When will beauty salons open for face treatments in England?

14 August 2020, 17:20

By Polly Foreman

When are facials, eyebrow waxing and eyelash extensions allowed in England? Find out the latest rules for salons here.

Last month, beauty salons were allowed to reopen in line with the gradual easing of lockdown measures in England.

Beauty parlours, tattoo parlours and nail salons were all given the green light to open their doors on 13 July, subject to their ability to stick to relevant safety guidelines.

Treatments including manicures, pedicures, tattoos and body waxes are all currently allowed - but those involving the face are not.

Read more: This Morning's Dr Ranj Singh issues children's face mask warning as new rules come into force

When will beauty salons allow face treatments in England?

It has now been announced that facial beauty treatments will be allowed from Saturday 15 August.

Last night (Thursday 13 August), the government published guidance stating: "Beauty salons, tattoo studios, spas and barbers across England will be able to offer all close contact services – including front of the face treatments such as eyebrow threading, eyelash treatments and facials from August 15 under new guidance."

These treatments were originally going to be allowed from August 1, but this was then postponed.

In a statement on 31 July, Boris Johnson said that planned reopenings on this date will be postponed for at least two weeks because of a spike in coronavirus cases.

Beauty salons have previously said that they will be taking a number of steps to ensure to safety of customers and staff when it comes to facial beauty treatments.

Beauty therapist Debbie Thomas told the Telegraph: "We actually started trialling our facials using gloves, just before lockdown began.

Read more: Full list of places face masks will be compulsory in England from 24 July

"Clients were pleasantly surprised that it didn’t deter too much from the sensation of the facial, as you still get all of the benefits of the massage techniques and of course the same products are being used.

"As long as the therapist is using tight fitting gloves, it won’t alter the facial technique at all."

And Reena Hammer from Urban Retreat added: "We think it’s going to reinforce an amazing customer journey, which can be lacking when things are rushed. 

"One of the things we are going to do is to start each facial with a hygiene ritual between the client and therapist to build trust and confidence. That way, it’s not just a clinical experience, it becomes part of the treatment in the same way that some facials begin with a foot bath and massage."

Do you need to wear a mask at beauty salons?

At present, the only places where it is mandatory to wear masks in England are public transport, shops, supermarkets and takeaways.

However, it is recommended to wear a covering in enclosed spaces where social distancing is difficult - and many salons will require you to wear a covering.

Read more: Do you need to wear face masks in pubs? New rules on face coverings in England

The government guidance reads: "You are also strongly encouraged to wear a face covering in other enclosed public spaces where social distancing may be difficult and where you come into contact with people you do not normally meet."

It would be impossible to wear face masks for certain facial beauty treatments, however, so it is worth checking directly with your salon.