Fury at beauty salon that offers grown-up treatments to toddlers
Trendy Monkeys salon in Brentwood, Essex is said to be the first in Britain to offer spray tans, facials and fake tattoos to children and toddlers.
The kids' salon caters to under-13s who can experience 'princess pamper parties' that cost around £300. The shop opened at the weekend with one of its first customers just 16 months old.
Children's rights campaigners have accused the owner of the shop, a former glamour model, of offering inappropriate services that sexualise young girls.
Owner, Michelle Devine, a single mother of two sees the store as 'a bit of fun' for youngsters.
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Above: The Trendy Monkeys bubblegum room
Inside Trendy Monkeys, girls can get pampered with manicures, pedicures, facials, makeovers and hair treatments in a plush pink environment.
Protecting the innocence of childhood is of high concern, as the Government announced this week that they are cracking down on inappropriate clothing and raunchy pop videos aimed at young kids.
Prof Judy Hutchings, from the Centre for Evidence Based Early Intervention, warned that the salon represented "Not just the sexualisation but the commercialisation of children".
"It's OK to make believe and put on mum's high heels — we want to encourage fantasy play and role play," the child psychologist said.
"But it is actually being seen as part of the mainstream.
"I think it's pretty sad. Children are having part of their childhood taken away from them."
Michelle defended her business insisting that her salon made girls feel like "Princesses". She said the shop would allow girls to, "Exude confidence, glamour and desire to look her best at all times, regardless of age.
Her treatment list includes manicures or make-up application at £7 each, fruit smoothie facials for £5, hair 'up-dos' for £5-£10 and a shampoo, and a haircut and styling for £21.
Despite the public backlash the idea seems to go down well with the local girls who can't wait to be involved.
Above: Cast of The Only Way is Essex who have popularised self-pampering
With booking filling up, Michelle said, "Where better to launch this exciting new project in Brentwood, now a name on the map synonymous with fashion and glamour thanks to The Only Way Is Essex?"
Image one courtesy of Eastnews Press agency
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