Understanding the Alluring History and Purpose of the Parlour

Understanding the Parlour: A Place for Beauty and Relaxation

The parlour has long been a place associated with rest, relaxation, and beauty treatments. But what exactly is a parlour? Here we explore the definition of the parlour, delve into its history, and examine its modern incarnations.

Defining the Parlour

The word "parlour" came into the English language in the early 13th century, derived from the Old French word "parleur" meaning "to speak". A parlour was originally defined as a room in a monastery or convent set aside for conversation, marked by its informality and privacy.

By the 19th century, the definition expanded to refer more broadly to a room in a private home used to receive and entertain guests. It was often used specifically for the more intimate gatherings of female guests, as opposed to the dining room which hosted larger dinner parties.

Today, the definition of a parlour refers to a room in a house, hotel, or establishment dedicated to a particular activity or service. Some examples of specific parlour types include:

• Beauty parlour: a salon dedicated to cosmetic treatments and services like hair styling, manicures, facials, etc.
• Funeral parlour: an establishment where memorial services are held and bodies prepared for burial
• Tattoo parlour: a business offering tattoo designs and tattooing services
• Ice cream parlour: a venue selling ice cream, desserts, and other sweets
• Tanning parlour: a salon with tanning beds and spray tanning facilities

So in summary, today a parlour refers to a room or establishment dedicated to a particular service or activity, with an emphasis on aesthetic and pampering treatments and relaxation.

The History of the Beauty Parlour

While many types of parlours exist, the beauty parlour has an exceptionally long and evolving history.

Affluent women in 19th century Victorian England would often entertain female friends and relatives in their homes for social gatherings held discreetly apart from the men. These comfortable, informal spaces dedicated to female social bonding laid the foundation for the earliest beauty parlours.

As the 19th century progressed, more commercial beauty service enterprises began emerging in England, France, and America. Storefront parlour spaces offered women an array of beauty treatments performed by specialist attendants.

By the early 20th century, electric appliances emerged allowing more advanced services like permanent waving, enhancing the popularity of beauty parlours globally. The industry boomed post-World Wars as women re-embraced fashion and feminine beauty rituals.

From discreet Victorian drawing rooms to contemporary storefront salons, the beauty parlour has always served as a feminine sanctuary catering to rest, relaxation, and self-pampering.

Beauty Parlour Services and Treatments

Modern beauty salons classified as "full-service" offer clients a vast menu of cosmetic treatments for hair, face, body, nails, and more. Common services available at most beauty parlours include:

• Haircutting, coloring, highlights, perms, straightening, extensions
• Scalp treatments
• Makeup application and lessons
• Facials: cleansing, exfoliation masks, moisturizing, etc.
• Anti-aging treatments: chemical peels, microdermabrasion, etc.
• Body treatments: body wraps, aromatherapy massage, body scrubs
• Manicures, pedicures, gel polish
• Waxing, laser hair removal
• Eyelash tinting and extensions

High-end luxury parlours may also offer niche beauty services like medical spa treatments such as Botox injections and CoolSculpting along with tanning options including spray tanning and tanning beds.

So whether a simple trim or an indulgent head-to-toe makeover, today's beauty parlours aim to cater to almost any personal primping and self-care need.

The Parlour Experience and Etiquette

Clients visit beauty salons not just for the beauty treatments but also to experience the pampering environment and phenomenal customer service.

Interior Design

Salon owners pay close attention to interior design details, crafting spaces that soothe and relax clients the moment they arrive. Elements like soft lighting, tranquil colors, massage chairs, refreshing cucumber water, and calming music all add to the salon's peaceful ambiance.

Magazines, snacks, private treatment rooms, and even alcohol offerings provide small luxuries enhancing the parlor's hospitality.

Customer Service

Attendants ensure customer satisfaction by personalizing services, offering consultations, and focusing completely on the client throughout treatments without distractions.

Many salons even provide hand and shoulder massages during hair processing times. This high-touch, concierge-style attention makes each visit feel pampering and special.

Etiquette and Tipping

Proper salon etiquette helps ensure seamless service for both client and staff. Clients should:

• Arrive promptly for appointments
• Turn cell phones off or to silent during treatments
• Give accurate descriptions of desired services
• Avoid strong perfumes that may bother others
• Give constructive feedback if dissatisfied

Tipping parlour attendants between 15-20% is standard for excellent service. Additional tipping may occur during the holidays or if service requirements were especially intricate or time-consuming.

By upholding proper etiquette around punctuality, communication, and tipping, clients help ensure the parlour provides an excellent pampering experience each visit.

Popular Types of Modern Parlours

While traditional beauty salons remain ubiquitous globally, some more unique and niche varieties of parlours exist to service specific pampering needs.

Eyelash Extension Parlours

These specialized establishments focus exclusively on enhancing eyes through semi-permanent eyelash extensions made of silk or mink fur. Lasting 2 to 3 weeks when properly maintained, these full, lush lashes amplify femininity and beauty without need of mascara.

Medical Spas

At these clinical hybrid facilities, doctors supervise staff performing results-driven skin and body treatments like injectables, laser resurfacing, body sculpting and more. Alongside medical procedures, guests still enjoy traditional spa offerings like massages, thus combing science and luxury pampering.

Float Spas

Also known as sensory deprivation tanks, float pods allow effortless floating in shallow pool-like enclosures filled with skin temperature water and Epsom salts. The pods eliminate light, sound, and gravity, providing extreme relaxation of mind and body. Float spas offer this unique, meditative experience.

While new varieties emerge, the parlour's core function remains unchanged - providing clients an escape into relaxation and beauty enhancement services.

The Parlour's Enduring Appeal

From ancient Roman bathhouses to day spas of today, parlours historically offered and continue providing clients sanctuary through beautifying treatments and self-care. The indulgent atmosphere lulls guests into relaxation where attentive staff restore and enhance aesthetic beauty.

The parlour endures not just for vanity's sake but because the human spirit intrinsically yearns to deflate stress. Just as seeking beauty bolsters self-esteem, rest recharges mental clarity. Experiencing these through professional touch enhances the parlour's soothing effects.

Regardless of how treatments or technologies advance, the timeless desire to look and feel radiant while unwinding from life's pressures ensures parlours will always remain fashionable places to frequently retreat and rejuvenate.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.