Service description
In the past, in Cyprus, as in other Mediterranean countries, barbershops flourished; a visit to one was not merely a trip to the hairdresser’s, but a whole philosophy of life. A father would take his son, who in turn would take his own son. Cypriots sitting in chairs by the doors of village barbers’ shops still make for quite a colourful sight. They wait for news brought by visitors from all over the district. It is here, over a cup of Cypriot-style coffee, that myths and legends are born. But let’s return from the villages to the towns.
Features of beauty salons in Cyprus
As is well known, Cyprus is a small island nation, and the adoption of the latest technologies – including those in the ‘beauty industry’ – is a rather slow process here. What’s more, Cypriots themselves are quite conservative by nature. Furthermore, despite the island’s small size, there is a fairly distinct division between regions. Life is ‘bustling’ in the capital of Cyprus, as well as in the tourist centres. In Nicosia, you can find salons belonging to well-known international brands, such as ‘Tony&Guy’.
Overall, the beauty industry in Cyprus consists of small chains or independent salons, many of which offer single services: hairdressing, manicures and pedicures, hair removal, and beauty treatments. Cypriot salons do not rely on a large influx of tourists, as virtually every 4- or 5-star hotel has its own spa and beauty facilities. And even if visitors to the island are not staying in hotels, they are unlikely to risk changing their look in a foreign country unless absolutely necessary.
However, a number of local stylists are highly qualified. Thanks to nearly a century of British colonisation of the island, studying in the UK has been and remains popular in Cyprus. Many owners of large salons, who are also top stylists, spent 5–6 years training at leading schools in ‘Foggy Albion’ – a sort of ‘Academy of Personal Style’ that has long dominated the global beauty market: ‘Vidal Sassoon’, ‘Tony&Guy’ and ‘Mahogany’ are just some of the educational institutions attended by Cypriot stylists. The most popular brands used by Cypriot beauty salons are L’Oréal, Kérastase, Keune, Schwarzkopf and Wella (for hairdressers), Academie, Belnatur, Christina, Gigi, Holly Land, Janssen, Thalgo (for beauticians), and CND and OPI (for manicurists and pedicurists). A fairly large Russian-speaking community has now established itself in Cyprus, and the women among them are accustomed to receiving high-quality salon services. Consequently, in Cyprus’s major cities there are quite a number of beauty salons staffed by Russian professionals, offering the full range of services traditionally found in Russian beauty salons.
Prices at beauty salons in Cyprus
Prices in beauty salons in Cyprus vary considerably depending on the salon’s standard, its proximity to tourist areas and a number of other factors. However, here are some average prices typical of business-class salons:
- men’s haircut – 20–35 euros;
- women’s haircut – €30–40;
- haircut + colour – around €100;
- styling – €10–17;
- women’s manicure – €10–30;
- men’s manicure – €10–35;
- gel polish – €15–25;
- pedicure – €35–40;
- hair removal – €10–50.
Spa services in Cyprus
As a rule, spa services in Cyprus are the preserve of hotels. It is here that the most comprehensive range of services is offered, including various types of massage, thalassotherapy, and facial and body treatments. The very best spa facilities are located in 5* hotels. This is the realm of world-renowned brands: Shiseido, Pevonia Botanika, Elemis, Thalgo and others. For example, at the 5* Four Seasons Hotel (Limassol), you can enjoy treatments at the Shiseido spa centre. Body treatments lasting between 1.5 and 2.5 hours cost between 140 and 250 euros and include a relaxing massage, as well as foot, head and shoulder massages. You’ll also be offered facial treatments (ranging from rejuvenating programmes to deep wrinkle-correction treatments) costing between 70 and 150 euros.
One of Cyprus’s finest spas is the 5* Le Méridien Hotel (Limassol). Here, treatments are carried out using products from the Elemis and Thalgo brands. Elemis is not particularly widespread in Russia, but globally it is one of the undisputed leaders, favoured by the spa centres of hotel chains such as Jumeirah (UAE), Marriott and others.
The cost of facial treatments at the spa ranges from €65 to €150, whilst body treatments cost between €65 and €200, depending on the type and duration. Hotels generally also offer hand and foot care packages, including hair removal. Prices here will be slightly higher than in city salons. For example, a manicure and pedicure cost 45 and 80 euros respectively, whilst hair removal services range from 22 to 45 euros.
To sum up…
Cyprus is the perfect place for love – including love for your own body! It is here that you’ll derive immense pleasure from spa treatments, treat yourself to exquisite make-up, and, if you wish, completely transform your look under the guidance of professionals. What’s more, if you’re a fan of professional hair and body care products, it’s worth checking out the popular ranges. You’ll get better value for money here (for example, Kerastase shampoo costs €19 in Cypriot salons, whilst a hair mask costs €33).
