Trying to make ourselves more attractive and altering our appearance through the use of cosmetics and other procedures has been practised for thousands of years. Oils and fragrances have also been used for ceremonies and religious rites for just as long

The very early years.

It is believed that early female homo sapiens painted their bodies head to toe with red ocher to advertise fertility.

In Ancient Egypt, they applied minerals to their faces to provide colour and definition of features. Indeed, archaeologists have found evidence of cosmetics or makeup being used in Egypt dating back as far as the fourth millennium BC – including artefacts of eye makeup and objects used for the application of scented ointments.

The Romans used oil-based perfumes in baths and fountains, and even applied them to their weapons. The Roman ‘Lucian’ is noted to have talked about women and cosmetics referring to them polishing their teeth and eyebrows.

Roman women also stayed youthful with a mask of Libyan barley, pulverized stag horn, narcissus bulbs, and honey. To eliminate freckles and lighten skin, Roman women applied wild melon roots. They also used razors, pumice stone, tweezers and depilatory creams to remove unwanted body hair. Romans are also reportedly soaked in baths of crocodile faeces and mud for soft skin!

The Greek physician Galen, who is credited with creating the first cold cream, notes that “ladies dedicated to luxury” prefer a crocodile dung mask.

Women of the Han Dynasty in China ingested a powder made of tangerine peel, melon seeds, and peach blossoms three times daily for 30 days to whiten their complexions.

Nail polish can be traced back to at least 3000 BC. The Chinese found ways to use gum Arabic, egg whites, gelatine, and bees wax to create varnishes and lacquers for the nails. The Egyptians used henna to stain their fingernails.

Contrary to belief, people in the middle ages were not dirty or smelly. In the Middle Ages people used combs and tweezers. They also used toothpicks and mouthwashes.

Women curled their hair with hot tongs. They also dyed their hair. They used vegetable dyes to redden their faces and colour their nails. It was fashionable for women to pluck their eyebrows. They also tightened their skin with a cream made of chickpeas, barley, almonds, horseradish seeds, and milk.

In the 1600’s Herb-filled pomander balls were held in the mouth to plump the cheeks and disguise volume loss from age

Right up until very recently white skin was considered to be beautiful and for many centuries a whitening agent for the face was used, composed of carbonate, hydroxide, and lead oxide.

By the nineteenth century zinc oxide became widely used in cosmetics along with other poisonous substances were used such as: lead and antimony sulphide, mercuric sulphide and belladonna. These chemicals, would have been stored in the body were considered responsible for numerous physical problems and even death.

During the early 1900’s the commercial cosmetics industry saw massive growth in sales because of the widespread ability to advertise to greater numbers.

Women were constantly informed that exercise, diet, and the use of commercially manufactured cosmetics and hair products could make them more attractive.

Perhaps one of the most influential events on the beauty industry was the advent of the cinema, and colour films. Max Factor, a Hollywood makeup artist, developed a reputation for being able to customize makeup to present actors and actresses in the best possible light on screen. He contributed to the cosmetic industry with a wide variety of products, including pancake make-up.

Hollywood also affected the perception of tanned skin, reversing the emphasis on whiteness that had, up until them been encouraged. The 1950s saw the increased marketing of skin tanning aids which seems to have followed on from women using leg make up during World War II when there was a shortage of stocking.

During more recent times criticism of cosmetics has come from a variety of sources including feminists, animal rights activists and other public interest groups.

There is certainly a growing awareness of the possible side effects of many of the chemicals that are still present on many modern day cosmetics. There is a growing preference for cosmetics that are without any toxic ingredients.

Cosmetic surgery has also been around in some form or another for many years but didn’t become common until the 20th century. Whilst it is used for necessary reconstruction, it is mostly used for aesthetic improvement of the body and our desire for physical perfection, rather than with necessary reconstruction.

The first face-lift was performed in 1901. The first silicon breast implants were fitted in 1962 and liposuction was first carried out in 1974.

It is estimated that Over 10.2 million cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures were performed in the United States alone in 2008

Today the worldwide cosmetics and beauty aid industry is worth billions of pounds worldwide and shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, with the growing number of people choosing invasive cosmetic procedures to keep those years at bay, and the target market for all beauty products and procedures getting younger, it seems the industry will just keep on growing.

Although some businesses offer both services, there is a difference between a Beauty Salon and a hair salon.

Beauty Salons in Brighton offer you a wide variety of beauty and skin care treatments. These include; manicures and pedicures, eyebrow and eyelash treatments , body waxing, cosmetic applications, electrolysis, makeovers, massages and varied facials.

Some Beauty Salons also offer personalized beauty tips and intensive spa treatments – that can include reflexology and massage sessions.

At the time of writing, it is not required by law in the UK to register with any trade or professional bodies to practise as a beautician or therapist within the beauty industry.

However individuals wishing to work in the beauty business  should be qualified to at least NVQ/SVQ Level 2 or 3 (depending on their area of work).

Beauty Salons can operate in various business forms from sole traders (either working from home, their own business premises, or within another establishment such as a hotel etc), salons chains or large franchise owned Beauty Salons.

There are many types of beauty treatments offered at the various Beauty Salons in Brighton.

But what do Beauty Salons actually offer us?

It may not surprise you to know that one of the most sought after Beauty Salon treatments still seems to be a gorgeous body massage. Who amongst us doesn’t like the idea of either a full deep tissue massage to get rid of our aches and pains, or maybe a relaxing aromatherapy massage to relax and calm us after a busy day?

But we can enjoy many other treatments besides massage.

Other very popular treatments offered by most Beauty Salons are:

Body Treatments:

These can include body scrubs, body wraps, contour wraps and anti stress back treatments.

Electrolysis – gets rid of those unsightly facial hairs – for good.

Eye Treatments: Including – eyebrow and eyelash tinting.

Face Skin Care:

Including – cleansing facials, detoxifying facials, revitalising facials and non surgical facelifts.

Manicures and Pedicures.

Waxing:

Including – leg waxing, bikini waxing, Brazilian waxing, arm waxing, and even lip or eyebrow waxing.

Some Beauty Salons even offer to apply make up professionally for those special occasions.

The list above is only a small selection of the type of pampering you can expect to achieve from Beauty Salons in Brighton, so what are you waiting for?

If so, there are several checks that you should do to ensure your pampering experience is all you wish it to be.

While most Beauty Salons are perfectly good, you sometimes hear horror stories relating to cleanliness, infection or generally inexperienced beauticians.

Our advice would be to visit the Beauty Salon first. Talk to the beautician and ask about the various beauty treatments they offer, do they offer what you need? More and more Beauty Salons are expanding their list of services to accommodate todays busy and image conscious woman.

Ask them how much experience the staff have and about their qualifications. You should also ask about their hygiene practises and take a good look around you for cleanliness within the Beauty Salon.

Brighton offers many Beauty Salons. If you have friends who have used one you should ask them about their experiences. There may even be information of a forum on the internet.

Once you think you know which Beauty Salon to go, to do a search online and see if they have a website? If they do, does it look professional?

Remember, Beauty Salons willing to spend money on advertising will usually spend that bit extra on ensuring they run a professional business – including the hygiene and cleanliness of the salon.

If, after all that, you feel confident that you have chosen the right Beauty Salon in Brighton then good luck, maybe we’ll see you there?