You’ve booked your dream holiday, and visions of lounging by the pool or exploring a new city are already in your head – soon to be a reality. But before you’ve even packed your suitcase, there’s a hidden cost that’s already racking up: the “girl tax.”
This is the sometimes overwhelming amount women spend on beauty treatments before a trip, all in the name of feeling fabulous while on holiday. From waxing and manicures to hair highlights and self-tanning, the pre-holiday beauty regime can easily cost upwards of €300 — and that’s being conservative.
The Breakdown: What We Spend Before We Even Pack
1. Waxing
Let’s face it, no one wants to be fussing with razors while enjoying the sun. A full leg and bikini wax can easily set you back around €50-€70, depending on where you go and how much you want done. Add in any other areas like your underarms or brows, and the total climbs even higher.
2. Manicure & Pedicure
Perfect nails have become a holiday essential. A professional manicure and pedicure duo can range anywhere from €60 to €100, depending on whether you opt for gel or regular polish. Let’s not forget the likelihood of adding some extra nail art flair, bringing that total up even more.
3. Hair Highlights or Colouring
If you’re heading to a sun-soaked destination, you’ll want your hair looking beach-ready. A visit to the salon for highlights, balayage, or even a touch-up can cost a pretty penny — expect to spend anywhere between €100 to €150, depending on the salon and treatment. After all, a fresh hairdo is the ultimate confidence booster for your holiday photos.
4. Self-Tanning
The golden glow is a must for some of us, especially if you’re arriving at your destination looking less sun-kissed than you’d like. A professional spray tan or self-tan can set you back about €30-€40. It’s not just about looking tanned; it’s about having that even, streak-free finish that can be hard to achieve at home.
5. Eyelash Extensions & Brow Shaping
For those seeking low-maintenance glamour, eyelash extensions are the answer. Long, fluttery lashes mean you can skip the mascara while still looking fabulous. These can cost anywhere from €50 to €100, depending on the style and type of extensions. Throw in brow shaping and tinting, and you’re looking at another €20-€40.
Why Do We Do It?
So, why do we spend so much before a holiday? Is it just about looking good, or is there something deeper? For many, it’s about feeling confident and making the most of those precious days away from everyday life. Holidays are a rare chance to unwind, and part of that involves feeling your best — and for a lot of women, these beauty treatments play a big role in that.
The holiday photos you’ll look back on for years, the poolside lounging where you want to feel carefree, and the desire to simply treat yourself all contribute to the reasoning behind these pre-holiday beauty rituals.
Hidden Costs of Travel for Women
The “girl tax” is very real and adds up fast, often without us even realising it. From the wax to the tan and everything in between, beauty treatments can quickly become part of the pre-holiday checklist. It’s easy to spend €300 or more before you even start packing your bags. While some may argue it’s optional, many women feel the pressure to conform to these standards — whether it’s due to social media, societal expectations, or personal preferences.
While men may spend on grooming before a holiday, the costs for women tend to be significantly higher due to the range of treatments many of us feel necessary. This difference highlights the gendered aspect of beauty and self-care expenses, often referred to as the “pink tax” — where products and services marketed toward women tend to be priced higher than those for men.
Is It Worth It?
At the end of the day, it’s up to each individual to decide if the cost is worth it. For some, the confidence boost and feeling of being pampered before a holiday is priceless. For others, the increasing cost of pre-holiday beauty treatments might start to feel more like a burden. In any case, the key is to feel great on your holiday, whether that involves a full beauty regime or simply embracing a more natural look.
How to Save on the Girl Tax
If you’re looking to keep your pre-holiday beauty costs down, there are a few strategies that might help:
- DIY Treatments: Doing your own nails or trying an at-home self-tan can save you a significant chunk of change. There are plenty of quality products on the market that make at-home treatments more accessible and effective than ever.
- Package Deals: Some beauty salons offer package deals that combine treatments like waxing, nails, and tanning for a reduced price. It’s worth asking about any pre-holiday deals that can help you save.
- Stretching Appointments: If you get your highlights or other treatments done slightly ahead of time, you might be able to extend their lifespan with a little extra care (like using special shampoos for coloured hair).
Own It, Whatever You Choose
Whether you go all out with a pre-holiday beauty splurge or take a more low-key approach, the most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. The “girl tax” is a reality for many women, but with a little planning and some self-love, it doesn’t have to be a source of stress. After all, holidays are about relaxing and enjoying yourself — so whatever makes you feel your best, go for it!