The term spa is commonly thought to be derived from the name of the town of Spa in Belgium, where a natural hot springs has been a site of healing since before Roman times. Evidence of human visitation to hot and cold springs can be traced to prehistoric times, and many people worldwide have believed
Tanning refers to the natural or artificial process of darkening one’s skin color. Typically, tanned skin is achieved via sun exposure but, in recent years, tanning beds delivering ultraviolet rays or booths that cover users with a topical spray that mimics a natural tan have become increasingly popular. History The debate about altering one’s skin
A tattoo is a type of body modification in which dye is injected into the skin to alter the pigment. Tattooing is prominent throughout the world, and there is anthropological evidence of some sort of tattooing for the past 10,000 years. Techniques vary, but the most common form of tattooing involves pricking the skin and
The teen market refers to a representative group of the population made up of girls and boys aged 14 to 18 years. Tradition has it that the teenager was born of the 1950s rockers and beatniks. However, increasingly America began referring to adolescent youth aged 14 to 18 as teenagers. From its inception, the term
Toni&Guy is an international hairstyling company that consists of salons, hair products, hairdressing academies, an Italian-style café chain, and specialized companies related to the salon business. The Toni&Guy hair design brand reflects current trends in fashion and style, emphasizing training, education, and innovative products. Known for their fashion-forward approach to styling hair, their salons are
Specialized magazines, newsletters, and trade journals devoted to beauty include product information, reports on the status of the profession, and various beauty association interests and activities—including government lobbying actions, articles on trends, and professional advice for both new practitioners and seasoned entrepreneurs. Catering to a wide range of beauty industry interests, trade journals may be
Queer Eye for the Straight Guy was an American reality television program developed for the Bravo television network that ran from 2003 to 2007. After its debut in 2003, the show became a surprise hit, and its rights were purchased by NBC. The program’s executive producers, Dave Collins, who has been in a gay relationship
QVC, Inc. is a television and Internet retailer with 1,150 products on offer each week. Merchandise categories include fashion, beauty, home furnishings, electronics, and toys and gifts. It is one of the largest multimedia retailers in the world, with net sales of $7.4 billion in 2007. QVC (Quality, Value, Convenience) was founded in 1986 by
From the annual sales of Easter dresses to the popularity of rhinestone crosses, religion has been marketed for the masses. Nevertheless, religion and the beauty industry have had a contradictory relationship, in part because religion has been both a source of inspiration as well as condemnation. As men and women have fashioned their own identities
The modern retail fashion and beauty industry dates back to the 19th century. Begun from secondhand clothing stalls, the ready-made retail market grew from the slums into the highest echelons of society. Currently, both beauty products and clothing are sold in a wide variety of establishments, from grocery and convenience stores to high-end department stores