Beauty is pain, as the old saying goes. But as the festive season approaches, the cost of looking good is really beginning to sting. These days in London, £100 barely covers a nail appointment with a design, let alone a set of lashes. And as Christmas countdown begins - the most glamorous season of the year – beauty businesses are raising their prices, capitalising on the surge of festive parties and events. And many clients are not happy about it.
The most I’ve ever spent on lashes was £85 for a thick volume set. The isolation was perfect, the technique was on point, and the lashes lasted over a month. No complaints. But was the service worth £85? I couldn’t help but compare it to dining in a good restaurant, where I’d expect a 10/10 service experience to justify the cost. And let's face it, most lash appointments these days take place in rented studios or bedrooms with no added luxuries- no refreshments, no special touches.
Finding a balance between affordability and quality is tricky. Skimping on price can lead to disastrous results: horror stories of infections, eyes glued shut, and TikTok exposés that go viral for all the wrong reasons. Lesley Blair MBE, chair and CEO of BABTAC (British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology), emphasised the risks: 'Professional services may cost more, but cheaper treatments could mean lower quality- be it in terms of qualifications, products, or insurance. With so much of the beauty industry unregulated, consumers must do proper research before booking. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.'
So, what’s behind the price hikes? Google Trends shows that demand for lash extensions is rising year after year, cementing their popularity as a breakout search term month on month. As we become ever-more time-crunched, people are increasingly looking for semi-permanent treatments that save them precious minutes in the morning. Lash extensions are already pricey, with the average volume set costing around £70. Add a festive surcharge of £20, and you’re suddenly nearing the £100 mark, which feels harder to justify at a time when our bank balances are already taking a hit.
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As you can imagine, not everyone agrees with these seasonal fee hikes. TikTok user @Tiaxmvoiced her frustration: 'I just can’t justify spending £80 on lashes. What am I really paying for?' Another user complained: 'I’ve seen lash techs charging festive fees of £25 from 20th December. I understand if it’s Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, but £25 extra for a regular appointment feels excessive.'
Ella Botros, co-company manager at Strip Hair Removal Experts, which offers lash and brow treatments said, 'Because of the weak laws in the UK around beauty services and the people providing them, many businesses can find loopholes. Over the festive period everybody wants to look their best. Because the demand is so high, guests are willing to pay extra and industries make the most of it. However, at Strip we don’t take advantage of this busy time of year and we always remain consistent year wide with our pricing.'
Some clients may see the practice of increasing fees as opportunistic, but beauty providers argue otherwise. Thelma Opong, owner of TeesLounge and a hairstylist, explained: 'Just as you’d expect overtime pay for working unsociable hours, beauty professionals also need to be compensated for the extra demand and longer hours during the festive season.'
Lash technician Millie adds that festive fees often reflect the increased pressure and preparation required: 'December is the busiest month for us. I can see why some people charge extra, I have a £15 fee only for December 31st. Lash techs often work late nights and are squeezing in clients who’ve booked last-minute appointments. That comes at a cost – not just in time but also in maintaining the quality of work under pressure.'
As costs soar, people like me are turning to DIY alternatives such as cluster lashes. While these can save money, I personally don’t think they compare to a set of lashes done by a professional. From durability to technique, the experience just isn’t the same. Ultimately, the debate over festive price hikes isn’t going away. But whether you’re splurging on a premium service or settling for DIY, one thing is clear: the pursuit of beauty is rarely cheap – or simple.
Renee Washington, Grazia's digital fashion and beauty assistant, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie..