[Updated] Covid-19: beauty salons in Wales advised against performing face treatments

[Update:] Swimming pools and fitness studios in spas can reopen in Wales on August 10, confirms the Welsh Government (during a press briefing on August 7). 

However, treatments on the face are still "strongly advised" against in beauty salons and spas, according to guidance published on July 24. The guidance, published just days before beauty salons were set to reopen in Wales on July 27, says "Public health advice is clear that these are high risk activities that can bring practitioners within the high risk zone for prolonged periods of time. Public Health Wales is concerned that these treatments cannot be managed safely at this time."

This include facials (manual, electrical and mechanical), brow and lash treatments, make-up, along with many other treatments outlined in the guidelines.

The guidance falls short of an outright ban on these treatments resuming, however, assuming rigorous PPE and training are taken: "[Public Health Waltes] recommend that businesses do not provide these treatments unless you can access correct PPE...Public Health Wales recommend a Fluid Resistant Surgical Face Mask, eye protection (goggles or a full face mask) disposable gloves and apron) have sufficient training in putting PPE on and taking it off and standard infection control precautions."

First minister for Wales Mark Drakeford confirmed that beauty salons will be allowed to reopen in Wales on July 27.

Today (July 10), Drakeford delivered his update on the Welsh Government’s package of measures to further ease coronavirus restrictions over the next three weeks, with hairdressers and barbers (including mobile professionals) reopening in week one on July 13, and beauty salons opening their doors again in week three on July 27.

On the Welsh Government website it says: “close contact services, including nail and beauty salons and businesses providing tanning services, massages, body piercings, tattooing, electrolysis or acupuncture” can reopen on July 27. 

“A final decision about reopening these sectors will depend on conditions and feedback from the initial opening of the tourism industry, indoor attractions and hairdressing sector.”

The Welsh Government will also make changes to the physical distancing regulations to reflect some of the challenges faced by the beauty industry “where a 2m distance cannot be reasonably maintained at all times”. 

The law in Wales will continue to make the 2m distance the default position, but when this cannot be maintained, regulations will require businesses to put in place a set of additional measures to minimise the risk of the virus spreading.

However, Drakeford stated that these measures will only happen “if the virus remain under control”.

The Welsh Government are reviewing the lockdown rules every three weeks. The next formal review of the regulations is due by July 30. 

When are beauty salons reopening in the rest of the UK?

This news follows Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon announcing yesterday (July 9) that beauty salons will reopen in Scotland on July 22, and secretary of state for culture, media and sport, Oliver Dowden, confirming that beauty salons and spas will open their doors in England on July 13 but only offering limited treatments. 

Beauty and hair salons have already opened in Ireland.

For our full guidance on navigating your salon, spa or freelance business through coronavirus and reopening, see our Professional Beauty Coronavirus Resource Guide.

What do you make of the news? Comment below. 

In other news. Chancellor Rishi Sunak delivered his summer economic update. Here’s what it means for beauty businesses.