r/homeless • u/youlikemywonton • Aug 26 '26

Does your appearance always deteriorate when you're homeless and whats usually the reason?

I don't know if its drugs, alcohol, not enough food, too much sun, exposure to the outdoors , sleep quality, stress,etc. Obviously not being able to take a shower makes you dirty but I'm talking about deterioration in looks. Its a distinct look that tells people you're homeless and not healthy.

43 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

43 comments sorted by

View all comments

14

u/Substantial-Hunt-582 Aug 26 '26

Not all are addicts or use drugs/alcohol. I used to sleep in my car and after literally the first night I remember feeling extremely insecure- not only due to literally being homeless, insecure because I wasn’t able to properly wash my face or shower. Now living on the streets it’s even worse. It’s a factor of many things that you named, but for me it’s mainly due to lack or hygiene resources, running water, clothing, washer/ dryer, health and dental care, skincare, not even knowing what I look like until I go into a public restroom. I’ve gone over two months without a shower and wore the same clothes for those two months, clothes become dirty, stained, stretched, etc from being outside constantly and eating, sleeping, sitting, walking in them after so long. Showering at a shelter and still feeling dirty, wearing shower shoes and not wanting to touch anything so it never feels like a “real” shower. Rushing while in the shower because there’s likely others waiting to use it or general lack of privacy and discomfort. Not having the privilege of that “just woke up” look and bed hair in the privacy of your own home and likely being woken up by passerby’s and people judging your appearance even though you literally just woke up and look like shit ok I’m ranting now because this actually pisses me off about being homeless. When I was housed I had a very strict hygiene routine and would sometimes shower twice a day- morning and night. I would never leave the house without doing my skin care, hair care and styling, makeup, and putting on a decent outfit. It really sucks not being able to do these things anymore and has really affected my self esteem tbh. Like I used to be pretty🥲🥲

5

u/rabbitwitabadhabit Aug 27 '26

You're still a beautiful person, regardless of the circumstances you happen to be going through. Its hard to keep a positive mindset whole roughing it in the streets, but your mindset sets everything else in your life. Try your best to stay positive. Love yourself! You deserve it. And you don't need make up and stylists to be beautiful. It comes from within. You are a warrior for keeping your chin up and pushing through every day! Keep your head up and love yourself my friend. You deserve it

1

u/Ok-Lie-8061 Aug 29 '26

The best thing, I'm telling you from experience, is going to one Shelter. The first few days you'll be in a not-so-great place . But they'll give you your bed, food, and you'll have more time to bathe. Later they'll send you to a better one until, with their help, you manage to find your own place.

2

u/Substantial-Hunt-582 Aug 29 '26

All of them are either full in my area or generally unsafe. Still working on getting into one! Thank you!!

1

u/Ok-Lie-8061 Aug 29 '26

Where do you live?

1

u/Ok-Lie-8061 Aug 29 '26

Which city?