PREVIEW

WORDS BYLINE: Andrea Caknis
It all started as a bit of a misunderstanding.

Travelling in Thailand, 20-year-old Milana Berghan was spotted an Instagram post advertising “beauty princess” makeovers at local salon.

Intrigued, she messaged the business. But when she didn’t receive a reply, she decided to show up in person instead.

What followed was a series of light-hearted misunderstandings, language barriers, and quick thinking.

“The staff barely spoke English, so relied completely on Google Translate,” says Milana, from Australia, who works in online administration.

The problem was the makeover is usually for little girls, not 20-year-olds. But the salon agreed to help.

“They said they could do the makeover, but at a different salon,” says Milana.

Confused but determined, Milana agreed to go. With the conversation fully in Thai, she had to ask the staff to call the other salon on her behalf to confirm the booking.

“She admitted she was worried they might not want to do her makeup without a ‘good reason’ so she jokingly told them she was attending a kids’ party,” says Milana.

Milana decided the makeover, normally aimed at young children, would lift her spirits, and she was right.

Inside the salon, she filmed the experience as the staff washed her hair, styled it, applied full makeup, added hair jewels and finished her look with glittery details.

The total cost for the entire transformation? Just over £20.

In comparison, Milana says a simple hair wash back home can cost more than £50 without styling or makeup included.

“This would easily cost hundreds back home,” she says.

“And that’s just Australia.”

Despite not understanding everything being said around her, Milana said the atmosphere was warm and welcoming.

Like many travellers, Milana was surprised by how little English was spoken, but said the effort from the salon staff made all the difference.

“You really do walk into places where all they know is ‘hi’ and ‘yes’,” she says.

“But they still try their absolute best.”

Milana believes that’s what makes travelling, especially in Asia, so special.

“The people are humble, kind, and generous,” she said.

Milana says she would fully recommend getting hair and beauty treatments while travelling, particularly in Asian countries, where prices are significantly lower and service is personal.

“Sometimes it’s literally cheaper than buying shampoo,” she says.

“And you always leave looking good.”

She adds: “Celebrities get their hair washed and styled every day, so why shouldn’t everyone else?”

And even if you are aged 20, it’s never too late to be a little Princess again.