Is it just me?

I hate people touching me so I would avoid anything like that. However, I have looked into having my red veins on my face being treated by laser as I feel that I would feel a lot better about myself when I had to look in the mirror.
Quite frankly, I can't believe the excitement about hairdressers being open again. Setting such store by the length of one's hair completely passes me and my husband by. Mind you, we are scruffy Herberts!

What a shame that giving oneself some pleasure - which beauty treatments and massages may do for some people - is referred to as an indulgence. Self-care is fundamental to good self-esteem, and good self-esteem is fundamental to good mental health. And self-care can take many forms - 'indulging' in a theatre ticket, a large box of chocolates every week, weekend away, retail therapy, etc., - each to her own. To use the word indulgence suggests that one is not really entitled - surely we all are entitled to care for ourselves.

Used to occasionally go to the hairdressers in my 20's, and had a free makeover at Boots at an over 60's event shortly after I hit that milestone, but apart from that, I'm with the OP in never having had any of the things in the original post. I suppose its each to his/her own for self indulgence, especially when lockdown ends to make up for lost opportunities during lockdown. I will be self indulgent in other ways!

I don't think you are that unusual but you really need to try them to understand how they could benefit you. As others have pointed out it's as much about how you feel as what you look like.

Massages can be brilliant to help relieve tension and, sometimes, pain. Facials and spas can also help relieve tension if you like them, but they just stress me out. I have a very occasional pedicure because it's not so easy to reach my feet these days but mainly I take care of my nails myself.

My one luxury in this category is the occasional pedicure. I always have one if possible on a cruise, or if I go to a hotel with treatment rooms. It’s wonderfully relaxing and especially good if you are going to be walking about more than usual.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Hi well I get my hair and my nails done with having arthritis. I struggle to do myself. You don’t know what reasons ppl get things done or what is going on in their personal lives. Maybe you do something that they don’t and they think you are wasting money on. Each to their own and who is anyone to judge anyone for what they enjoy.

I think that saying these things are "a self indulgent waste of money" is hideously judgemental and self-righteous. What a puritanical way to think! I have my hair cut regularly, so that I look well-groomed (well, I did before lockdown!) and my nails gelled every month so that they look pretty and well kept instead of the raggedy, flaky and ugly objects they were before I began having them done: I adore the feeling of being pampered with a good aromatherapy massage, or a facial at my local college, and since left alone my eyebrows are like Denis Healy's and I can't control 'em myself I enjoy the luxury of lying back & having them waxed into shape. I appreciated these things and the compliments he gave me when my darling husband was alive - now that he's gone they give me a feeling that I'm still making him proud of me, and they greatly lift my mood. So they're NOT self indulgent OR a waste of money.

Apart from regular haircuts, and more recently, wax, shape and tint of eyebrows, my only other indulgences are having a manicure periodically, and in the summer, I have my legs waxed. But, everyone to their own, I don't think that anyone having beauty treatment is being self indulgent or wasting their money. We all have our own idea of a 'treat' and unless you wish to cut your own hair and scrub your face with a flannel every night, it is a little hypocritical to sneer at those who decide to go a little further in what makes them feel good. The beauty industry is a big one, employing mainly women, and self employed too, and I am happy to help.

I agree - each to their own, but for me I could think of nothing worse. A group of friends clubbed together and bought me a spa day with 3 "treatments" for my 50th birthday (years ago), and the voucher is still somewhere in a draw. I didn't have the heart to tell them someone massaging me or wrapping me in mud/chocolate/seaweed (take your pick) gives me the heebie jeebies. I don't even like going to the hairdressers and leave it as long as I can between appointments.

Yes I thought the OP was a bit judgemental too. Of course not everyone enjoys beauty treatments but we are entitled to spend our money as we see fit. I treat myself to books, gin and lunches out with friends ( when we are able to ) these could also be classed as self indulgent. What is wrong with having things we enjoy, we have not taken vows of poverty or eschewing the pleasures of the flesh.
"Hie thee to a nunnery" Quizzer

My DD and I have a couple of days at Champneys every year and we love it!! It's a bit of quality relaxing girly time together and being pampered! What's not to love? We missed it dreadfully last year but hope we can go again this summer
Is this a self indulgent waste of money? Definitely not!!

I don’t particularly like going to the hairdressers (apart from the chat and gossip?) but I still go every 8 weeks for a trim and highlights.
My indulgence is having a pedicure, I just love it and walk on air after having one.

Have had pedicures since I lived in South America years ago. Wearing sandals year round means feet are on display. Started having facials about 20 years ago, very relaxing.

Anything that makes you feel better is money well spent. DH loves cars and his car is waaaay more expensive than mine, but still does the same job getting us from A to B. He does enjoy driving, so why not?

Each to their own. Over the years I have enjoyed Spa days, massages etc especially in beautiful surroundings (not all were gifts some I paid myself). I now prefer long country walks in beautiful mountains. I cannot understand how some people pay extortionate amounts of money for their cup of coffee each day or the astronomical cost of their favourite wine at their favourite eating place. Come to think of it some people are prepared to pay amazing restaurant prices on things I can cook at home at a fraction of the cost. It's all individual preferences. I am so looking forward to having some choices soon. P.S. I cannot understand spending vast sums on inappropriate outfits, high heels, make up, the list goes on and on.....

How judgemental! It’s a personal choice. I’m sure some who enjoy treatments think you are strange to feel that they are a waste of money!

I needpedicures and massages. I get a lot of hard skin on my feet, which I can't get off myself; and I have back problems, so have a monthly sports massage (not the relaxing sort) to loosen my muscles.

I have a massage booked for 10am on April 12th. It's £25 for an hour's head/shoulders/back rub, and I cannot tell you how much I'm looking forward to physical contact after so long.

We're all different, Quizzer!

It's not a waste of money to those who want to spend money doing these things

I'm not much into pampering either . Years ago my husband's business organised a day off for staff and partners.
I was not best pleased to be shuttled off to some pamper place in an old stately home.

The men were off to drive Lamborghinis' and the like at a racing place.

I pointed out to my dearest that it might not be just me who would rather have a spin in a fast car so maybe the choice could be given

About 20% of the women wanted to do the speed car day out

I do love acupuncture. Costs me about £40 a week. Well it did until Covid.

Some may say that's a waste of money but it's horses for courses.

To each his own. Their life their choice.

Whatever makes you happy!
I have had quite a few beauty treatments (but have drawn the line at waxing after I was used as guinea pig for a friend who was a student beautician at the time !)
I must say, something like a manicure or a pedicure can really boost your feeling of well being.
Don't knock it until you've tried it!

It's up to every individual how they spend their money. Personally I've never had anything apart from having my hair done. Perhaps these treatments boost their self esteem. I wouldn't dream of telling people that what they enjoy is a waste of money.

GagaJo
You might consider massages as an unnecessary extravagance
but the health benefits are:
Reduces your levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Boosts production of serotonin and dopamine.

Only indulgence is hair cut which is booked for when we come out of lockdown and every 5 weeks. Dye it at home.
Had a massage when on holiday and it was lovely, but also had manicures and would only have them for special occasions as felt it left my nails in poor condition.