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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think being a woman costs more?

286 replies

ClairN · 19/11/2025 13:28

DH and I have been having a debate on discretionary spending. AIBU to think being a woman is more expensive?

Bikini waxes, hairdressers, tights, lingerie, taxis after dark…

OP posts:
shhblackbag · 19/11/2025 13:34

I spend on my hair but, from your list, that's it. Tried bikini wax one time. Never again. I do my own grooming, and it doesn't cost much.

Slowmoles · 19/11/2025 13:34

Yes and it's not always about the waxes etc. Products for women are more expensive. This is a useful example www.co-operativebank.co.uk/content-hub/articles-and-advice/pink-tax-women-paying-more-for-their-essentials/

MrsMoastyToasty · 19/11/2025 13:34

We have an extra item of underwear for a start, in the bra. Then there's items that seem to cost more because they are "designed for ladies" like razors that are pink rather than black (they do exactly the same job).

BriefEncountersOfTheThirdKind · 19/11/2025 13:33

I go to the hairdressers less than men I know go to the barbers.
I've never had a bikin wax
I buy tights maybe twice a year, depending on what events I'm going to because I don't wear skirts as standard
Men also have to buy underwear and use taxis

Sanitary products are the main one that women had to pay for that men don't but there are plenty of discretionary/optional payments men have that women don't

TheRolyPolyByrd · 19/11/2025 13:32

I think taxis after dark could be legit. Also period protection. But the other stuff is your choice. Just cut it all out, and if your DH dares mention he preferred it when you made effort to look like society pressures women to look, then these things can be added to your spending budget.

Original poster
ClairN · 19/11/2025 13:31

Dartmoorcheffy · 19/11/2025 13:29

You do realise those are all options not mandatory

Yes of course I do. But they’re fairly standard and not “fun money” I don’t think.

OP posts:
ScrambledEggs12 · 19/11/2025 13:30

Not here, I've never had a bikini wax, I wouldn't say I spend more on my clothes than my partner does. Hairdressers, it's only recently I've started going, but that is optional.

Taxis after dark, I rarely go out and if I do my partner will pick me up, like if he goes out I'll pick him up.

blobby10 · 19/11/2025 13:30

Definitely! I had a similar discussion with my then husband just after we got married. Don't forget sanitary products and make up (although I do agree we don't have to have the latter) .........!

BarbarasRhabarberba · 19/11/2025 13:29

All of those things are choices, so no. Taxis after dark I understand might be a necessity at times depending on where you live but the rest? Completely optional.

takealettermsjones · 19/11/2025 13:29

You don't have to do all that if you don't want to, though.

Edited to add: I do agree there are additional costs involved with being a woman, but to my mind they're more along the lines of sanitary products, bras, etc and paying privately for medical tests when nobody will bloody listen

Dartmoorcheffy · 19/11/2025 13:29

You do realise those are all options not mandatory

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