BEAUTY salons, gyms and hairdressers are set to reopen on December 2 in a huge morale boost before Christmas.
Here is everything you need to know and when to book in for your appointment.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
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When do hairdressers and barbers open in the UK?
Boris Johnson is yet to formally announce his Covid Winter Plan but it is believed that ministers are pushing for beauty salons, gyms and hairdressers to open after December 2.
The festive period is a busy time for the businesses in the beauty industry.
However, it’s not known whether fitness and beauty businesses will be allowed to open in the new toughest tiers, according to the new revised three-tier system.
In the old tier system which was in place during October, some Tier 3 areas like Liverpool were forced to shut their gyms, while other cities like Manchester were still allowed to keep fitness facilities open.
So while the beauty salons and gyms may be able to open in the lower tiers, they may not be able to operate all across the country, depending on the Government’s decisions.
Hairdressers, gyms and beauty salons were forced to shut their doors on November 5 as the country was plunged back into a four week lockdown.
They had been open, along with restaurants and pubs, since July 4 – when restrictions from the first lockdown were eventually eased.
And gyms were among the last businesses to reopen after the first lockdown, and were only given the green light to do so from July 25.
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How will social distancing work at the hairdressers?
Salons are likely to operate at only 50 per cent capacity in order to maintain social distancing measures, with those cutting your hair working on shift patterns to minimise contact with staff and customers.
It is also likely that not every station in the salon will be used, with hairdressers working at every other station in a bid to maintain a two-metre distance between them.
The British Beauty Council recommends that staff wear gloves, masks and gowns, while customers will also likely have to wear masks and will not be able to have many belongings on them.
Meanwhile, the National Hair and Beauty Federation has asked hairdressers to keep salon chat to a minimum and avoid “face-to-face discussions with clients”.
It’s not thought customers will be forced to wear masks, although you can if you choose.
“When the customers comes in we will measure their temperature with a scanner and antibacterial gel will be offered along with two face masks (in case one gets dirty),” explains London salon owner Gennaro Dell’Aquila.
“Our staff will also wear a mask and gloves and will have their temperature measured 3 to 5 times per day.”
Sadly a cup of tea or coffee and a magazine is probably out of the question – customers may even be asked to leave their belongings in a locker.
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What are the guidelines for hairdressers?
This is a stressful time for all self-employed workers and hairdressers are no different.
The government has pledged support to self-employed people in the United Kingdom as well as full-time workers.
Self-employed workers can read our guide on how to get financial help during this crisis.
Some workers will be eligible for the furlough scheme – if you are, you can read our guide on what the emergency measures mean for you.
