Why Does Every Visit To Beauty Parlour Rob Us Of Good Feelings?

I admit, the glitz and glamour attract me. Pictures of hot models, slick hairstyles—ah!

Life at its best.

I see all that and enter, feeling totally good about myself, my “beautification” guaranteed, after all, I had just forgotten my vow to myself, that of never entering a beauty parlour ever again!

“How may I help you?”

Help is not the word, dear, it is condescension. In any case, “I am looking for a haircut. Just a haircut.”

“Of course Ma’am. Are you looking for a change in style?”

“Well, perhaps—”

Never miss real stories from India's women.

Register Now

So far, so good.

I am taken to a plush recliner for a hair wash. My back sinks in. I relax, ready to be pampered. As the shampoo soaks, my eyes close, I hear a voice.

“Your hair is so rough, Ma’am, do you want to try one of our hair packs?”
I appreciate your business acumen, love, but did you really have to burst my bubble that way?

The voice continues,  “And an exfoliation for the whiteheads on your face.”
Yes, it’s the whiteheads now, after the blackheads. Wonder how they exfoliate purpleheads?

“The pollution has wreaked havoc on your skin. The pores are all clogged. Would you like a facial?”

Of course. Pollution. Lack of care. Clogged pores. Wonder why I never seem to find anything wrong when I get dressed each morning?

“Um— No. JUST a haircut.”

They say there is no beauty without pain, but what about emotional damage because of beauty?

I don’t feel all that good now. Was it just me, or do all beauty salons work hard to rob you of all good feelings about your hair/skin/body?

It would be so nice to have a parlour with some lovely quotes on beauty all over— and a lady who says, “Wow, such beautiful skin, ma’am. I’d definitely recommend a facial to retain this glow!” would win my heart any day, rather than the one who circles and labels my pimples like an anatomy diagram!

Perhaps it’s vanity— or that I am easily flattered, but hey, I would leave the place feeling on top of the world! Isn’t that what beauty is all about, ultimately?

Sigh, I vow, for the umpteenth time, to never step into another beauty salon again!

This piece was first published here.

Image Source: Still from Sketch Comedy Every Girl In Beauty Parlour Ft. Tena Jaiin by Paayal Jain

Comments