Botox upselling? Cosmetic industry leader sounds alarm over growing salon trend

People are being urged to think carefully before agreeing to cosmetic injectables after reports that Botox and other injectable treatments are increasingly being promoted inside hair salons, beauty salons and other non-medical environments.
 

Dr Vivek Eranki, CEO of Yooli™, said he is becoming increasingly concerned by the rise in the number of people being offered cosmetic injectables while attending appointments for completely unrelated services.
 

"I am hearing more and more stories from consumers who have gone in for a haircut, colour treatment, facial or beauty appointment and have unexpectedly been encouraged to consider Botox, fillers or other cosmetic procedures," Dr Eranki said.
 

"While there is nothing wrong with educating consumers about cosmetic treatments, there is a significant difference between informed medical consultation and opportunistic upselling."
 

Beauty treatment or medical procedure?
 

Dr Eranki said one of the biggest concerns is that consumers can forget injectables are medical procedures.
 

"Botox and fillers are not beauty products. They are medical treatments that involve risks, complications, contraindications and clinical decision-making," he said.
 

"Unfortunately, when injectables are discussed in highly social environments such as hair salons and beauty salons, the medical nature of these treatments can become diluted."
 

He said consumers can be influenced by conversations that occur while they are relaxed, feeling good about themselves and potentially vulnerable to suggestions about their appearance.
 

"Someone may walk in feeling perfectly happy with how they look and leave questioning every wrinkle, line or facial feature they never previously worried about," Dr Eranki said.
 

The pressure to 'fix' things that aren't broken

Dr Eranki said many consumers report feeling subtle pressure when cosmetic treatments are raised unexpectedly during appointments.
 

"It might start with a casual comment about forehead lines, ageing, skin quality or facial volume loss," he said.
 

"Before long, a person who came in for a haircut is being encouraged to consider cosmetic procedures they had never even thought about."
 

"This can create unnecessary anxiety. The beauty industry should be helping people feel confident and empowered, not creating insecurities that lead to impulsive decisions."
 

Not every recommendation is independent
 

Dr Eranki said consumers should also be aware that some businesses may receive referral fees, commissions or other commercial benefits when introducing clients to cosmetic treatment providers.
 

"Consumers deserve to know whether a recommendation is genuinely in their best interests or whether there is a commercial arrangement behind it," he said.
 

"Transparency is critical."
 

Why proper consultations matter
 

According to Dr Eranki, anyone considering injectables should undergo a comprehensive consultation with a suitably qualified healthcare professional.
 

"A proper consultation should involve discussion of medical history, risks, expected outcomes, suitability and alternative options," he said.
 

"It should never feel like an impulse purchase made while sitting in a salon chair."
 

He said consumers should be cautious of any situation where cosmetic treatments are being promoted without adequate clinical assessment.
 

"Good medicine is never about pressure. It's about informed choice," Dr Eranki added.
 

What consumers should do
 

Dr Eranki said consumers should ask several important questions before proceeding with any injectable treatment. Don't trust, check.
 

"Ask questions such as who will perform the treatment, what qualifications do they hold, will there be a proper medical consultation and what product is being used," Dr Eranki said.
 

"Ask about the risks and potential complications. Can treatment records be provided? Consumers should never feel rushed into making a decision.
 

"If someone suggests injectables during a salon appointment, take time to think about it, do your research and seek independent advice."

Confidence should not come from pressure
 

Dr Eranki believes the cosmetic industry has a responsibility to protect consumers while maintaining ethical standards.
 

"There is absolutely nothing wrong with cosmetic treatments when they are performed appropriately and for the right reasons," he said.
 

"The concern arises when medical procedures start being treated like retail add-ons."
 

He said people should remember one simple rule.
 

"If somebody is trying to sell you injectables while you're getting your hair coloured or having your eyebrows done, pause and ask yourself whether you're making a considered medical decision or responding to a sales opportunity," Dr Eranki said.
 

"Your face deserves more thought than an impulse purchase.
 

About Dr Eranki
 

Dr Vivek Eranki is the founder and CEO of Yooli™ and also the CEO of Cosmetique. He holds qualifications in governance, finance, management and medicine and has an extensive track record as a CEO in the Health, Wellness and Personal Services industry. He has founded, scaled and exited ventures across various sectors, including Allied Health, Occupational Health, General and Specialist
 

Healthcare.
Website: https://vivekeranki.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivekeranki
Twitter: https://x.com/vivekeranki
Instagram: @vivekeranki
 

About Yooli™
 

Yooli™ is an Australian-developed tech platform designed to empower cosmetic nurses, boutique clinics and healthcare providers to manage every aspect of their business from one secure, easy-to-use system. Built to streamline compliance, patient management, communications, bookings, payments and professional development, Yooli™ helps cosmetic practitioners run efficient, compliant and highly professional operations from day one. Combining technology with healthcare expertise, Yooli™ supports best practice across the industry and aligns with AHPRA and QIP standards. The platform is available via the Apple App Store, Google Play and as a Web App. Visit www.yooli.co.