What is the Difference Between Salon and Saloon

The main difference between salon and saloon is that salon is a place where people have beauty treatments, while saloon is a place that sells alcoholic beverages.

In some parts of the world, the two words salon and saloon are pronounced the same and are used interchangeably. We can observe this practice mostly in regions like Africa and Asia where English is not the people’s first language. However, there is a distinct difference between salon and saloon.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Salon
     – Definition, Meaning
2. What is a Saloon
     – Definition, Meaning, Usage
3. What are the Similarities Between Salon and Saloon
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Salon and Saloon
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Salon, Saloon

What is a Salon

A salon is an establishment offering cosmetic treatments for men and women. Salon is also called beauty parlour or beauty salon. Beauty salons offer many treatments including, hair treatments, skin treatments, facial aesthetics, aromatherapy, foot care and nail manicures. Sometimes there are specialized salons dealing with specialized treatments such as hair salons and nail salons. Some main treatments offered at a full-service salon include haircuts, hair colouring, hair styling (straightening, perm, etc.), hair removal (waxing, threading, etc.), massages, facials, cleanups, manicures, and pedicures, hydrotherapy, and micro-pigmentation. Salons usually take in both men and women as customers. However, some countries have the concept of unisex salons, which are salons that only take in either men or women.

Figure 1: Beauty Salon

Furthermore, the term salon originally referred to the informal meeting of notable writers, artists, or statements, held at the house of someone who is well-known. Salon can also refer to a reception room in a large house. In fact, the word salon originates from the French word salon, which refers to a large hall.

What is a Saloon

The word saloon has many meanings in the English language. In the US, saloon is a place where alcoholic drinks are sold and drunk. This is like a bar in the old West. However, in British English, saloon is a public room or building used for a specified purpose; for example, billiard saloon or dining saloon.

Figure 2: Western Saloon

Moreover, in British English, saloon or saloon car also refers to a car with seats for four or more people; it has a fixed roof and a boot that is separated from the rear seats. In American English, this refers to a Sedan.

Similarities Between Salon and Saloon

• Both words salon and saloon originate from the French word, saloon.
• In some countries, especially in countries where English is not a native language, people tend to use these two words interchangeably. You can notice many billboards and signs advertising ‘beauty saloons’.
• Moreover, some people incorrectly pronounce these two words as the same – /səˈlo͞on/.

Difference Between Salon and Saloon

Definition

A salon is an establishment offering cosmetic treatments for men and women while a saloon is a place where alcoholic drinks are sold and drunk.

Pronunciation

The noun salon is pronounced as /səˈlän/ while the noun saloon is pronounced as /səˈlo͞on/.

Other Meanings

Salon can also refer to an informal gathering of notable figures, at the house of a famous people (historical meaning) or a reception room in a large house. In contrast, saloon can also refer to a  public room used for a specific purpose or a car that seats four or more people.

Conclusion

Although people in some countries use the two words salon and saloon interchangeably, these are two different words with distinct meanings. The main difference between salon and saloon is that salon is a place where people have beauty treatment, while saloon is a place that sells alcoholic beverages.

Image Courtesy:

1. “beauty saloon, three, pink, salon chairs, front, large, mirror, salon interior, CC0, public domain, royalty free” (CC0) via Piqsels
2. “1443826” (CC0) via Pixabay