I was at the salon today, just expecting a routine visit, when something caught my eye. A woman about my age sat in the chair next to me, enthusiastically picking out the most outrageous nail design I had ever seen. Neon colors, sparkling rhinestones, glitter covering every inch—it was impossible to ignore. And honestly? My first thought was, What is she thinking?
At a certain point in life, shouldn’t we all know better? Isn’t there a moment where we leave these childish, attention-seeking displays behind and embrace a more refined, dignified look? There’s something to be said for aging gracefully, for knowing when to step away from the trends meant for teenagers. Seeing someone my age decked out like she was heading to a middle school dance made me wonder—why can’t some people just accept where they are in life instead of clinging to some desperate version of youth?
I get it, we all want to feel good about ourselves. But there’s a difference between self-care and sheer denial. Bright neon claws don’t scream confidence; they scream insecurity. It felt like a sad attempt to reclaim something long gone, as if dressing younger or going for something flashy could erase the years. But it doesn’t. If anything, it only makes the contrast more obvious.
What’s wrong with embracing subtlety, with knowing when to let go of trying so hard? There’s dignity in simplicity. Classic, understated nails can be just as beautiful—if not more—than gaudy, over-the-top designs meant to grab attention. It’s as if some people can’t stand the idea of fading into the background, as if growing older means losing all sense of identity unless they fight it with every rhinestone and glittery accent they can find.
I watched as she admired her new nails, smiling like a child seeing sparkles for the first time. And I couldn’t help but feel secondhand embarrassment. At our age, shouldn’t we be past the phase of needing to show off? Shouldn’t we have more self-respect than to dress up like we’re still trying to impress a room full of people? It wasn’t empowering—it was sad.
Aging is inevitable, and there’s nothing wrong with taking care of ourselves. But there’s a fine line between self-care and refusing to accept reality. Holding onto trends that belong to a different generation doesn’t make you younger; it makes you look like you’re trying too hard. And at the end of the day, isn’t true confidence about knowing who you are and embracing it instead of chasing something that’s long passed?
I left the salon that day wondering why some people just can’t let go. It’s as if they think clinging to youthful trends will somehow freeze time. But in reality, all it does is highlight the very thing they’re trying to hide. And honestly? There’s nothing more unbecoming than someone who refuses to grow up.