Beauty Amidst Turmoil: The Resilience of Ukrainian Women

In a vibrant hot-pink armchair, Viktoria Gulieva, 30, exudes a sense of calm even in the face of adversity. Clad in a stylish denim tube dress that fits snugly over her pregnant belly, her dark hair is meticulously slicked back into a tight bun. Nestled on her lap is her beloved white Pomeranian, a small companion that adds a touch of warmth to the scene. A skilled salon worker is delicately applying a pale pink polish to her toenails, carefully separating each toe with heart-shaped foam separators.

“We indulge in beauty treatments because they provide us with emotional support,” Ms. Gulieva shares, her voice reflecting the weight of her experiences. As a beautician herself, she understands the importance of these rituals. “In these challenging times, especially with the ongoing war, we constantly find ourselves on an emotional edge. By treating ourselves to a manicure or pedicure, we can at least look down at our hands and think, ‘Those look good.’”

While focusing on beauty may seem trivial against the backdrop of a nation at war, it holds profound significance for many women in Ukraine. These acts of self-care serve not only as a personal retreat but also as a subtle declaration of resilience against the chaos surrounding them.

A visit to a salon in Kyiv is not without its challenges. With power outages and the constant threat of air-raid sirens, the journey to pampering can be fraught with difficulties. Yet, despite these obstacles, many women persevere. Their determination is evident in the small details of daily life:

• A stern bank teller showcases polished tan fingernails, adorned with glittery pale swirls that catch the light.
• A cheerful waitress greets customers with nails painted in a striking blue crocodile skin design, a testament to her vibrant spirit.
• A government worker from a Kyiv suburb, who has faced the grim reality of attending numerous funerals and overseeing the digging of mass graves, still manages to maintain a flawless French manicure.

These women, with their polished nails and vibrant colors, embody a spirit of defiance and hope, reminding themselves and others that beauty can flourish even amidst the darkest of times.