Beauty parlors and salons in the capital did brisk business as customers made last minute appointments to look their best on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. Many beauty salons do brisk business during this time of the year as women aiming to celebrate Eid in style rush to the parlors to get a complete cosmetic makeover.

Beauticians took advantage of this peak period with special Eid packages which comprised composite deals of their services.

Many had taken to advertising their services in social media pages promoting special Eid offers, luring home makers and professionals alike to the parlors.

Consequently, customers complainedabout the huge rush at famous beauty centers and the unavailability of expert beauticians and henna artists ahead of Eid Al-Fitr.

As women in the Kingdom are becoming increasingly aware of personal care and beauty, parlors have become popular hubs for the wide array of beauty treatments on offer at most salons.

Yassmin Al-Mudhi, a Saudi media makeup artist whom Arab News met at a famous salon in the Kingdom Tower, Riyadh said: “All ladies want to look their best for Eid. Wearing new dresses and matching accessories with good make up is not enough. The perfect look comes when we look fresh and confident in our ensemble for the Eid celebrations.”

“There were very few good parlors here and they were extremely busy this Eid rush,” said Farheen Khan, faculty of Interior Design at Dar Al Uloom University in Riyadh.

“After the busy Ramadan days, I think they deserve to pamper themselves,” she said. To avoid the unwanted rush and customers’ disappointment, some parlors provided services strictly by appointment.

Almost all parlors worked late, some until 3 in the morning to meet the Eid rush. Services like facials, massages, manicure, pedicure, waxing, hair and henna treatments are popular in demand. Aside from herbal, fruit and normal facials, chocolate, gold and diamond facials are highly sought after henna applications.

Bilquis Safdar, the Pakistani owner of ‘She,’ a ladies parlor in Hayyal Wazarat and President of Hum Nawa ladies club, said: “Our parlor is extremely busy and to show our appreciation we are also conducting a lucky draw for customers who use services of above SR100. The results will be announced two weeks after Eid.” She added that the last few days of Ramadan typically witness a large number of customers.

“Personal care should not be limited to festivals and functions but ladies should maintain a standard beauty routine all round the year,” advised Bilquis.

Although, composite beauty deals are economical and popular, it is recommended that women be careful in selecting a package deal especially while opting for a ‘facial’ category that must suit their skin type and also fit their budget. On the other hand, many ladies tend to become excited over the seemingly cheaper discounts and become victims of unprofessional service providers.

Additionally, women are advised to ensure the cleanliness and hygiene conditions of the beauty clinics before venturing to use their services.

One must also ensure they use disposable and sterilized tools and equipment where applicable.