The time has come! Beauty salons are officially open again. 12 April was the date the government declared that hairdressers, beauty salons and spas across England would be able to open their doors for the first time after lockdown 3.0 and many locations are already booked up!
When are beauty salons opening up again in England?
Beauty salons are open! 12 April marked the date that beauty salons and premises in the personal care sector opened up shop once more. You may visit all such locations alone or in household groups as long as social distancing is adhered to and all COVID-secure precautions are in place. That said saunas and steam rooms at spas will not be permitted to open until 17 May at the earliest and overnight stays at spas are only permitted on or after that date too. Beauty salons across England are filling appointments fast so get booking in!
When are mobile beauty therapists allowed to operate again?
Mobile beauty therapists may resume business on 12 April. Like salons their free appointments will fill up fast so be quick about booking in!
When are beauty salons opening up again in Wales?
The Welsh gave hairdressers and barbers the green light to reopen and take pre-booked appointments from Monday 15th March but despite restrictions being lifted for hair salons and barbers in Wales beauty salons were still required to remain closed until 12 April, which means they're open now!
When are beauty salons opening up again in Scotland?
Nicola Sturgeon announced on 23rd February that salons may be able to reopen on Monday 26th April.
When are beauty salons opening up again in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland is yet to confirm a provisional reopening date for beauty salons.
What does a manicure appointment look like post-lockdown?
Nail salons and eyebrow salons, outside of lockdown, operate in a very similar way, with all therapists and customers masked and gloved and a two-metre distance between chairs. 'Disposable towels are used,’ explains Sherille Riley, founder of Nails & Brows Mayfair.
'Our standard health and safety operating procedures were already industry leading before this happened.' Says Juanita Huber-Millet, founder of top London nail destination Townhouse. 'From the very beginning, these standards have included therapists wearing a new set of gloves for each treatment, regular sanitising of all surfaces and rigorous hygiene standards for the tools we use – all metal tools are sterilised to surgical standards in a hospital grade, computer-controlled autoclave machine and all other tools are single use.'
'As soon as Coronavirus became more widely present we introduced increased frequency of disinfecting surfaces, asked all clients to wash their hands on arrival with anti-bacterial soap and all of our therapists have worn masks.'
'We have had specially made glass shields installed that sit between the therapist and customer. Like the ones you see at a bank except you put your hands through a gap at the bottom of the panel (its more comfortable than it sounds!) and that keeps everyone as safe as possible. On top of that, therapists will be wearing masks and gloves and as standard all our tools are either single use or sterilised using a hospital grade unit,' says Juanita.
'We are asking our customers to stay home if they feel sick (the Townhouse team will be on hand to assist in rescheduling appointments) and to support us in keeping the salon safe for all by washing their hands on arrival.' Explains Juanita.
Watch: Here's what a manicure appointment looks like post-lockdown
Grazia's beauty editor Annie Vischer visits Blush+Blow London in Parsons Green on 12 April for that first manicure post-lockdown.
'I couldn't wait to visit Blush+Blow London. It's one of my favourite manicure spots, the staff are always incredible and ticked every box when it came to COVID-19-secure conditions. It's mandatory to wear your mask at all times inside the salon. Clear screens separate you from the receptionist when you enter and all therapists wear full PPE. There are bottles of anti-bacterial hand gel every where you look giving you the option to sanitise at any point during your visit. Yes, it's odd wearing a mask in front of your therapist, but you soon get over that. The most important part? The quality of service and crazy friendly atmosphere remain exactly the same. I'm so glad beauty salons are able to open their doors once more, and that treatments at large are back on the table.' - Annie Vischer, beauty editor.
Whatever the salon of the future looks like, there are even more ways you can support your local beauty establishment now. The primary way though? Book in ASAP!