Rising costs double grooming prices

RAWALPINDI:

Rising inflation has made beauty and grooming increasingly expensive for women, with the traditional "16 adornments" now becoming difficult to afford.

Beauty parlours in Rawalpindi and Islamabad are witnessing a surge in business, with students, working women, and affluent clients booking appointments in advance. Due to overwhelming demand, parlours have been operating 24 hours a day for the past two days and will remain open round-the-clock on Chand Raat.

Service charges have increased significantly. According to the Beauty Parlours Association, basic haircut costs Rs400, styled haircut Rs500, facial Rs2,500, skin polish Rs1,500 (Rs1,800 with imported creams), eyebrow and upper lip Rs400, dye Rs300, manicure and pedicure Rs2,000, waxing Rs1,500, and mehndi application ranges from Rs300 to Rs500.

Association Secretary Kashmala Yasmeen said prices of makeup products, creams and powders have doubled, and customers insist on imported brands, contributing to higher service rates. She added that Eid season traditionally sees a surge in prices.

She noted that beauty parlours are mostly frequented by working women and affluent clients, as many from lower-income households avoid the expense. Due to heavy demand, bookings have been closed, and staff have been working continuously.

Working woman Fakhera Younas said spending Rs3,000 to Rs4,000 for looking good during Eid was reasonable.