It’s just a colour

Women’s products are often more expensive than men’s, but is there a real difference?

Men and women razors at the Waitrose supermarket at Dubai Marina Mall in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Pricing discrepancies between products aimed at men and women seem to be the norm in many parts of the world. Studies have shown that many items are routinely more expensive for women than for men – including personal care products, such as razors, deodorant and body wash, hair-care products, such as shampoos and conditioners, and even clothes, such as shirts and jeans.

The situation is the same in the UAE and, as The National reported, women are voicing their frustration over this so-called "pink tax" across all ages. We don't need a calculator to know that the cumulative cost is significant in the long run.

But as questionable as they may seem, these pricing discrepancies are here to stay, especially when they seem to be generating large profits due to powerful marketing strategies. What individuals can do is to make a wiser judgment when shopping for daily products. For example, if a blue razor is cheaper than a pink razor and just as effective, why should its colour matter?