Hairdressers in england must wear face masks and visors from 15 august

The UK Government has announced all hairdressers in England will need to wear type 2 surgical face masks and visors that cover the face from Saturday 15 August. The update to the rules takes into account new evidence provided by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and consultation with the hairdressing, barbering and beauty industries. This news follows on from last week's announcement that clients must also wear face masks during a hairdressing or barbering appointment. 

Freelance and salon-based hairdressers must wear face masks and visors

The aim of this new guidance is to protect clients and staff from respiratory droplets caused by speaking, sneezing or coughing. The rules apply to hairdressers working inside and outside of a salon environment. This means hairdressers working in people's homes, in their own homes or working within other parts of the industry such as on photo shoots will all need to wear face masks and visors to protect themselves and their clients. The Government has said it will continue to review its measures based on the latest infection rates so these new rules could be subject to change in future.

Beard services, facials, eye-based treatments and make-up can resume from 15 August

The update coincides with new guidance that states barbering and beauty services that involve being in close proximity to a client's face can resume from Saturday 15 August. The close contact services that will be allowed to resume from this Saturday include:

• Intricate beard work
• Microblading
• Eyelash and facial treatments
• Eyebrow threading
• Facial massages
• Facial waxing
• Make-up application
• Botox

Business Secretary, Alok Sharma said:“From Saturday, salons, spas and other close contact services across England will once again be able to offer all services in a way that is safe for workers and clients." He added: “Opening up the economy is conditional on our continued success at controlling the spread of coronavirus. Therefore it remains essential businesses comply with Covid-19 secure measures to protect workers and the public." Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “At every stage I have said our plan to reopen society and the economy is conditional and that it relies on continued progress against the virus. Today, we are able to announce some further changes which will allow more people to return to work and the public to get back to more of the things they have missed. However, as I have always said, we will not hesitate to put on the brakes if required, or to continue to implement local measures to help to control the spread of the virus.” A series of new enforcement measures will  target the serious breaches of social distancing restrictions, including fines of up to a maximum of £3,200 for people who repeatedly break face covering rules. If you are in local lockdown speak to your local council for more information. The current places in local lockdown are: City of Manchester; Trafford; Stockport; Oldham, Bury, Wigan, Bolton, Tameside, Rochdale, Salford, Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Preston, Rossendale, Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees.