
Celebrating Role Models
Models like Ashley Graham and Precious Lee are just a few examples of women who are proud of their bodies and teach us to be proud of ours too. They walk in big fashion shows and appear in ads, showing that beauty isn’t about size; it’s about being yourself.
Celebrating All Body Types: Yes, Yours Too!
Every person’s body is unique, and that’s what makes us special. Whether you are athletic, curvy, or petite, your body is yours, and it’s perfect. Celebrating all body types means understanding that everyone is beautiful in their own way, and there’s no “best” or “worst” body type.
How to Celebrate?
Start by loving your own body. Wear clothes that make you feel good, do activities that make you happy, and tell yourself nice things. It’s not always easy, but it’s a great way to start seeing how beautiful you are. Real beauty is about celebrating what makes you special, inside AND out.
Body Positive Fashion Tips: Dressing Up the Confidence
Fashion is a fun way to show who you are, and “body positive fashion tips” help everyone look and feel great in their clothes. Here are a few tips:
- Wear What You Love: Choose clothes that make you feel good. If you love bright colors, wear them! If you like comfy clothes, that’s cool too.
- Fit is Fabulous: Clothes that fit well make you look and feel better. It doesn’t matter what size the label says; if it fits and feels good, it’s perfect!
- Accessorize: Accessories like hats, scarves, and jewelry can make any outfit fun. They show off your style and can make you feel put-together.
Loving the Real You
Instead of trying to change to fit someone else’s mold, it’s time to redefine what beautiful means to YOU. Here’s how to get started:
- Be Kind to Your Body: Your body does amazing things! Instead of focusing on what you don’t like, think about how strong your legs are for dancing, or how your arms give the best hugs. Treat your body with respect, because it deserves it.
- Your Words Matter: How do you talk to yourself? If you use mean words when you look in the mirror, it’s time for a change! Speak kindly to yourself, just like you would to a best friend.
- Find Your People: Surround yourself with friends and family who make you feel good about yourself. Check out social media accounts or magazines that show all kinds of beautiful people. Seeing positive images helps you believe in your own beauty!
- Celebrate Your Style: Your clothes and hair are a way to express yourself! Wear colors that make you happy, experiment with fun hairstyles, and embrace your own unique fashion sense.
Non-traditional Beauty Heroes: Everyday Stars
“Non-traditional beauty heroes” are people who might not look like old-fashioned models but are still absolutely beautiful. These can be people in your community, like a teacher with a great smile or a friend who always helps you feel better when you’re sad. They show us that beauty isn’t just what we see on the outside, but also kindness, courage, and love.
Learn From Them
These heroes teach us that being beautiful is about more than just looking a certain way. It’s about how you treat people, how you love yourself, and how you share your unique self with the world. You are part of something awesome! By embracing your own unique beauty, you’re helping to change the world. The more we celebrate all the different ways people can be beautiful, the more everyone will see that there’s no single “right” way to look.
Black beauty is incredible! It comes in all shapes, sizes, shades, and styles. Strong curves, gorgeous dark skin, coily hair – these are all powerful, beautiful features. But sometimes, it can be hard to see that if all the “beautiful” people you see in media don’t look like you.
Redefining beauty standards to embrace diversity and body positivity is about seeing and celebrating the beauty in all of us. It’s about understanding that beauty comes in all different forms and that every kind of beauty is worth celebrating. Remember, beauty is about being yourself, and that’s the most beautiful thing you can be!
