Getting back to the salon safely: an update on reopening salons in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland during the Coronavirus outbreak.

You’ve probably already heard the news - salons in England were due to reopen for “close-contact” face treatments on 1st August however the government has now pushed this date back to prevent infections levels from rising further.

This means that salons in England will only be allowed to offer face treatments - we’ve listed these below - from 15th August (at the earliest) In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, all hair and beauty services remain open.

Face waxing, sugaring or threading
Facial treatments
Advanced facial technical (electrical or mechanical)
Eyelash treatments
Make-up application
Dermarolling
Dermaplaning
Microblading
Electrolysis on the face
Eyebrow treatments

If you had a face appointment booked between 1st August and 5th August, this appointment has been cancelled, you will be notified and automatically refunded*. If you had a face appointment booked between 6th August and 15th August, we ask that you reschedule your appointment for a later date. Any appointments not rescheduled by 1 pm on 5th August will be cancelled, you will be notified and automatically refunded*.

Rescheduling is easy (even if you’ve pre-paid). You’ll find a link to reschedule in your booking confirmation email, or it can be done via the app.

These restrictions also mean that spa facilities including the sauna, steam and thermal facilities will remain closed.

And, that’s not all.

Spas can now reopen too. Hallelujah.

The government confirmed the reopening of indoor swimming pools and gyms, from 25th July, and sauna, steam and thermal facilities from 15th August. Sounds like a pretty good time for some well-deserved R&R.

There will be safety measures in place, obviously, including increased cleaning schedules and social distancing. The number of people in the spa at any given time will be restricted, so it’s always best to pre-book. You might also have to pre-book time slots for specific facilities too. Just an FYI - treatment menus may have changed too.

If you have an upcoming spa booking and have any questions or concerns, please get in touch.

So what's new in the salon?

Well, you’ll probably notice a few changes inside the salon as we adjust, collectively, to the ‘new normal’. This could include changes to opening times, additional hygiene practices, social distancing measures with a limit on the number of people allowed in the salon at once. This will help to keep you and our salon partners safe, and we will continue to respond to government advice as it is provided.

Given these changes, booking treatments online is a good way to make sure you get an appointment. And, as ‘the salon’ is definitely top of a lot of to-do lists, we’re now taking bookings in advance – up to three months ahead, in fact. Why not book now?

Remember, appointments might be limited (and they’re in high demand). With Treatwell, you can book up to three months in advance so you’ve got plenty of time to get organised. You can still reschedule if your plans change, just manage your appointment through our app.

We continue to work closely with the government on behalf of our salon partners to advise on health & safety measures to ensure salons are a safe space when you return, here's how you can help.

1. Salons adhering to social distancing measures may limit the number of clients allowed inside the salon at once, or prevent clients turning up for walk-in appointments. Make sure to book ahead to guarantee an appointment.

2. Wash and sanitise your hands often to prevent the spread of bacteria. Try to do this prior to arriving at the salon and once you're inside (if possible). Don't forget that 20-second washing rule for properly clean hands

3. If you're feeling unwell, have been ill recently, or have been in contact with anyone confirmed to have COVID-19, please do not attend any appointments. Don't worry, rescheduling is easy (even if you've pre-paid). You'll find a link to reschedule in your booking confirmation email or in 'My Bookings' on the app.

4. Though reuniting with your stylist will be glorious, avoid hugging, shaking hands or any physical contact that's not necessary inside the salon. This, again, adheres to social distancing measures and prevents the potential spread of germs.

7. We'd suggest taking a drink with you to your appointment (like a bottle of water or a coffee from somewhere nearby), to avoid using the salon's cups.

5. Pay for your treatment in advance (when booking), so that you and your stylist will not have to handle cash in the salon. Contactless card payments are another way to minimise, well, contact.

8. If you've been advised to wear a mask then please do so. You may notice our salon partners wearing masks more frequently for their own protection and yours.

6. Salon partners may decide to leave their entrance doors open to avoid clients touching the handle (and spreading bacteria to other areas). If it's open when you arrive, just ask a team member if they'd like to keep it open.

Head to our hair and beauty community page for regular updates on how we’re responding to government guidance and continuing to support the industry.

Last updated 28.07.2020