Boost beauty services with express treatments

With work commitments, social engagements and family to attend to, finding the time to keep up a beauty regime can be difficult for many men and women. That’s why many salons have turned to express treatments in order to boost business – in-salon services of half an hour or less that can give clients that quick beauty boost without taking up more than a lunch hour. Rae Palmer, owner of We Love Hair and Beauty in Southampton says, "While the idea of decadent pampering sounds like bliss, the reality for most clients is that they're strapped for time and rushing to fit in maintenance such as manicures, pedicures and waxing. It certainly pays to offer fast beauty treatments." Jo Harris, head of beauty at Urban Retreat in Harrods, London has also noticed a growing demand for express services. "One of the key things that we have identified at Urban Retreat is that clients are increasingly time-restricted," she says. "Express services are the most in-demand treatments at our salon and during the Summer clients are often requesting to have a few done at the same time." This has led Jo to re-think the salon's offering: "We are going to launch a bespoke time-led service where clients can meet three beauty needs in one hour," she says. As well as appealing to those who are pushed for time, express services are a great way to keep clients coming back to the salon, even if financial concerns are making them leave longer between appointments. "With pressure being felt on our purses and pockets during these tough economic times, shorter, more affordable treatments mean that clients can still make themselves look and feel good, without feeling guilty," says Danielle Beckingham, Sothys national education manager. Offering fast, budget-friendly beauty options may also end up building your clientele, as it gives people a chance to experience the salon for the first time without committing too much time or money. "Clients who enjoy a bitesize beauty appointment are more likely to come back for a longer session when they're free," confirms Rae. Express Beauty For perfectly defined eyes, the ilash Xpress takes as little as 10 minutes and gives full, thick lashes. From £45 www.abxbeauty.co.uk Dermalogica MicroZone treatments are 20-minute intense problem-zapping sessions which can target anything from breakouts to dehydration. Price on request 01372 363600 www.dermalogica.co.uk No one likes waiting around for their nails to dry, but CND Shellac manicures offer instantly perfect, chip-resistant polish with virtually no drying time. Price on request 0845 210 6060 www.sweetsquared.com Pamper feet fast with the Crystal Clear Foot Rejuvenation Treatment, a mini microdermabrasion service that takes 30 minutes. £45 www.crystalclear.co.uk