The UK has been under lockdown for two months to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Initially people had only been able to leave their homes for essential purposes, such as buying food and medicine. However, the Government has recently begun to ease some lockdown measures, such as allowing people unlimited outdoor exercise. The recent easing of measures has prompted many to speculate when personal care businesses, such as nail salons and hairdressers, will be allowed to reopen.

The nationwide lockdown started at the end of March.

Businesses across the UK have been forced to close their doors, including Britain’s beauty industry.

Hairdressers and nail salons have had to close due to the risk of spreading COVID-19.

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“The government’s current planning assumption is that this step will be no earlier than 4 July, subject to the five tests justifying some or all of the measures below, and further detailed scientific advice, provided closer to the time, on how far we can go.”

When the data does support the reopening of nail salons, it is unclear what social distancing practices will need to be enforced.

In other parts of the world, beauty services have reopened with enhanced health and hygiene practices.

Social distancing measures have been implemented within salons, and in many cases people are being asked to wear face masks.

The National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) has written an open letter to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Alok Sharma, calling for clarification from the Government on how guidelines will impact on the sector.

The NHBF is also asking for clarification on what the social distancing and PPE requirements will be when salons are allowed to reopen.