Women rush to beauty parlours

Once the Eid dresses have been finalised, dupattas, shoes and purses have been matched and bangles and accessories secured after tiring rounds of catacombs of bazaars, the women head to beauty parlours for grooming.

While many teenagers are busy getting various services for their hair, women are prioritising facials.

Meanwhile, to cope with the workload, parlour owners extend working hours which helps workers earn extra cash during Eid season.

Owner of Zeb Parlour in DHA said women arrived in large numbers for services ranging from hair cutting and colouring to artificial eyelashes, keratin treatments, extensions, scalp treatments, highlights, lowlights, French pedicures, spa pedicures, manicures, hair dyeing, hair masks, hair styling, detox, hair botox, hair glossing, and many girls came to decorate their hands and feet with beautiful henna designs. Meanwhile, facials remained popular among older women.

Shazia Khan a grooming expert employed at a beauty parlour chain said some women also come for bleaching, plucking and upper lips. Parlours have also increased their working hours due to the rush. With the arrival of Eid, the season of the parlours becomes at ist peak. The staff is not free even for a few minute. Parlours, especially on Chand Raat, hire staff who are experts in henna application. The rush of women in small and big parlours of the city has reached its peak.

Abida, a resident of Saddar, said that during Ramazan, they don't remember to take care of themselves amidst the daily household chores. She took time out of her busy schedule to focuss on herself. After completing her shopping, she avail various services to look good on Eid, so that her face radiates freshness. They invite guests at home, and everyone's attention is on faces and clothes, so it becomes necessary to visit the parlour. She said that the prices have doubled since last year. The parlour owners have offered a discount in deals, so they are compelled to avail the deal.

Beauticians have extended the opening hours of beauty parlours. The rush continues until late at night. Sadia, who applies henna at Gold Mark Shopping Mall on Korangi Road, said that due to the rush, the parlour will remain open until Sehri, and special arrangements have been made for applying henna on Chand Raat (the night before Eid). I am skilled in applying henna, but I do not work in any parlour. I specifically apply henna on Eid occasions. This helps in managing the expenses of Eid clothes. The trend of women visiting parlours, whether small or large, is on the rise. Some are busy getting facials done, while others are seen getting their hair dyed and some women remained seated, waiting for their turn to come.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 10^th, 2024.