As of writing this article, there is no set date when nail salons will open in England.
The fear from the government is that salons require lots of face-to-face and hands on interaction, in a very intimate, close proximity where social distancing is impossible. However, with hairdressers being amongst those reopening as of Saturday the 4th of July, along with pubs, restaurants, cinemas – there is a growing call for a vital update on a multi billion pound industry.
The Government has said that it will monitor whether cases of Covid-19 increase after rules are relaxed on 4 July – but with the huge rise in cases as we are seeing in Leicester, with new hotspots expected else where – the industry may be further starved of support. But if these infections are managed quickly, and dare I say, the public listen to guidelines, then perhaps we may see the doors open to salons by the end of the month.
The National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) released a statement saying it believes the Government is making the right decision.
In the statement, it says “Dominic Raab has said that hospitality and ‘personal care services’ such as hair and beauty salons and barbershops in England will not be able to reopen until 4 July at the earliest.” However, with barbershops and hair salons set to open – nail salons still do not have any glimmer of hope from the government as of yet.
The NHBF wrote an open letter to the Business Secretary Alok Sharma requesting further guidance for the Government on what a post-lockdown salon might look like.
Chief executive Hillary Hall wrote: “I am writing to you to stress the need for absolute clarity from Government that any future guidance for the hair and beauty industry applies to the sector as a whole. This includes salons with premises, home-based salons, mobile or freelance stylists, barbers and therapists who work outside salons, for example in care homes and private households or on photoshoots.
“Clear messaging on this matter is of absolute importance in order to demonstrate that each of these types of business plays an equal role in reducing the risk of spreading COVID- 19 and ensuring the safety of themselves, their clients and those they interact with.”
They added that it is “not possible” to work in the industry without being in physical contact with clients, so information on PPE is urgently needed, and with enough lead-time to allow businesses to adapt.
Jaymi McCann, from iNews reports:
Salons in some European countries have already reopened, perhaps paving the way for what they will look like; clients are being given PPE, hand sanitiser and there will be as little contact as possible. There is also increased levels of cleanliness, and larger spaces between salon chairs.
It is estimated 60 per cent of beauticians and hairdressers are self employed, and some will be struggling to make it through this difficult period.
People looking to support their local salon can buy vouchers for the businesses to help increase the cash flow into their business.
Many salons will also probably be very busy once lockdown is over, so perhaps look into putting your name on a waiting list now, but most of all be patient as they get back up and running.
L’Oréal Professionnel, the British Beauty Council patron, has released a Covid-19 support guide to help salon owners, employees, and self-employed hair stylists who are currently out of work.
The guide includes details on the current government measures, alongside information on how to claim benefits, HR and legal advice.
