Timetable for reopening of nail and beauty salons expected this week
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he will set out a timetable for reopening of businesses including nail bars this week, offering some hope for the beauty and spa industry in England.
In his address on July 3, the Prime Minister said "Indoor gyms, nail bars and swimming pools are still closed, mass gatherings are still prohibited, social distancing is still essential. I want these restrictions to be lifted as soon as possible – of course I do.
"We have established taskforces to work rapidly and closely with the sectors that remain closed to explore how they can be Covid Secure. I am pleased to report good progress is being made.
"Next week we will set out a timetable for their re-opening – though of course I can only lift those remaining, national restrictions as and when it is safe to do so."
The news has been welcomed by the beauty and spa sector, with many anticipating that beauty salons are also likely to get confirmation of a new proposed reopening date this week, which would go some way towards easing the frustrations the sector has face since being told they could not open on July 4 alongside hairdressers, as expected.
When will beauty salons open elsewhere in the UK?
Elsewhere in the UK, beauty and nail salons and spas in Northern Ireland begin to reopen their doors from July 6. However, spas cannot yet reopen their thermal areas, including saunas and steam rooms, hydrotherapy pools or cold and ice rooms.
Beauty and nail salons in Wales are still hopeful for a July 13 reopening date, with confirmation on whether or not this will go ahead expected at the next government address on July 9.
Beauty salons and spas in Scotland are still waiting for a proposed reopening date. On June 24, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that hairdressers and barbers can reopen from Wednesday, July 15, but that beauty services would not be permitted to resume on this date.