Swathy and Sky

How often do you go to a parlor? Once a month, may be? Ever since I started going to the parlor, some of the practices I found were completely unhygienic even in the best of them. Then, they would also not carry the same moisturizers and sunscreens. So, I started developing a habit of carrying my own go-to-parlor kit. My go-to parlor kit has must haves for salon sessions. You could also carry your own manicure and pedicure kits just to be on the safer side but I am lazy enough to skip that!!

Going to parlor is relaxing but sometimes it becomes a little frustrating for me when I see some of them doing things which they should not. Yes, turning a blind eye is the only thing you can do in fact. For example, they use the same knife/spatula to dip into the wax and use it on countless people. I also wish they have ice cubes when skin needs to be calmed down or soothed a little, especially after threading or waxing and even after extraction.

What are my must-haves to salon?

Change of Clothes

I always always carry my own clothes which I don in there before getting the services done and change back. I do not like what they provide unless they are disposables and hardly salons invest in them! So, I prefer to wear mine.

Hair Oil

I love head massages and there is nothing wrong with using the regular coconut or almond oil but I prefer to carry my own hair oil. Sometimes because I am in the middle of reviewing a product and sometimes because I want to just use up the stuff at home. There is no particular reason but I like to invest in my hair oils and use them. I also make my own customized changes to the oils by adding in essential oils and I would like to take full advantage of them. So, for me, hair oil is another must have for salon sessions.

Nail Paint

Well, I am not really a fan of nail paint but I have one signature shade which I absolutely love – the valentine from Faces. I discovered this particular shade of red when I was getting married and I have been consistently in love with it. I always carry my own nail paint when I go for pedicures or manicures.

Towel / Wash Cloth

No matter how much the service lady cleans off the wax, I feel some of it is left behind. Or, after the facial or the detan pack, there is quite a bit left on the ears or behind the ears or on the back if the girl is not good at her job. I carry the wash cloth for such exigencies. And, also because I like to use my own stuff. Again one of the most important must haves for salon trip.

Toners / Moisturizers and Sunscreen

The parlors do use astringents after the waxing but I like to hydrate my skin so I use toners. I do not like moisturizing right away because it can cause pigmentation. You should let the skin rest a while after waxing and before applying anything, at least not until you have washed the area in cold water.

But, then, after facials or any face service, they have generic moisturizers which I do not like to use. So, I carry my own moisturizer or an all-purpose product like nivea crème. Also, I prefer to go to salons in the evenings but just in case I go in the morning time, I always carry sunscreen and a scarf to cover my head completely. If you go in the mornings or afternoons, sunscreen is a prominent product in your must haves for salon trip.

So, I do my best to be as hygienic as possible but of course, at home services can be best sometimes, though the spatula problem remains.

Now, it’s your turn . . .

These are the things which make up my go-to-parlor kit. Do you have a go-to-parlor kit? What is your list of must haves for salon sessions? I would love to know your thoughts about it.