Fewer people may be going to salons and spas due to the economic situation.

Ann Allen, owner of Dolce Vita Salon and Day Spa, 2180 Oakland Place, Suite A in Sycamore, said despite the current economic situation, her business has not experienced any problems.

“Our numbers have been up due to recent additions made to our business,” Allen said.

Allen said the relationship with her clients is what keeps her business remaining successful financially.

“What makes us different from other places is that we work with our customers’ budgets,” she said. “And also we are honest about what kind of service they will be getting.”

Allen said going to a spa is a great alternative to going on a weekend getaway.

“Our spa hasn’t taken a hit with the economy because people that are stressed out need a place to relax,” she said. “A day at the spa is a much more affordable luxury compared to weekend getaways.”

Another way Allen is working with helping her customers is offering discounts.

“There is a need to reach out to our clients, and discounts help with the economy situation,” Allen said.

On the contrary, Magnolia Buyol, owner of Magnolia Beauty Salon, 150 E. Lincoln Highway, said her business has seen a loss of customers.

“I’m losing business as a result of a lot of my customers losing their jobs,” Buyol said.

Associate economics professor Stephen Karlson said going to a salon or spa is something that can be substituted.

“Instead of going to a salon people can do the services offered themselves, and I expect that is what some are doing,” Karlson said.

Junior nursing major Colleen McCarthy has found a cheaper way to get her hair cut.

“I used to go to a salon and get my hair cut for $65,” McCarthy said. “But with rising prices in the economy, I get it cut for a much cheaper price.”

McCarthy said it all comes to down to what she actually needs.

“I had to figure out what’s a priority and what I actually need to help cut down on expenses,” she said.