What has changed as beauty salons, tattooists and spas reopen in England

After four months without a trip to the beauty salon, spa or tattooist, people in England will now be able to return from today (Monday, July 13).

Many things will have changed since we were last allowed to touch up our manicures at the nail salon.

What can reopen?

Nail bars in England can reopen from Monday, July 13, along with beauty salons, spas and physical therapy businesses.

Tattoo and massage studios and piercing services are also permitted to reopen their doors as well as tanning salons.

Both fixed and freelance workers have been given the green light to resume services by the Government.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: "Enabling these often small, independent businesses to reopen is yet another step in our plan to kickstart the economy to support jobs and incomes across the country."

What will be different?

Screens and barriers will be in place between customers and staff in many premises, with increased surface cleaning and hand washing enforced.

You will be likely to see more disposable equipment, and skin to skin contact will be avoided where possible.

The new measures will spell the end of a spontaneous treatment in many salons, as businesses are asked to consider using appointment-only booking systems to minimise the number of people on-site at one time.

You will also see the end of a cup of tea with your mani-pedi, as food and drink other than water are likely to be banned.

What about social distancing?

Customer chairs will be spread out, which may reduce the number of appointments your favourite salon can host.

If two-metre distancing cannot be maintained, for example when providing treatments, the person providing the service should wear extra protection.

This may include a clear visor that covers the face, in addition to screens and gloves.

What treatments can I get?

Like many other businesses forced to close during the lockdown, nail salons and beauty parlours will also be offering a reduced service.

Only treatments that avoid work directly in front of the face will be allowed.

This means nail treatments, leg and bikini waxing and massages will be back on the menu from Monday.

What treatments are not allowed?

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said there would be restrictions on "particularly high-risk services" from beauticians.

As directly in front of the face has been deemed the highest risk zone by the Government, face waxing, sugaring, eyebrow and eyelash treatments, facials and make-up application will not be allowed until advice changes.

What other changes will there be?

Businesses will be asked to keep records of customers and staff to share with NHS Test and Trace if needed.

Employers will have also performed a risk assessment to ensure their premises are Covid-secure, and have been asked to display a notice to confirm this to visitors.

What businesses are still to open?

Indoor gyms, swimming pools and leisure facilities are to reopen from July 25 under recently announced guidance.

The guidance also supports the reopening of sports halls.

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