Beauty Treatments

Also known as: Cosmetology, Beauty Therapy.

Beauty may only be skin deep, but when you look good on the outside, you can't help but feel chipper and more confident from the inside. Beauty therapy is an umbrella term for hundreds of treatments for your skin, hair, nails and make-up - everything you need to make sure you're looking 'effortlessly' beautiful.

Skin

Your skin is your body's largest organ and it has a big job to do, coping with everything the elements and your hormones can throw at it. So, it's a bit much to expect it to stay soft, supple and blemish-free without a little bit of help every now and then.

There are dozens of skin treatments available, but the most beauty salons offer core treatments such as body wraps, exfoliating scrubs, tanning (fake or using sunbeds), and facials. If you suffer from a severe or specific complaint, such as acne or eczema, it might be best to visit a qualified dermatologist.

Make-up

You might be a dab hand with the mascara wand, but we can all learn a little from the experts. Make-up masterclasses are perfect for women who want to improve their skills and are becoming more widely available for men who want to enhance their looks with the more subtle products available.

As well as lessons, most beauty salons have make-up artists who offer special-event makeovers and wedding make-up for the big day.

Hair

It's a love-hate relationship: some hair we love and spend hours keeping glossy and neat; other hair we're less keen on (usually the short, fuzzy type), which we'll do anything to see the back of.

When it comes to the good sort - our much-loved manes - a hairdresser or beauty salon can offer a number of treatments including cutting and colouring, of course, but also deep-conditioning treatments and styling for special events.

If you've any unsightly fuzz to get rid of, most beauty salons can offer you quick-win, temporary measures such as waxing, bleaching or threading. For longer-term options, though, look out for salons and clinics offering electrolysis or laser hair removal.

Nails

Tame your talons with a shape, polish and a lick of colour. Whether you want a nourishing treatment for natural health or you'd like acrylic extensions for impressive length, most beauty salons and nail bars will offer both.