Young girls from the age of 5+ are increasingly enjoying the pleasures of a beauty salon or spa in Lebanon. The trend for pampering and pedicures is fast rising, resulting in increased trade for such places as Spa-Tacular Salon and Bella's Salon. Both of these are catering for young girls, offering facials, manicures, pedicures, hair care and lots more.

These salons have realised that adult ranges are not too attractive to children - who prefer bright colours and fun make-overs. So, robes are pink and the nail varnish is bright blue (and every othger shade you can imagine).

Maya Hilal, who owns Spa-Tacular, has said that she thinks this teaches children the need for good hygiene and how to feel good about themselves. Others, however, are concerned that beauty treatment for children only serves to reinforce sexual stereotypes at a young age and can only hinder psychological maturity into adulthood.