13 July 2020

This update covers the latest news on what’s happening in the four nations.

England:

Hairdressers and barbers are now allowed to open and are strongly advised to follow the government guidelines for working safely.

Beauty salons, nail bars, tattoo and massage studios, physical therapy businesses and spas across England can reopen from today, Monday 13 July. All close contact service providers are strongly advised to follow the government guidelines for working safely.

  • Services and treatments in the highest risk zone must not be provided (even if wearing a visor). The highest risk zone is the area in front of the face where splashes and droplets from the nose and mouth may be present, which can pose a hazard. Find out more about which treatments are allowed.
  • Spas should keep saunas and steam rooms closed until further notice. Spas may operate any of the following facilities outdoors from 13 July, and indoors from 25 July, providing social distancing is in place: gyms, jacuzzis, whirlpools, hydrotherapy and swimming pools. The government guidelines must be followed. 

Read our FAQs for beauty businesses in England.

Northern Ireland

Hair, beauty and barber businesses are now allowed to open.

  • Northern Ireland must use the England government guidelines for working safely.
  • We are waiting to hear if any restrictions will be placed on the types of services and treatments that can be offered in Northern Ireland.

Wales

Hair and barber businesses can open today, 13 July 2020. The Welsh government has published guidelines, a checklist and a restart assessment for hairdressing and barber businesses.

  • In Wales, salons and barbershops must operate on a strict appointment-only basis.
  • Services and treatments in the highest risk zone must not be provided (even if wearing a visor). The highest risk zone is the area in front of the face where splashes and droplets from the nose and mouth may be present, which can pose a hazard.

Beauty businesses can prepare to reopen on 27 July 2020, if conditions at that time allow.

Scotland

Hair and barber businesses can reopen on 15 July 2020 and must refer to the England government guidelines for working safely. The Scottish government has also published an additional checklist for close-contact businesses in Scotland.

  • In Scotland, face coverings are mandatory (must be worn) by clients and staff.
  • Staff should wear a visor in addition to a face covering. Visors are recommended but face masks are mandatory. Customers are also required to wear a face covering.

Beauty businesses may be able to reopen on 22 July 2020, but this has not yet been confirmed by the Scottish Government.

See all updates