The latest update (23 June) from the government regarding lockdown restrictions stated that it is starting to ease off and hair salons and barbers can re-open from 4 July, however nail bars and other services such as beauty treatments and spas will remain closed with more information to be given in due course.

Personal Protective Equipment or PPE

You have probably seen nail technicians wearing masks in the salon before, the following item will most likely be required to wear by nail technicians, beauty therapists and hairdressers.

Therapists are recommended to wear fresh uniform daily, use disposable aprons or gowns.

Masks should be a requirement for all staff as well as the clients. Full face shields can also be used for protection.

Gloves should always be worn and changed between each client. These should be powder-free nitrile gloves in the case of latex glove sensitivity.

Increased Hygiene Measures

All technicians should wash hands between every treatment, have a good supply of disposables and a ‘contaminated box’ for used tools. Disinfect all surfaces and tool after each treatment.

Clients should be encouraged to wash their hands on entering the premises, use disposable hand towels, not touch face or personal belongings during treatment. Extra disinfectant wipes for clients could also be offered. Ask clients to arrive alone (if possible) and with as little personal belongings as possible.

Magazines or refreshments such as tea and coffee should no longer be offered to clients (single-use cups and water dispensers only), while Marian Newman and Doug Schoon recommend about 15 minutes in between each client to allow for adequate cleaning and disinfecting.

Tools and Supplies

It is advised to use disposable single use tools and supplies wherever possible, such as nail files, dust brushes, disposable towels. Investing in more single-use, disposable equipment will also help to reduce the risk of cross contamination.

Non disposable tools should be sanitised, disinfected and sterilised after each client. If you have decided to purchase an autoclave, make sure it reaches correct temperature to kill all virus and bacteria. If possible, a UV cabinet should be used to keep tools hygienic after cleaning.

For all services involving: enhancement nail treatments, use of an e-file, UV gel polish with ‘builders’

Nail technicians are to have an efficient desk-top or ‘at source’ dust capture to the side of their station. These should be cleaned frequently, strictly following manufacturer instructions.

Appointments

Walk-in appointments will no longer be permitted; however, it might change once lockdown is lifted. Each client should be asked about any COVID-19-related symptoms before proceeding with the appointment. Technicians should only treat one client at a time to avoid any virus transferal.

Salons should operate on a non-cash basis, instead taking card payments on a system that can be easily cleaned when touched.

Ask each client entering the shop the following questions:

Have you had a cough?

Have you had a fever?

Have you been around anyone exhibiting these symptoms within the past 14 days?

Are you living with anyone who is sick or quarantined?

Equipment

All equipment used during the treatment should be thoroughly cleaned before and after each client using appropriate disinfectant. Where possible use disposable clothes or when using a non-disposable cloth, they must be changed after every use and washed at a temperature of at least 60’C.

Salon should consider providing best possible levels of ventilation, where possible keep window open to allow air to circulate.

Touch screens, phones, iPads, tills, card machines should be disinfected/ cleaned after each use handwash basins, taps, soap dispenser, toilets etc should be cleaned and disinfected after every use with appropriate disinfectant/cleaner.

Here you can find our range of protective equipment and disinfectants 

Beyond the British Beauty Council guidelines above, the British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) has issued in-depth Back to Work Guidelines, and the National Hair and Beauty Federation is also working with the government to ensure the industry can return to work safely. Although it might change, here is what you can likely expect when salons do reopen.

For the latest information on COVID-19, please check out resources from the WHO and the NHS.