Hard times for our beauticians, hairstylists and nail artists |25 April 2020

Beautician Samia Cupidon, A Day at the Spa

As a result of COVID-19, beauticians and hair stylists and their employees are also facing economic hardship. For most of them, they have never lived a similar situation and they are learning the hard way how to deal with the situation and if ever business will be back to normal.

I personally know some of the ladies waiting patiently for the go ahead from the department of health to rush to their favourite nail artist, hairdresser or beautician. These people have become part of our lives and many women have to pay a visit to the salon at least once a month.

We spoke to two beauticians and a nail technician who shared with us their fears and hope.

Beautician Samia Cupidon, A Day at the Spa: “COVID-19 has changed my business in terms of there is no social distancing as we need to do treatments. Since there is a lot of body contact, we had to close down. I have told my clients about it and they are very understanding. I had to ask for financial help as I have two expatriate workers and I have to pay them their salary. It is not an easy thing but I guess we all need to cope with this situation.”

Beautician Ermma Hetimier: “It has been more than ten years since I have been working for Beauty Exclusive, next to Deepam’s Cinema. With whatever is happening, it is hard for everybody. Even the clients are asking me to come to their home, but I cannot go due to restrictions in place. There are two scenarios that can happen to us when the restrictions are over. People will either rush to us for immediate tidying up of eyebrows and nails or they will be scared to spend money due to other priorities. Many businesses will be affected by this pandemic. We are talking about the increase in price of the products. How we come out of it is the question.”

Nail technician Vesta Servina: “I usually work full time at a spa and also do nails part time. During this pandemic I have been practicing on my skills and I also have the time to go through my social media page to share home care advice to my clients. There has been a huge decline in clients and now with the Labour Day approaching clients who wanted to get glammed up feel restricted as a result of the prohibition of movement.”

Vidya Gappy

Encadre:

What do our readers have to say since they are unable to visit their beauticians and hair stylists for a month?

Savita Parekh: “Not coping very well, hair very grey, nails in terrible state.”

Vered Jeannie: “Well, we have all gone natural.”

Shamira Pillay: “I usually do it by myself but I do go to the hairdresser on special occasions.”

Sofie Lechartier: « Pas le choix dear! Comment faisaient nos ancêtres ? »

Barbara Finesse Morel: «Demen (Sanmdi) pe esey al fer home colouring avek seve. Nail mon’n bezwen tir tou varnish kit li natirel.»

Vidushi Keenoo Kissoon: “Perfectly fine. I take super long showers... I do my own nail. I have time to dry and straighten my hair whenever I want. As for eyebrows and upper lips, I use a tweezer. Legs and the rest, wax or shave. I do miss my hairdresser but well, on fait ce qu'on peut and it's like self-care therapy. #NoRush.”

Sly Cruise: “When I was about to move to Seychelles, someone advised that I should buy a gel machine and other nail art equipment. Here I am today doing my own nails, I couldn’t be happier. However, I cannot get all the spa treatments that I like. For my moustache, my tweezer comes in handy. Managing with what I have.”