Teens turn to image consultants to help them fit in: Would you hire one for your teen?

Mom, what do I do with all of this?

The teens years are hard, no one can argue against that. The pressure to fit in is enormous and for those who don't, it can mean teasing and becoming an outcast of sorts at school. Shows like NYC Prep, Gossip Girl, and 90210 don't help the situation - especially for young girls. They portray beautiful teens wearing the latest clothes and nearly all are popular. It's only natural that teens today want to emulate what they're seeing on television and in magazines. Now they're turning to professionals for help. That's right, the business of image consulting is reaching new lows - in terms of age, that is. More and more parents are hiring image consultants to help their daughters receive a make-over that will help them gain self-confidence as well as fit in at school.

The Washington Post has an interesting story on this topic. In The Minor Makeover by Cathy Alter, the scary world of image consulting for teens is broken down. It shows well-meaning moms who want to help their daughters at a loss as to how buy "the right" clothes for their daughters or get them "the right" haircut. Instead, they are going to other women for help - at a steep price. Per the report, consultations can cost $150 and appointments thereafter can run upwards of $500 an hour. Is it worth it, if it helps your teen feel good about herself and boosts her confidence?

The consultants are essentially makeover artists. They'll take teens shopping and show them what styles flatter their bodies. They discuss what colors work with their skin tones. They don't encourage teens to buy the latest styles simply because it's what's cool right now. The consultants truly do want to help their clients. Girls receive haircuts at salons, receive lessons in make-up and whether highlights would work for their hair. As superficial as it sounds, it's a relief to many of the mothers who hire the consultants. "To find a grown-up who will help my daughter establish how she wants to look is a gift," Tamar Abrams says in the article. "I think other girls can sometimes steer her in the wrong direction."

The sad thing, is that while all of this is intended to build the self-confidence of teens, other factors still come into play. As Alter writes, "Ultimately, it's not what to wear that concerns them. It's the pressure to wear it better." Much like adult women, teens don't want to be seen wearing the same accessories or clothing as their classmates. It's a catch-22 for them, say the girls.

"I dress for other girls," admits Meredith.

"It can be pretty competitive," Kate says with a nod, placing her mini Chanel bag over a slender shoulder. "You don't want to see someone wearing the same thing."

Adjusting her Burberry headband, Jane adds, "But we don't want to be the different one, either."

Is this new trend going too far? Should parents be hiring consultants to help their teens fit in at school and avoid being teased or having low self-confidence? It seems harmless, minus the cost, if only because the consultants actually do teach valuable lessons about body types and flattering styles. Navigating the world of make-up as a teen or even a pre-teen can be a challenge, and there are probably many women who wish they had been given a proper tutorial. Mothers can try, and often succeed, but for the moms who feel helpless and want to help, consultants may be a good idea. Then again, can't they just go to make-up counters at the mall or stores like Sephora that offer help for free or for the small price of a make-up item?

What are your thoughts? Would you hire a consultant or do you think it's a bad idea in a society that is superficial enough as it is?

Source: The Washington Post

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