It’s time to ditch your Instagram beautician and go back to the Peckham aunties

Remember the days when getting your hair done meant a local salon and you knew your beautician by name? Well times have changed now. The beauty salons that were once just stalls in shopping centres are now working from home and are making it all about them. In this new era of change, the beauty industry has evolved into something that might feel a bit like a beauty revolution. The personal touch, the friendly chit-chat, and the familiarity of your beautician are still very much alive. It’s just that now, the experience has taken a detour from the familiar brick-and-mortar route. 

For generations, aunties from all ethnic backgrounds have been the go-to source for beauty services in many communities. An “auntie” is often not a biological aunt, but an older female figure typically in a ethnic household. Their trusted expertise, warming nature, and beauty secrets, which have been passed down through generations, play a pivotal role in providing beauty services. 

Instagram Nail technicians, Hair Stylists, Lash Techs are charging almost triple the amount you would pay with an Auntie. With the inflation rate in the UK looking at 6%, this is very telling within the instagram beauticians and they have taken this and ran. A hairstyle like knotless box braids, which should typically last 8 weeks, should cost £150 – £100. But, through research and personal experience from an Instagram Hairstylist, this would cost above £300 or more. Which is over triple the price, and it raises eyebrows in a world where the cost of living is skyrocketing and £20 nails and £40 sew ins from Aunties, taking a trip to Rye Lane are looking like a must have.

Whilst aunties have a wealth of beauty and wisdom to offer, at a reasonable price, they are not up to date with the latest beauty trends that dominate social media, which is what originally led people away. But what they do have is an arsenal of experience with popular beauty styles for all ages and an incredible fast and hard work ethic. Whilst people were led to go to the Instagram beauticians because they were promised a luxurious and stress free appointment, it is far from that. 

With these Instagram beauticians, there is not only the ridiculous price to pay, but the even more ridiculous terms and conditions policies that they come with. In one of the terms of the stylists policy it says: “For every 5 minutes you are late it is an extra £5” and “For same day appointments it is an additional £20” 

So why did the girlies flock to Instagram beauticians? It’s not just about beauty, it’s about the experience, the transformation, and, most importantly the promise to instagram perfection. Instagram beauticians have carved a niche for themselves by providing certain services that go far beyond what aunties could offer. 

A big part of why the Instagram beauticians have popped off is because of accessibility. In today’s fast paced world, convenience and technology are king, and Instagram delivers that. Typically, to book a beauty service, you would have a mutual friend who would do it, or you would go to your nearest shop. But, since COVID19 and a rise in people starting businesses exclusively on instagram, there has been less demand to get out there and go into a salon. 

Scrolling through the Instagram page, you will take a look at their whole portfolio of work on their page, and all you have to do is send a direct message to the beautician of what you want. The process couldn’t be more straightforward. What makes these beauty services particularly enticing is the tantalising array of clientele that many instagram hairstylists have managed to amass from Love Islanders to pop stars. The star studded list not only adds exclusivity and popularity but a level of trust and credibility. If she’s getting her hair and nails done here, why aren’t I?

Instagram beauticians have undeniably emerged as a force to be reckoned with. They inspire countless young enthusiasts with their creativity and skill in an accessible way. But ultimately, in a world where budgets are tight, and the cost of living continues to rise, it’s time to rethink our beauty choices and to opt for a friendly chat and a cup of tea rather than shelling out an additional £100 for something you saw on instagram.