[Updated] 6 campaigns raising funds and support for the beauty industry during Covid-19

Beauty has been deeply impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, with many unable to open their business and make revenue for five months, which is why an array of campaigns and petitions have been launched to save our salons, spas and mobile practitioners from closure. 

With beauty businesses losing, on average, £2,344 per week due to the current restrictions on face treatments, initiatives have been launched to provide funds to those unable to sustain their living, as well as calls on the Government to give the beauty industry a VAT cut and financial aid in the form of new schemes. 

Although bodies such as Babtac and the National Hair & Beauty Federation are pushing the Government at the moment for further financial assistance for the industry, here are some ways you can access help if you need it as well as help those in need.

 

6 campaigns giving support and raising funds for the struggling beauty industry:

1. Beauty Backed campaign

Skincare expert Caroline Hirons has launched Beauty Backed – a fundraising initiative that provides financial aid to beauty businesses that are unable to work due to the Government’s current restrictions on face treatments.

The campaign was launched after Hirons and other industry experts heard the heart-breaking stories of beauty professionals that have not had the financial support necessary to sustain their living throughout lockdown. 

100% of donations will be dispersed via the initiative’s partner, the Hair and Beauty Charity, who will donate to beauty pros who apply for help to stay afloat. 

So far, the campaign has raised more than £323,000 for struggling beauty businesses. Donate now. 

2. Financial Support and Help for Close-Contact Services petition

Rebecca Hood, owner of the Rebecca Hoods Lash Academy, has a launched a petition for the Government to provide financial funding for the beauty businesses who have been forced to stay closed due to the current restrictions on face treatments.

Hood said: “The remainder of British businesses that are still forced to close because of close-contact are on the brink of closure because of having no financial support. 

“[This petition is also] for all those self-employed personnel who have only been trading for 12 months or less, who cannot apply for self-employment grants, who need help too. We are forced to still close with no help.”

Watch Hood talk about the petition, and why she launched it, in more detail. The petition has more than 13,800 signatures but it needs 15,000. Sign the petition. 

 

3. #DutyToHelpBeauty campaign

The #DutyToHelpBeauty campaign, launched by accountant Ria-Jaine Lincoln, is calling on the UK Government to issue vouchers to beauty salons which will offer financial support similar to what the hospitality sector is getting right now with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.

The hospitality initiative, which runs throughout the month of August, is encouraging consumers to eat out at restaurants by providing a 50% discount on all food and non-alcoholic drinks consumed, up to a maximum of £10 discount per diner. The 50% discount is paid for by the Government, so restaurants are not out of pocket.  

Lincoln wants the Government to launch a similar scheme for beauty to encourage clients to book in for treatments once these salons are able to offer their full services again, and her open letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson has already received more than 6,000 signatures.

Sign Lincoln’s open letter now. 

4. Gov – Rescue UK Beauty and Hair Salons petition

Created by Collette Osborne, this petition is demanding a rescue package to be given to the hair and beauty industry which includes a VAT reduction like the one the hospitality sector is experiencing at the moment. 

“Why haven’t we been helped when we’re the last to open?”, said Osborne. “I believe our industry needs much needed financial support if we are to get through the coming months. If we have further regional lockdowns or another wave, as well as the recession, [then this is] going to be the worst ever.” 

The petition currently has more than 121,000, but it needs to get to 150,000. Sign it now. 

5. Eve Taylor Support Your Therapist Campaign

Aromatherapy brand Eve Taylor has launched its Support Your Therapist Campaign to help beauty therapists during this time of ongoing ambiguity around reopening dates for all treatments. 

The campaign’s focus is to let consumers know that every time they buy from a beauty therapist in salon, rather than from a discount website, not only are they getting personalised advice, but they are helping that small business stay afloat during these challenging times. 

The campaign features Eve Taylor therapists who are home-based, mobile or salon/spa-based to show how this financial support from consumers will help all levels of the industry. 

Founder Eve Taylor said: “The therapist community are at breaking point right now with an uncertain future ahead, but by us highlighting to consumers out there through this campaign that their spending habits can make a real difference to other people’s lives is a powerful message indeed.” 

5. #SaveOurSalons Campaign

A group of salon owners have created the #SaveOurSalons campaign – a social media video that’s asking clients to book a treatment, pre-buy gift vouchers, purchase beauty products or write reviews to help these beauty businesses survive. 

The video includes Sam Marshall, The Beauty Guru; Sarah Wilkinson, Equilibirum Silsden; Emma Gatt, The Treatment Rooms; Kirsten Barker, Zenful Beauty and Massage; Theresa Bloor, Moorlands Beauty Salon; Kirsty Vaughan, KV Beauty Rotherham; Susan Roche, Newcastle Hair & Beauty Clinic; Sharon Thomas, Relaxation Centre Sandhurst; Sophia Patel, Beauty at Noggi' Katherine Nelson, Cherry Tree Beauty; Vivvy Chan, Bob & Betty; Francesca, True Medispa; and Jodie Zorno, Jems Health and Beauty. 

You can find the video on PB’s YouTube page to share on your own channels.

If you have a campaign or petition that’s aimed at helping the struggling beauty industry get in touch and we will add it to this piece. Comment below or contact us via one of our social media channels.