Study: The real reason Monday takes longer

A new study found women make more of an effort to look good at the start of a work-week, but this extra devotion to appearance tapers away as the weekend nears. Photo / Thinkstock

If you're getting ready for work today, be prepared for it to take a little bit longer.

Women devote extra time to their hair, make-up and clothes at the start of the week so they can make a good impression on colleagues, according to a study.

But standards slip with each passing day, with four in 10 women admitting they stopped making an effort by Wednesday.

And one in five of the 2,000 women polled by skincare firm Simple said their workload built up so much during the week they didn't have time to spend ages on their appearance.

The survey found that women typically spend 39 minutes getting ready on a Monday, dropping to 32 minutes by Tuesday.

Wednesdays and Thursdays were rushed, taking 29 minutes, but Friday's preparations increased to 33 minutes as the weekend beckoned.

More than half of women said they would make an extra effort if they had a meeting or appointment with the boss.

Nearly a quarter said they would take more time over their appearance if there was a promotion up for grabs.

And one in 10 women received compliments on their appearance at the start of the week but said these tailed off as time went on. Four in 10 of those polled said every office has a woman who always looks impeccably turned out.

But opinion varied as to why this was, with almost half claiming those who look pristine have lots of money to spend on treatments.

A third said women who don't have the added pressure of being a mother look more groomed.

Another 48 per cent said women who looked glamorous and well turned out every day must be getting up at the crack of dawn.

The spokesman added: "There is an assumption that women who spend lots of money on clothes, skincare treatments and make-up are automatically going to be the most preened in the office, but that's not necessarily the case.

"Adopting a good skincare routine will pay dividends in the future.

"Although mornings can be rushed and cleansing, toning and moisturising can add on a couple of minutes it will pay off in the long-term.

"As far as the rest of your appearance is concerned, if you prepare your outfit the night before then you are halfway there."

- DAILY MAIL