With a British Beauty Council study revealing ‘how to wax eyebrows’ and ‘how to remove gel nails’ were among the top Google searches during the coronavirus lockdown, it’s clear there’s a real demand for the professional beauty and aesthetics industry to return.
The UK Government has released guidance on how the beauty and aesthetics industry can work safely during the coronavirus pandemic.
Here, AXA summarises the guidance to help people working in the beauty industry become COVID secure.
When can therapists and artists get back to work?
While many essential businesses have remained open, the beauty industry, including tattoo studios, nail bars, facial aesthetic clinics, tanning salons and massage parlours have had to close under coronavirus restrictions. The timelines, criteria and guidance as to when the beauty and aesthetics industry can get back to work is different across the devolved administrations of the UK.
- England - Click here for guidance
- Northern Ireland - Click her for guidance
- Wales - Click here for guidance
- Scotland - Click here for guidance
It’s always a good idea to check the rules where you live and the advice for the specific treatments you offer before reopening.
At a glance: What could your salon, spa, clinic or studio look like?
- Perspex screens between chairs, beds or other work stations
- Therapists, practitioners and artists wearing PPE
- Contactless payments and payment in advance
- Appointment only; no or limited walk-ins
- Temperature checks upon entry
- One-way systems
- Virtual consultations
- Social distancing floor markings
- No tea, coffee or magazines
Advice for salon and spa and owners
The coronavirus pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives and it certainly won’t be business as usual for salon, spa, shop and clinic owners. Here’s what you’ll need to do before you can reopen your premises as well as some hints and tips to help you along the way.
COVID-19 risk assessment
You'll need to carry out a COVID-19 Compliance Risk Assessment before you can lift the shutters and get back to business.
There are three main aims of a COVID-19 risk assessment:
- Contact points should be avoided or minimised
- Social distancing should be maintained whenever possible
- The correct PPE should be used when social distancing is difficult or impossible
Read the government’s guidance on risk assessment for 'close contact’ services here.
COVID-19 secure poster
After completing your risk assessment, you should display the government poster in your premises to show that you’re COVID-19 secure. You could also share it on your social media channels and website as well.
Hand hygiene for staff and customers
Everyone working in your salon or shop should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds and use an alcohol-based sanitiser regularly. If your customers can see that everyone is washing and sanitising their hands regularly, it’ll give them extra reassurance and they’ll feel more comfortable during their treatments.
It's also a good idea to have hand sanitiser at the front door so customers can use it as soon as they enter your premises.
(Please note – hand sanitisers must have active ingredients effective against COVID-19 or contain a minimum of 60% alcohol).
Cleaning and disinfecting
You will always have disinfected your tools and equipment, but the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) suggests you’ll need to do so more often and check the disinfectant is suitable for combating the virus.
The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology has created a guide which includes a comprehensive cleaning and disinfection timetable and checklist.
Top tip: If you have cloth seats, you might want to cover them in plastic so you can clean them more easily.
Staggered appointments and extended opening times
To allow for extra cleaning time between appointments, it’s a good idea to stagger your appointments and consider extended opening hours - at least at the beginning when you initially reopen. The fewer people in your premises at one time, the easier it will be to allow for social distancing.
If you’re not sure where to get start, the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has created a guide to help you with appointments and timings.
Advice for therapists, practitioners and artists
Beauty therapists, aesthetics practitioners, make up and tattoo artists should follow the strict government advice for ‘close contact services’.
PPE and face coverings
For many people working in the beauty and aesthetics industry, wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is second nature and they’ll already be using and wearing what’s required of them under COVID-19 recommendations.
However, where a two-metre social distance cannot be maintained, particularly when providing a treatment, you might want to consider wearing further PPE in addition to what you already wear or use.
The British Beauty Council suggests the following PPE for the beauty and aesthetics industry:
- Surgical face masks
- Medical grade gloves
- Disposable aprons and gowns
For more information about PPE, visit the government’s website here or check out the British Beauty Council’s guide.
Virtual consultation
To reduce the time you spend with each client, you might want to carry out a virtual consultation before they come in for their appointment. A quick video chat will give you a better idea of any contraindications which is especially useful if you’re working with a new clients. It’s also a good opportunity to let your clients know what to expect when they visit your premises.
Mobile working in people’s homes
Working as a mobile therapist, artist or practitioner poses a different set of COVID-19 risks. You should only agree to work in a customer’s home if they haven’t shown any coronavirus symptoms in the last 14 days. Similarly, you can’t go back to work if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.
Top tip: If you’re working in this way for the first time, you’ll also need to check that your insurance covers you for working in your clients’ homes.
Travelling to your clients
Under certain restrictions, you may be advised to avoid public transport if you can. For mobile workers in the beauty and aesthetics industry, you’re probably more likely to be getting to and from jobs using your car. That’s why it’s important to wipe down your car after every client; paying particular attention to handles and areas where surfaces are regularly touched like the steering wheel or radio.
Where possible, you should travel alone or with as few other people as possible. If you need to travel with other people (for example another make-up artist or hairdresser) you should maintain good ventilation in the car by leaving the windows open.
What to ask of your clients
When you’re a mobile worker it’s important to remember that your clients have a role to play when it comes to health and safety.
- No other people in the room – Politely ask that your client’s family members or children aren’t in the same room you’re working in. If you ask sensitively and explain why, your client will understand that it’s to protect everyone involved.
- No COVID-19 symptoms – Remind clients of the coronavirus symptoms (a high temperature, a persistent cough and a loss of taste or smell) and check that nobody in their household is displaying signs of having the virus.
This article was updated on 26/03/2021 and guidelines were correct at the time of upload. For the latest coronavirus advice for the beauty and aesthetics industry, please visit the government’s website for ‘close contact’ services and check the guidance from the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
