Bird Poo Facials & Other Disturbing Beauty Treatments

Would you use fish, bull semen or bird droppings for beauty? Here are six unexpected beauty treatments from around the world. Most aren't for the squeamish.

The Fish Pedicure

Japanese spa treatments are increasingly taking the US by storm. One that brings giggles: the gara rufa pedicure. It involves letting a school of tiny fish nibble at foot callouses. It’s an odd but effective treatment and takes about 15-30 minutes.

Getting Sh*tfaced, Literally

Another Japanese treatment that’s spread to major US spas: nightingale droppings face masks. These are said to clean and lighten people’s skin with natural enzymes. Called uguisu no fun, the purified bird poo is available in spas and online.

Snail Slime Skin Cream

Yes, snail slime is now being sold as a beauty aid. Supposedly certain Chilean snails excrete slime that cures skin ailments such as redness, acne and stretch marks. Snail slime beauty treatments have caught on in Hollywood. Prices vary wildly; I've seen jars sold for $80 each.

Beer Baths

This unusual beauty treatment isn't disturbing at all. In Czechoslovakia and Germany, you can simultaneously soak in hot beer and drink a cold local brew. A 93° beer tub warms your bones and softens your skin while the aroma of hot hops eases your mind. Some beer spas advertised online include Chodovar Brewery and Hotel Bahenec.

Magnetic Facials

Advanced acne treatment is offered at LA’s Nile Institute. With magnetized facials a metallic cream is applied to the face. A magnet is then used to loosen clogged pores.

Bull Semen Hair Conditioner
To conclude I turn to Hari’s hair salon in London. Hari offers a wildly popular bull semen conditioning session.

A conditioner made from the semen of Angus bulls penetrates the hair for 45 minutes. It’s then steamed through the hair to provide hydration and volume.This is discreetly advertised as a Brazilian blowout and costs £350.

I do not know how the bull semen is obtained.