Our busy, hectic lives coupled with our lack of time to properly take care of ourselves can take its toll on your skin and body. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder but it doesn't hurt to visit a beautician once in a while to improve imperfections, treat any skin conditions or to give your hair and nails an upgrade, instantly reviving and rejuvenating you. Certified professionals that have modern and highly effective equipment, beauticians ensure that you look perfect and are on top of your game. Also known as cosmetologists, they study the application of beauty treatments and may be specialised in particular areas such as hairstyling, skin care, cosmetics, manicures and pedicures, permanent hair removal like electrology and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), as well as semi-permanent hair removal such as waxing. Some work at their own premises, whereas others may also be able to make home visits.

Services offered by beauticians

From your hair and nails to your skin and your body folds, beauticians provide a variety of services and treatments. Here is a rundown of the various amenities on offer.

Skin care

Tired and run down? Look young and healthy with a series of treatments such as facials, peels and moisturising treatments. For those who would like to remove age spots and lighter acne scars, microdermabrasion treatment is ideal for achieving a flawless skin. In addition, armed with the appropriate tools, a number of beauticians can provide a more specialised service like acne blue light therapy, laser skin rejuvenation and thermage, a non-exfoliating facial rejuvenation technique that can tighten the face and neck.

Hair treatments

Hair problems? Ditch homemade solutions like mayo masques and beer and egg concoctions that may or may not work and let your hair get a makeover by a professional. Providing more than the mere cut, beautician's hair treatments consist of colouring, perms, conditioning and straightening treatments, as well as trims and cuts and various styling like updos. In addition, hairstylists can also perform all of the above on wigs and hairpieces. Some salons may have an individual who works exclusively with male clients and therefore doubles as a barber. Apart from cutting male clients' hair, the barber can also take care of your facial hair, ensuring that it does not go unruly and that you do not look unkept.

Nail treatments: manicures and pedicures

If your nails are chipped and need some tender loving care, a manicure and pedicure can bring them back to life. The manicurist can improve the look and feel of your natural nails or you may decide to apply artificial alternatives. The most popular types are acrylics, gels and silks. A form of nail extension, acrylics and gels can be filed into any shape you desire, whereas silks are used to strengthen and repair your own nail. Focused on your feet, pedicures do not only help shape, buff and beautify your toenails, but some salons may also offer massage, transforming the experience into the ultimate treat for your tired tootsies.

Hair removal

Enjoy silky smooth skin thanks to hair removal. These treatments can range from the typical waxing methods whereby sticky wax is spread on an area of skin and quickly pulled off eliminating both the hair root and dead skin cells to more permanent solutions like laser hair removal. Using the power of laser, the hair follicle is heated to such an extent that it destroys the stem cell, preventing future growth. If you're after an even more permanent solution, then electrolysis is the ultimate treatment for achieving this, suitable for any hair and skin type. Using electricity, this is applied to the base of the hair follicle, permanently damaging it.

Semi-permanent make-up

How would you like to wake up with a face that already has make-up, saving you both time and energy every morning? The application of semi-permanent make-up involves an innovative method whereby hypoallergenic pigments are deposited into the dermal layer of the skin, similar to what happens during a tattoo session. Typical locations where this treatment is done are the eyebrows, eyelids and lips. Semi-permanent make-up usually lasts for around 2 years, after which time you will only require a quick touch up. Another related service most beauticians offer is make-up application.

Body treatments

Don't let your bulging muffin top or spider veins put you down and force you to cover up your body. Show off your legs and wear that bikini after undergoing one of the many body treatments. Two popular ones consist of fat freezing and laser vein cellulite therapy. Otherwise known as cryolipolysis, this method freezes fat and can visibly reduce the contour of your body. And for those who suffer from all sorts of veins, your beautician can help you reduce or eliminate them completely with a series of techniques. Another less common body treatment conducted in certain establishments is tattoo removals.

How to choose the right beautician

With so many beauty salons and independent beauticians out there, the hunt for the best professional can be a daunting undertaking, however, there are a number of factors you may consider to make the process easier. To begin with, you need to ensure that the beautician is a highly trained and qualified professional, the salon's premises are clean, while the equipment used is modern and of good quality. Another thing you could do is to simply follow a trusted friend's recommendation. Doing so will also allow you to see the results without having to put your own skin at potential risk. Pricing is another factor you need to keep in mind. Whereas offers and packages can be tempting, remember that beauty treatments are high-end products and as expected, they come at a certain price. In addition, the products used during the treatments must be reputable, trusted brands. You can go ahead and do some research, while don't shy away from asking a prospective beautician what products are used. Lastly, ensure that the beautician is someone who has adequate experience, who understands a variety of skins and their requirements and who can easily identify the best and most effective treatments for you.