Abu Dhabi: Many Muslims tend to take an extra step during Ramadan in their quest for inner peace and spirituality.
As most salons in hotels in Abu Dhabi have male hairdressers, many are debating whether it is preferable for women to continue to visit these salons during the holy month, or whether they should refrain from the practice.
"I don't think it's a problem. If I want to get my hair styled or cut while I'm fasting, I would still go to my hair stylist who is a man; he is not touching my hair inappropriately nor giving me a head massage," said Hana, a Lebanese university student.
"Some people take things to an extreme, and therefore have to go through an unnecessary struggle. It's either right or wrong regardless of Ramadan. People should act the same way all year long," she added.
Youmna, a university professor, however, has a different view. She says that people can refrain from visiting these salons if they feel it is necessary for them.
Trying a bit harder
"I don't think it's wrong if some women decide to cut back on these salons. What's wrong in trying a bit harder in Ramadan?" she said.
Others prefer to lessen their visits for beauty treatments all together. They view it as a luxury that can be sacrificed during Ramadan, regardless of what type of salon one is opting for.
Noora Al Baharani, who works as a manager, explained that she would not be going to beauty parlours as often during the fasting month.
"I believe females will have less frequent visits to the salons during Ramadan. Personally, I don't go a lot. I usually always go and have my nails done, but during Ramadan, I will not be going that often," the Iraqi- Egyptian, 21-year-old said.
Business rates at one of the hair salons in the capital show that there is no sign of a significant decline in clients during Ramadan. Many women who choose to visit these parlours during the year continue to do so during the fasting month.
Pierre Awad, who runs the Le Reine Beauty Centre at Baynouna Tower, Hilton, said that from his experience, business only declines during the first 10 days of Ramadan, and then tends to pick up towards Eid.
"People imagine that there is a huge decline, but it's not the case actually. After first 10 days, 50 per cent of my usual business comes back. Many choose to come before Iftar in a couple of hours, or after.
"If we were to split things for that period of time, 30 per cent of my business is during Ramadan, and 70 per cent is during the week before and including Eid," Awad said.
