Beauty boom defies global slump

The quest for beauty has created a boom for much of the hair and skincare industry, on the back of clients who spend as much as $125 a week.

Tight budgets have not stemmed the flow of women with money to spend on beauty regimes — mostly body waxing, haircuts and colours, and skin treatments.

But that doesn’t account for the growing number who buy expensive Botox fillers and simple facelifts, no longer the domain of the rich and famous.

The industry reports girls as young as 11 are having underarm waxing, and teenagers’ parents are buying spray tans to keep their daughters out of the sun.

Many salons have “couples rooms”, where men can go for facials and massages with their partners by their side.

Hair and Beauty Industry Association general manager Sandra Campitelli said some women’s beauty regimens included a $300 visit to a day spa for four hours of pampering.

She was concerned about the increase in injectible treatments, which were taken up as though it was as “simple as putting on lipstick”.

Jane Dolling, from Talking Beauty in Hawthorn, said the financial crisis hadn’t affected business.

“We have a few clients who come in weekly — in the 45-plus age range — and many who come on a monthly basis,” she said.

People wanting spray tans were opting for more subtle shades — a “no tan tan” — and facial treatments getting good results included microdermabrasion and laser treatment.

When 32-year-old Carol Reos, a Melbourne pharmacy manager, worked out the cost of her beauty regimen she was surprised.

Each year she spends at least $5680 on beauty products and services, including a monthly hair appointment.

“I will always try to make room in a budget for pampering myself, even if I have a couple of kids. I still have money in the bank to shop for clothes and go on a holiday.”

Herald Sun , Australia, November 15, 2009