Pandemic Resolutions: Two-Thirds of Americans are Preparing for a Quarantine Glow-Up

APR 8, 2021

• 46% of Americans say they’ve “let themselves go” during lockdown, research shows

• Americans are most interested in improving their appearance (60%), physical health 58%), skin (56%) and hair (53%) for the post-pandemic world

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DUBLIN, California — Americans are ready to take on the post-pandemic world with a new look and mindset – a quarantine glow-up – new research from Vagaro suggests. While more than half (51%) admit 2020 was the hardest year they’ve ever experienced, two-thirds of Americans want to look (64%) and feel (68%) their absolute best for when the pandemic comes to an end – which 62% are optimistic will happen before 2022.

The research suggests Americans are ready to focus on self-improvement after nearly half (46%) said they’ve let themselves go while in lockdown. Weight gain was the highest cited way respondents have let themselves go, with 60% saying they’ve gained weight. Of these respondents, the average amount of weight gain was 17 lbs. Other ways people have let themselves go include losing touch with family and friends (49%) and avoiding makeup and facial grooming (46%) while staying at home. A little more than half (51%) of Americans cited going back to bad habits, including eating unhealthy (53%), excessive drinking (49%) and lack of grooming themselves daily (43%).

View full survey results in our infographic.

“The Covid-19 pandemic changed the way we live our lives and effected many people mentally and emotionally, thereby making it easy to go back to or start unhealthy habits,” said Fred Helou, CEO for Vagaro. “Hope is on the horizon and now is the time to get back on track and focus on personal goals. Taking that first step like signing up for a virtual yoga class can lead to bigger accomplishments like completing an intense exercise regimen. Little wins can lead to big results and can also help combat feelings of stress and being overwhelmed.”

Being sheltered in place was the motivation 58% of respondents said they needed to take time to focus more on self-improvement. The biggest motivators for self-improvement include attaining better overall health (52%), building confidence/self-esteem (48%) and wanting a better physical appearance (47%). Some have already started their post-pandemic transformation. Compared to before quarantine:

• 47% are exercising more.

• 50% are taking better care of their skin (with new skincare routines, adding specialty treatments, increasing frequency of treatments).

• 57% are eating healthier.

• 57% are taking better care of their hair.

• 47% said they feel like they’re in a better mental and emotional space now than when the pandemic started.

“As consumers are getting ready to face the post-pandemic world with a new look and mindset, wellness businesses should be prepared for the influx of interest they may receive,” added Helou. “As restrictions lift, gyms, salons and spas should have a business plan, tools and technology in place to not only survive, but thrive in a post-pandemic world.”

About the research

The online survey was created by Vagaro and conducted by OnePoll in March 2021. It includes responses from more than 2,000 Americans.