Despite the Lunar New Year being just a few days away, many beauty salons across the province remain deserted and quiet. This is in stark contrast to the bustling and vibrant atmosphere of the days leading up to Tet in previous years.
While last year at this time, Mr. Tuan, the owner of Tuan Hair salon in Van Giang ward, Ninh Binh city, had to work day and night to serve customers, this year his salon is unusually quiet and deserted.
Anh Tuan said: "The end of the year is usually the busiest season for beauty establishments in general, and hair salons in particular, but at this point, the number of customers coming to the salon has only increased slightly compared to normal days. On average, the salon only receives about 10 customers a day, which is far too few compared to the expectations in the days leading up to Tet."
Walking around many beauty salons, both large and small, including hair salons, nail salons, and eyelash salons, the same somber atmosphere prevails. Ms. Thu Hong, owner of Hong Ngoc Spa in Bich Dao Ward, Ninh Binh City, shared: "My establishment caters to a variety of needs for women, such as skincare, eyebrow, eyelid, and lip tattooing, manicures, eyelash extensions, and eyelash perms. This time last year, I had to hire three extra helpers, and on peak days, I often had to order takeout meals and work in shifts. But this year, the number of customers has decreased significantly, estimated to be only half of what it was last year."
Explaining the unusually quiet and deserted atmosphere, business owners said: This year, due to the tight economy , many companies have had to cut staff, and workers have reduced their working hours, so women are also tightening their spending and limiting non-essential needs. Not only during Tet (Lunar New Year), but also during recent holidays, the number of customers has been significantly lower than in previous years.
Furthermore, due to the impact of the recent severe cold spell accompanied by persistent drizzle, many women are reluctant to go out or go for beauty treatments. In addition, many women are busy completing their year-end tasks and haven't had time to take care of themselves.
Ms. Pham Thi Nga from Ninh town, Yen Khanh district, said: "After a year of hard work, everyone wants to have a new, beautiful, and youthful look for Tet. However, I haven't been able to find the time yet. On average, getting my hair done takes more than half a day, and getting my nails or eyelashes done takes 2-3 hours, so I plan to do it when I have time off. If it's too late, then I'll just keep it simple this year for Tet."
To attract customers during peak season, most spas, salons, and establishments implement promotional programs, discounts, and special offers for loyal customers. Most services are offered with significant discounts for group combos: such as a 10% discount for groups of two; a flat rate of 449,000 VND for a perm and dye combo; a free root volume perm when getting a perm and dye combo; free hair treatments, hair oils, and vouchers for customers…
However, according to Mr. Son, the owner of a hair salon in Yen Ninh town, Yen Khanh district, consumers need to be cautious and wary of exaggerated advertisements and super-cheap promotional programs. If they are tempted by low prices and use substandard chemicals, their hair will become dry, brittle, and damaged, making it very difficult to restore.
Getting beauty treatments to celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year) is a common need for many women. However, customers need to thoroughly research establishments before choosing one, agree on service prices, and avoid being cheated. Recently, a social media user expressed frustration about a well-known salon in Ninh Binh city that advertised one thing but delivered something completely different, while charging exorbitant prices.
Furthermore, authorities advise people seeking beauty treatments to go to licensed and reputable beauty salons or specialized medical centers. They warn against overusing beauty treatments and the indiscriminate use of cosmetic products, which can cause skin diseases and affect health and even life.
Text and photos: Minh Hai
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