The cost of eyelash extensions is skyrocketing: would you pay £100?

Beauty is pain, as the old saying goes. But as the holidays approach, the price of looking good really starts to hurt. These days in London, £100 barely covers a nail appointment with a design, not to mention a set of eyelashes. And as the countdown to Christmas begins – the most glamorous season of the year – beauty companies are hiking prices, capitalizing on the boom in festive parties and events. And many customers are not happy about it.

The most I ever spent on lashes was £85 for a set of thick volumes. The isolation was perfect, the technique was on point and the lashes lasted for more than a month. No complaints. But was the service worth £85? I couldn’t help but compare this to dining at a nice restaurant, where I would 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 rooms 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, closed eyes, and TikTok reveals that go viral for all the wrong reasons. Lesley Blair MBE, Chief Executive Officer of BABTAC (British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology), highlighted the risks: “Professional services may cost more, but cheaper treatments could mean lower quality, whether in terms of qualifications, products or insurance. As much of the beauty industry is unregulated, consumers should do proper research before booking. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

So what’s behind these price hikes? Google Trends shows that the demand for eyelash extensions is increasing year over year, boosting their popularity as a recurring search term month after month. As we become more and more pressed for time, people are increasingly looking for semi-permanent treatments that allow them to save precious minutes in the morning. Eyelash extensions are already expensive, with the average volume costing around £70. Add in a festive £20 surcharge, and you’re suddenly approaching the £100 mark, which seems 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 rate increases. TikTok user @Tiaxmexpressed her frustration: “I just can’t justify spending £80 on lashes. What am I actually paying? Another user complained: “I’ve seen lash technicians charging a £25 party fee from December 20th. I understand if it’s Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, but £25 extra for a regular appointment seems excessive to me.

Ella Botros, co-manager of the company at Strip Hair Removal Expertswhich offers eyelash and eyebrow treatments, said: “Due to weak laws in the UK regarding beauty services and the people who provide them, many businesses can find loopholes. During the holiday season, everyone wants to look their best. As demand is very high, customers are willing to pay extra and industries make the most of it. However, at Strip we do not take advantage of this busy time of year and we always remain consistent throughout the year with our prices.

Some customers may view the practice of raising prices as opportunistic, but beauty providers argue otherwise. Thelma Opong, owner of TeesLounge and a hairdresser, explained: “Just as overtime can be expected to be paid for unsociable working hours, beauty professionals should also be compensated for the extra demand and longer hours during the holiday season. »

Lash technician Millie adds that party costs often reflect the increased pressure and preparation required: “December is the busiest month for us. I understand why some people charge extra. I have a £15 charge for December 31st only. Lash technicians often work late evenings and attract clients who have booked last-minute appointments. This comes at a cost: not just in terms of time, but also in terms of maintaining quality of work under pressure.

As costs skyrocket, people like me are turning to DIY alternatives such as cluster lashes. While these can save money, personally I don’t think they compare to a set of professionally done lashes. From durability to technique, the experience just isn’t the same. Ultimately, the debate over festive price hikes isn’t going to go away. But whether you opt for premium service or settle for DIY, one thing is clear: the pursuit of beauty is rarely cheap – or simple.

Renee WashingtonGrazia’s fashion and beauty digital assistant lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the perspective of the modern fashion girl.