'It's a case of demand and supply,' says Discovery Bay-based beautician Gillian Bredbury. 'More clients want the convenience of a home treatment. It really saves time for busy working parents.'

Bredbury says mornings are the busiest times, when mothers take time out for a treatment after the school run.'After normal working hours is another busy period, and weekends.'

Central-based therapist Shabnam Shahana Parveen agrees that more people are choosing the convenience of a home visit. 'I've seen a lot of changes in the industry in the past 12 years,' Parveen says.

'People lead such busy stressful lives now. Having a therapist come to your home when it's convenient to you is time-saving. A treatment can be completed more quickly. It's also more relaxing as there's no rush to get home.

'Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest days, as people prepare for the weekend or enjoy some 'me-time'.'

Bredbury says she's also seen some changes during her 15 years in the industry. 'An obvious one is that people no longer see such treatments as being for special occasions only. Women used to book a treatment only if they had a wedding or party to go to - perhaps if they were going away for the weekend or on holiday, and wanted to look their best.

'Nowadays, people are more interested in their appearance and wellbeing. Many have weekly appointments.'

Manicures and pedicures are top of the treatment lists, says Celia Lee, owner of Jade Nails in Central, who also does home visits. 'Getting your nails done has always been popular in Hong Kong, but in the past, it was mainly among the well heeled,' says Lee. 'In the past eight years or so there's been a big change and just about anyone and everyone is taking better care of their hands and feet.'

Lee thinks this has a lot to do with the introduction of acrylic and gel nails. 'Artificial nail sets can make anyone's hands look beautiful,' she says. 'Acrylic and gel nails are long-lasting and easy to care for, which is good news for mothers,. Younger girls are attracted to them because they're trendy and fun. You can go wild with nail art.'

Discovery Bay resident Debbie Hiley enjoys regular home treatments. 'Even before having children, I preferred having a therapist come to me,' Hiley says.

'Now I have children around, it's even more convenient. The kids can play at home while I'm having my treatment in the next room.'

Hiley has regular six-weekly appointments, mainly for waxing. Apart from the convenience of home visits, she says many people prefer the privacy.

Parveen agrees - especially when it comes to treatments such as Brazilian waxes. Bredbury says waxing is her most popular home treatment. 'Wherever there's hair, I can wax it. It's the most popular method of hair removal now - for women, and men.'

Hiley says some women also prefer recovering at home. 'Some treatments require scrubbed skin and leave a bare face, or big red patches if you've had your eyebrows waxed. I know some ladies feel uncomfortable at the prospect of bumping into anyone without their usual make-up.'

Hygiene is another consideration. 'I have several friends who prefer to have a therapist come to their homes because that way they can use their own towels, face cloths and pillows,' Hiley says. 'The prospect of lying on the public towels in a spa puts them off.'

Home treatments mean you don't have to make small talk either. 'Even when you have an appointment and arrive on time, you're often left waiting for the therapist and end up having to chat to whoever else is waiting,' says Hiley. 'With a home visit, my therapist arrives, does the business and leaves.'

Bredbury says home visits are also good value. 'It's HK$180 for a half leg wax, HK$150 for a bikini wax, HK$100 for an eyebrow wax and HK$320 for a facial, which takes about an hour and a half,' she says. 'My deluxe pedicures and manicures cost HK$320, take an hour and a half, and include a glass of champagne to top off the enjoyment.'

Parveen says almost any spa treatment can be done at home. 'I can do all waxing procedures, body scrubs, fruit bleaches, even anti-ageing and acne treatments,' she says. 'I use ayuverdic products, which are popular and safe.'

Home treatments and therapies are no longer just for women. 'Men are becoming as interested in skin care as women,' says Bredbury. 'A man's facial is similar to a woman's, except men often have sensitive skin due to shaving.'

Products are similar, she says, although different fragrances are added. Many women book their partners in for treatments, not just for the benefits of improved skin, but to help them to relax after a busy day.'

Parveen agrees that men like home treatments. 'They're more aware of their well-being now and much more body conscious,' she says. 'They want to take care of themselves. I get calls from men all the time asking for appointments. They're particularly interested in the eye-brow threading procedure. But I only treat ladies. Maybe I should change that.'

Gill Bredbury, tel: 9037 2487

Shabnam Shahana Parveen, tel: 2369 3378/9561 2241

Celia Lee, Jade Nails, tel: 2520 2606