Stepping into a beauty parlour, especially in India, you might expect it to be a space for self-care, a chance to pause, unwind, and feel rejuvenated. However, for many, it’s anything but that. Instead, it becomes a space where clients feel scrutinized and acutely aware of every perceived “flaw” - and more often than not, individuals can leave from there feeling worse about themselves. It’s common for parlour technicians to comment on dark circles, weight gain, the condition of one’s skin, or even habits like nail-biting—all unsolicited. Behind each of these so-called “imperfections” may lie a deeper story that these comments ignore. Dark circles, for instance, could be from sleepless nights, often caused by stress, work, or mental health struggles that the person may not feel comfortable sharing. Weight gain, often subject to unsolicited criticism, could be the result of emotional challenges or health conditions. Yet, instead of empathy, many clients encounter judgment.
These critiques fail to consider that these visible challenges are often symptoms of invisible struggles. Stress, anxiety, and depression frequently show up in physical forms, from fatigue and dull skin to changes in weight and even nail-biting. But instead of approaching each client with sensitivity, this culture of “beauty enhancement” has normalized a type of scrutiny that only amplifies insecurities. People already navigating mental health challenges can feel even worse after a session meant to be uplifting and relaxing. Those already carrying the weight of self-doubt or body image issues may leave feeling as though their struggles have been put under a microscope, and their self-worth diminished.
This “beauty standard” approach that many parlours push reinforces narrow definitions of attractiveness, implying that beauty means correcting, concealing, and controlling rather than accepting. The impact can be more profound than a few passing comments. When people leave feeling worse than when they arrived, it reflects a disconnect between what these spaces are meant to be—a source of self-care—and what they’ve become—a zone of criticism. Instead of stepping out with renewed confidence, clients often find themselves questioning their worth even more, internalizing the belief that they must “fix” themselves to be enough.
These experiences can weigh heavily on individuals who already battle self-esteem and body image challenges. Frequent exposure to these environments may lead them to avoid beauty parlours altogether, finding the stress of criticism too much to bear. It can also build a narrative of inadequacy that feeds their mental health struggles rather than alleviating them. Rather than promoting self-care, this critical approach pushes clients further from the very peace of mind they seek.
A beauty parlour culture rooted in kindness and empathy would make all the difference. Simple changes—using supportive language, avoiding unsolicited comments, and taking a gentler approach—could transform parlours into spaces that support well-being rather than exacerbate self-doubt. Empathy in service could shift the focus from “flaws” to understanding that everyone brings a story with them, and beauty should be about enhancing self-worth rather than diminishing it.
Imagine if beauty parlours shifted their focus to embrace kindness, making every client feel valued and beautiful as they are, feeling free to define their beauty standards and feeling comforted in their own skin. Instead of emphasizing flaws, the conversation could highlight holistic well-being, reinforcing that beauty is more than skin-deep. It’s time for the beauty industry to reflect on its role and recognize its power to either reinforce insecurities or uplift self-worth. A visit to a beauty parlour shouldn’t feel like walking into a judgment zone but rather a place of acceptance, relaxation and respect, a place where people come to feel cared for, not scrutinized.
Written by: Vedica Podar
#MentalHealth #SelfLove #Wellbeing #MindMatters #YouMatter #Wellness #Psychology #Gaslighting #spaDay #BodyDysmorphia #UnsolicitedComments #BeautyIndustry #IndianBeautyParlours #UnpleasantExperiences #Selfscrutiny #SelfDoubt #Stress #Anxiety
November, 2024