Once again, the beauty industry has been hit hard by the government’s decision to delay the re-opening of ‘close-contact’ beauty treatments. This means that several services, including facials and brow treatments, are still off the menu. With little indication of when these services can resume (15th August at the very earliest) Caroline Hirons, globally qualified aesthetician, Lesley Blair, Chair of BABTAC & CIBTAC and Millie Kendall MBE, co-founder of The British Beauty Council have teamed up to launch the Beauty Backed campaign.
'Beauty Backed was created from the now-desperate need to support our friends and colleagues in the beauty industry who have suffered long enough because of their continued inability to work during Covid-19,' says Hirons. 'As they’ve proven since March, if we hold our breath for the British government to take our industry seriously, it’ll be a long time until we come up for air.'
The brilliant initiative aims to raise money and awareness in the form of a petition and fundraising page for the clinics, aestheticians, make-up artists and therapists who are unable to work due to the government’s lack of support. 'We have to come together as one industry and protect the very people that make us as brilliant as we are,' says Hirons. So far, the campaign has raised over a staggering £52,000 in less than 24 hours and received over 12,000 petition signatures. How can you help? First of all, if you are able to, please donate here (there's a £5 minimum) and sign the petition to bring beauty back here.
The British Beauty Council recently issued a report to encourage governmental support of UK beauty salons, as well as those who are self-employed in the industry. 'Salon owners are not only battling the declining high street, but now are also facing a possible financial catastrophe. This could lead to over 40,000 businesses facing extreme hardship and potential closure. Salons not only provide services to prop up the high street, they also are at the heart of many communities.'
In fact, as the Beauty Council outlined, the beauty industry is far more crucial to the stability of the UK economy than perhaps any of us realises. Not only does it provide hundreds of thousands of jobs, the industry's contribution to GDP totals around 1.3% of the entire economy and is equivalent to the economic activity of Manchester or Glasgow.
What else can we all do to support the industry at a time when many of us either can't get to a salon or they've already been closed? Here are a few tips.
Buy Products Directly From Your Local Salon
Lots of beauty salons are still operating as usual online with lots of products available to buy. Instead of buying your beauty essentials at your local supermarket, opt for your favourite salon instead. This additional money will help out salons with continued costs.
Buy A Voucher
If you can't get to the spa/salon as usual, ask if you can purchase a voucher to ensure they still have money coming in. You might not be able to attend your monthly facial appointment, but the vouchers should last long enough for you to use them for future appointments post lockdown.
One great option is to purchase a gift voucher from Treatwell, which can then be redeemed at a number participating salons local to where you are. Order yours here.
Leave A Good Review
If you're worried about your local salon, why not find the time to leave a glowing review on Google, Facebook or TripAdvisor to ensure that when people are once again searching for places which provide treatments, your local is the one they want to book. For many small businesses, these online reviews can be crucial and can really mean the difference between a full diary and no bookings at all.
Share Your Experiences
Phorest, the online salon booking software, suggests that if you've had a great treatment, be sure to tag your salon and/or technician/stylist to show your appreciation. Says the team: 'Make sure to take a photo and upload it to your social media accounts, showing them some love. Don’t forget to tag them! #SupportYourSalon.'
Also, be sure to recommend to your friends – people are more inclined to book a treatment with someone they know is already trusted and well-liked.
Sign The Petition
To ensure that the government does take action to support the beauty industry, join over 111,000 people who have already signed this petition.
READ MORE: Bad News – Facials And Brow Appointments Have Now Been Postponed
READ MORE: When Can I Get My Eyebrows Done At A Beauty Salon In The UK?