- What is your occupation and level of responsibility? (manager, technician, etc)
Systems analyst.
More of a technician role than a manager as I have no one that reports to me.

- About how much have you spent on clothing for yourself in the past six months? If you don’t know, about how many shopping trips have you made? (or online purchases)
In the past 6 months, I would say maybe a couple of hundred bucks? A little more if you include the things that I ordered and returned because I didn’t like what I purchased.

- How often do you get your hair cut? How much does it cost each time?
I do my own hair and have for the past almost 6 years. When I do go for the occasional pampering session, I expect to spend $80 or more, not including tip, which is why I dont make salon visits part of my routine.

- What products do you use on your hair (shampoo, conditioner, sprays, gels, mousse, etc)? How much does each one cost? (if you don’t know, tell me the brand and I’ll calculate it)
Shampoo/Conditioner – 2.50 for the set (usually Suave) For the TreSemme 32 oz moisturizing shampoo and conditioner set I spent more, but I dont use those for every shampoo. I alternate between the products above and black soap on my hair.

- Describe your morning routine on a work day (or a day where you have to “dress up,” if you’re not currently employed).
Iron dress/slacks/blouse (whatever I am wearing that day), do make up (takes less than 10 minutes, if that), put on shoes that are at the door or under my desk at work. No matter what I wear, it takes me about a half hour to get ready for work on any given day.

- if you have a similar category to “clothing/beauty/hygiene” in your budget, tell me your monthly expenditure for just you. Other than maybe contact lens solution, soap and toothpaste, I am not sure what else would fall into this category that I purchase on a regular monthly basis.

I do think most women spend more than most men, but I don’t think they have to, and it’s perfectly possible to look reasonably professional while spending like a man.

The purpose of this article was to test that hypothesis. The sample size is small, but we’ll see.

If there’s any woman I’m making excuses for, it’s not me. I think the amount I spend on hygiene is quite minimal. However, from commenters above and from a lawyer friend, I know the range can go quite high.

I know that my coworkers DO notice when I dress nicely, cut my hair, have a manicure (which I have done once in my life, btw), so I think it is reasonable to assume they notice when I don’t look my best. Or, if you prefer, perhaps it’s best to say that enhancing your look reaps rewards, rather than, say, not getting a manicure discredits you.

ohhh pleeze, I’m a woman and those things do not cost much more.

I file my own nails and don’t wear expensive handbags your co workers don’t care about your handbags?

Stop making excuses. You make it sound like men do not groom themselves. They wear expensive suits and dryclean as well as get their shoes shine.

Accountant, so professional, but not supervisory (thank heavens)

Clothing – about $200 in the last 6 months – lost some weight and had to replace part of work wardrobe.

Haircut every other month – $25 with tip.

Shampoo and Conditioner only – Salon brands, but I have a shortish “wash and wear” haircut and don’t use much – maybe $20 a month.

I shower/shave legs/do facial/lay out clothes/pack lunch in the evening after I work out and walk. So in the morning – wash face/mosturize (which is tinted, so doubles as foundation), brush/floss, brush out hair, feed dog, grab lunch out of fridge. I can make it out the door in a half hour. I’ve never worn much makeup – I tend to throw it out before it’s used up.

My personal care items other than hair care (see above) is in with the grocery budget. Maybe another $15 a month? Hummm, maybe I should break it out just to check.