The government's Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has announced that beauty salons and beauty professionals in England are now allowed to return to work from today (13 July). The government has worked closely with the British Beauty Council, British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) and National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) to support the reopening of the beauty sector. 

There will however be restrictions on what is offered, for example, treatments on the face will be NOT be permitted. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Face waxing, sugaring or threading services
• Facial treatments
• Advanced facial technical (electrical or mechanical)
• Eyelash treatments
• Make-up application
• Dermarolling
• Dermaplaning
• Microblading
• Electrolysis on the face
• Eyebrow treatments

Prior to this announcement, industry bodies have called out for a risk-based approach which would allow low-risk treatments that do not involve working in the ‘high-risk zone’ for a prolonged period of time to go ahead. The latest decision from the government is based on the scientific and medical advice that treatments or services provided in the ‘high-risk zone’ directly in front of the client’s face are the riskiest in terms of catching or spreading the virus, because splashes and droplets from the nose and mouth are present, even when they can’t be seen. 

Beard trimming will be allowed but should be limited to 'simple beard trims, thinning or removing bulk or length which can be done using either clipper of scissors and should be carried out from the side or by circling the client avoiding the high-risk zone. Intricate detailing, outlining or shaving beards/moustaches that involve prolonged periods near the high-risk zone should not be carried out. 

Treatments on the body such as manicures, pedicures, leg or bikini waxing will be allowed to go ahead. These rules apply to ALL beauty practitioners in England, including those working in salon spaces as well as freelancers, mobile operators and retail and session make-up artists. 

The NHBF, along with BABTAC and the British Beauty Council, is calling for this advice to be published to give businesses a better understanding of how and why these decisions have been made.

Millie Kendall MBE, British Beauty Council says, “The decision to broaden the scope of available hair and beauty services will allow many more beauty professionals to get back to work, and will also allow customers to benefit from a range of beauty treatments which can be carried out safely for both client and practitioner. It’s a positive step, but we are still only part of the way there. We will keep working closely with governing bodies and supporting everyone in beauty until we are able to achieve the fully-reinvigorated beauty industry we all want.”

Photo credit: British Beauty Council