Beauty salons gear up to reopen tomorrow with Perspex screens and visors for staff

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Beauty salons across the nation are today making their final preparations and checks as they prepare to welcome clients through their doors from tomorrow.

Hundreds of Britons are expected to receive their long-awaited beauty treatments tomorrow after the government gave the establishments the green light to reopen in England from July 13.

The move comes just a week after hairdressers, pubs, restaurants and cafes were able to make their return on July 4, a day which has since been dubbed ‘Super Saturday’, following months in lockdown. 

On Monday, beauty salons, nail bars, tattoo and massage studios, body and skin piercing services, physical therapy businesses and spas will be able to reopen provided they follow the government’s strict Covid-19 guidelines. 

The latest guidelines state only services that do not involve work in the highest risk zone – directly in front of the face – should be made available to clients.

It means treatments such as face waxing, eyelash treatments, make-up application and facial treatments should not be provided due to the much greater risk of transmission until Government advice changes.   

In situations where the two metre social distancing measures cannot be maintained, the member of staff must wear a visor that covers their face or use a screen that protects both the practitioner and the customer.

Also on the banned list are dermarolling, dermaplaning, microblading and electrolysis on the face due to the close contact needed.

But basic treatments including manicures, pedicures, leg waxing and bikini waxing are all set to return.

During a press conference this Thursday Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden said: ‘Having allowed hairdressers to reopen, beauticians, tattooists, spas, tanning salons and other close contact services can now do the same, I am pleased to say, from Monday.’

‘Of course that will be subject to some restrictions on particularly high-risk services.’

Meanwhile Business Secretary, Alok Sharma said: ‘We have been clear throughout this crisis that we want as many businesses as possible to reopen, but we must be confident it is safe for them to do so. 

‘From Monday 13 July thousands more businesses which offer close contact services like nail and beauty salons will be able to welcome customers back in a way that is safe for both workers and the public. 

‘Enabling these often small, independent businesses to reopen is yet another step in our plan to kickstart the economy to support jobs and incomes across the country.’ 

The latest development comes as indoor gyms, swimming pools and dance also prepare to reopen from July 25.   

The move comes after the government was urged to ensure ‘stricter enforcement’ of coronavirus rules in England after complaints that some hairdressers were failing to wear visors or ensure social distancing. 

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF), which represents the industry, said it wanted the Government to ensure rules were adhered to as it was unfair on businesses that carried out their work safely.  

While most are believed to be following the guidance issued to allow reopening last week, there are questions over what checks are in place to catch those failing to comply.

Some customers also appeared unsure of where to complain if they encountered problems.

Heather Sutton, a policy adviser from Alrewas in Staffordshire, said she had visited a hairdresser and been left in tears due to the lack of precautions in place.

Despite Government guidance stating that all hairdressers must wear visors, Ms Sutton claimed she was told by the member of staff cutting her hair that was not wearing one because ‘they’re horrible and steam up’.

‘I actually cried when I got out of the salon as I’ve followed every rule since lockdown and that was really my first venture out. I came home, showered and put all my clothes in the wash.

‘I have since emailed her telling her I won’t be returning and why and saying she should put her customers’ health and safety first.’

She added that she had considered reporting the salon, but ‘it would appear the guidance is not backed up with legislation, so there isn’t anyone to actually report her to’.

While rules in Scotland and Wales are based in legislation, those in England are instead based on guidance which is not in itself legally enforceable.

However, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has powers to fine or even imprison business owners found not to comply with the rules.

Members of the public looking to complain about businesses failing to work safely within the rules can do so via HSE or their local council, though how to do so is not always clear. 

Yvonne, 41, owns a tattoo shop in the Macclesfield, Cheshire, with her husband. She said she was frustrated to see a nearby hairdresser failing to ensure social distancing between customers or wear proper protective gear.

‘They had four people obviously not related sat together waiting on a couch, no social distancing. 

‘Then cutting hair, no gloves, visor or mask present on either the client or the barber.’

She added that she felt not enough was being done to make sure companies were sticking to the guidance.

‘It’s disgraceful, to be honest. To allow a sector that works so close to people’s faces to open, and then have no measures in place to enforce these new guidelines is ridiculous.’

After being contacted about the breaches, the NHBF said: ‘The National Hair & Beauty Federation strongly advises that hairdressers and barbers follow the guidance issued by the Government for England.

‘The guidelines are based on the most up to date scientific evidence. Face visors must be worn by anyone carrying out hairdressing, barbering or beauty activities.

‘The NHBF would welcome stricter enforcement because it’s only fair that all businesses stick to the same rules, which also give greater protection to the public and to the people working in salons and barbershops.’