Welcome back, empresses, to Unapologetically Caged!
Your girl, Phoenix Rising, is back with another dose of unfiltered truth. Today, we’re diving into something every woman needs to hear: how to love yourself on a low budget or better yet, without a budget at all. Yes, I’m talking about your natural self. The you that shines when all the artificial stuff the makeup, the designer outfits, the extensions is stripped away. Adam-and-Eve style, honey.
So buckle up, grab your imaginary crown, and let’s get into it.
The Great Humbling: When Prison Forces You to Face Your Natural Self
We’ve all heard the term “Baddie on a budget.” It’s fun, catchy, something you see on Instagram or TikTok, but what happens when you literally have zero budget, zero options, zero stores to shop at? No makeup for your skin tone. No Fashion Nova, no Shein, no Temu. Forget lace fronts, braided hair extensions, or even those $20 wigs you sometimes buy to hide your natural texture.
Being locked up humbles you, empresses. TAKE MY WORD FOR IT.
No more hiding dark spots with layers of concealer. No more using makeup to fit in or look “acceptable.” No more trying to flatten or straighten your kinky, coily, or curly hair to make it conform to society’s standard of beauty. In prison, all of that gets stripped away. The real you shows up in a DOC-issued jumpsuit and a mugshot.
Let me tell you about my grand entrance.
The Great Hair Disaster of 2023: Learning to Love My Natural Self
(Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Roots)
I walked into the Women’s Reception Center with SLAYED box braids looked like I had just stepped off the runway, honey. And what does the officer say?
“Oh yeah… whatever that is, it’s got to go. Like, YESTERDAY.”
I was like, “Uhhh… whatever this is? Cool, fine, F me and my braids GOTCHA.”
So there I was, taking my braids out, hair shrunken all the way down after a freezing shower. My lashes? Half gone. For the rest, pray for them Naked mole rat vibes, honey.
And don’t even get me started on dreadlocks. If you have them, heads get shaved, and suddenly you’re labeled a “stud” or a “dyke.” Low cuts? Automatically assumed masculine. Empresses, this was a hard reality check: you can’t hide from yourself anymore.
From that point, I had two choices:
- Boss up and embrace the real me.
- Throw a pity party and wallow in self-hate for the rest of my stay.
Naturally, we’re going with door #1 smart choice.
Phoenix’s “Baddie in a Hurry” Survival Guide for Your Natural Self
Sometimes life doesn’t give you time for a full glam routine whether you’re behind bars, broke, or learning to love your natural self. Here’s my comprehensive guide to being a baddie, no matter the budget.
TIP #1: Hygiene Is the Foundation of Your Natural Self
Listen, empresses. Hygiene isn’t optional it’s essential. Brush your teeth. Shower daily. Not every other day, not whenever convenient daily.
Prison Shower Speed-Run Method:
- Wash main areas first: lady parts, buttocks, underarms, face.
- If time allows, move to arms and legs.
- Quick rinse, done.
It may seem basic, but clean skin and fresh breath build confidence. Even in a DOC-issued jumpsuit, hygiene can make you feel like royalty. Empresses, confidence isn’t about clothes or makeup it’s about owning yourself.
TIP #2: Hair Care – Work With What God Gave You
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: your hair is your crown. And guess what? You don’t need $200 lace fronts or a full hair care arsenal to look like a baddie. Work with your natural texture:
- Kinky/coily: twist, braid, or wash-and-go.
- Caucasian/Latina: sleek ponytail, crinkled curls, or buns.
Prison taught me something powerful: my natural hair is beautiful. With no wigs or extensions, I discovered curl patterns I never knew existed. I twisted, braided, and even mastered a wash-and-go that would make the natural hair community proud.
Creativity thrives under constraint. Necessity truly is the mother of invention. Women in prison rock the most inventive hairstyles with only water, a little gel, and some ingenuity.
Learn More About: Benefits of Self-Care Routines
TIP #3: Skincare – Your Face Is Your Fortune
Skin is your prized possession, honey. Makeup is temporary. Self-care is eternal.
Phoenix Rising Skincare Philosophy: True beauty comes from inner well-being first. You can’t smoke like a pirate, drink like a tavern regular, and expect glowing skin. Nope.
Natural Skincare Basics:
- Drink real water—your skin will thank you.
- Explore DIY remedies: oatmeal for gentle exfoliation, honey for hydration, and yes, even DOC-issued soap can be creative.
Prison improved my skincare routine. No harsh chemicals, no stress to look “perfect.” My skin isn’t flawless—but it’s real, authentic, and confident. And that, my empresses, is beautiful.
TIP #4: Stay Active – Movement Is Medicine
Fitness in prison isn’t glamorous. No gyms, no trainers, no boutique classes. Just push-ups, squats, and laps around the compound.
But here’s the twist: it’s for you. Not Instagram likes. Not societal approval. Not to impress anyone.
Fitness here builds confidence, discipline, and resilience. It gives your mind a focus, your body strength, and helps combat depression. Some of the fittest, strongest, and most confident women I know? Right here in prison—built entirely through ingenuity and determination.
The Real Tea: What This Journey Has Taught Me
Being unapologetically caged taught me that true beauty comes from:
- Self-acceptance: Love what you see, stretch marks, dark spots, natural hair, and all.
- Confidence: Walk tall, makeup or no makeup.
- Authenticity: Show the same person inside and out.
- Resilience: Thrive with just your natural self and positive attitude.
Some of the most confident women I’ve ever met are here, stripped of everything their freedom, possessions, and ability to hide behind glam. Yet they radiate beauty, because they found it from within.
Extra Tips for the Modern Baddie (Natural Edition)
Since you’re empresses, I’ve got a few extra nuggets for you:
- Mirror Affirmations: Every morning, tell yourself: “I am beautiful. I am enough. My light shines without makeup.” Sounds cheesy? Honey, it works.
- DIY Hair Spa Days: No products? No problem. Use warm water, comb gently, braid overnight, or twist to define your curls. Simple, effective, budget-friendly.
- Prison Spa Mindset: Even small self-care actions brushing hair, moisturizing with a dab of commissary lotion, or washing your face boost your mental state.
- Movement as Therapy: Walk laps, do push-ups, stretch. Physical activity isn’t just about looks it’s about mental freedom and empowerment.
Your Challenge, Empresses
I challenge you to have one “natural day” this week: no makeup, no designer hair products, no expensive clothes. Just you, your natural beauty, and your authentic self.
Notice:
- How you walk.
- How you smile.
- How confident you feel.
Where does your self-worth truly come from? Spoiler: not your bank account or closet.
The Bottom Line
Being a baddie on a budget or no budget isn’t about finding cheaper alternatives. It’s about realizing you already have everything you need:
- Your smile.
- Your kindness.
- Your intelligence.
- Your humor.
- Your resilience.
Stripped of everything else, your authentic self is what remains. Build that up, and your light will shine no matter what life takes away.
Remember, empresses:
- You are not your circumstances.
- You are not your bank account.
- You are not your appearance.
You are a beautiful, powerful, capable woman who deserves love especially from yourself.
Stay unapologetically you, whether caged or free.
With love and natural beauty.
Read More: Unapologetically Caged: 7 Powerful Truths for Women Rising From Behind Bars
