Lack of proper hygiene noted in Cebu’s salons

CEBU, Philippines — A Dubai-based beauty and wellness consultant encourages Cebu industry players to put premium and serious attention on hygiene, as the clientele is becoming more sophisticated.

Laila Ahmad, who has been in the salon consultancy service for 12 years, said that while the province is already catering to a multi-racial clientele as a major tourism destination, she noted that Cebu’s salon industry in particular does not put much weight on proper hygiene.

Ahmad is commissioned to be a consultant for the newly re-opened Prisca by Hollywood Nails and Spa in Ayala Center Cebu, which is now under a new management led by entrepreneur Niña Mabatid.

According to Ahmad, it is important specifically for nails services to put hygiene as top priority, as world-class and discerning clients are already extra sensitive in this particular service detail.

As Cebu is positioning to be a world-class destination, complementary products such as salon, and other beauty and wellness services should also be aligned with sophistication.

Apart from trendy colors and popular and highly patronized global nail polish brands, hygiene is a trend now in big salons especially in Dubai.

Thus, to introduce this practice in Cebu, Ahmad is implementing to use of organic disposal towels and strictly sterilized tools at the Prisca by Hollywood Nails and Spa, to guarantee cleanliness, among other conscious efforts.

"We are going to give our clients the best service they deserve. I believe there is a big market for this as people travel a lot and see in other countries these market trends. Service upgrades, such as this will surely be appreciated,” Ahmad said in an interview.

Aside from expanding international clientele Ahmad sees big potential for Cebu’s growing beauty and wellness noting the rapid expansion middle-income class who are willing to pay extra just to get high-standards of service.

Mabatid acquired Hollywood Nails and Spa after its owners brought the business up for sale early this year for P1.5 million.

Mabatid, who owns a migration consultancy firm, PinoyCare Visa Center, aims to make the salon investment as the commercial launching pad to roll her total beauty and wellness lines bringing the "Prisca" brand.

Aside from nails services, the specialty salon also has a separate treatment room for waxing, permanent make-up like micro-blading, eyebrow tinting and tattoo, upper and lower lid tattoo, and lip tattoo, eyelash extension, lash lift and tinting, facials, wart removal and radio frequency treatments. — (FREEMAN)