On Tuesday 23 June, Boris Johnson announced an update regarding the lifting of lockdown restrictions in England.
In addition to confirming that businesses including pubs and restaurants will be allowed to reopen, the prime minister also stated that social distancing guidance had been reduced from two metres to “one metre plus”.
Hairdressers will be allowed to reopen from 4 July, with one London salon claiming it already has 2,500 people on its waiting list.
But what about nail bars and beauty salons in England and across the UK?
When the nationwide lockdown was established on 23 March, beauty salons were among the first businesses to close their doors to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
So just how long will we have to wait until we can get that fresh mani pedi? Here’s everything you need to know.
When will nail bars and beauty salons reopen in England?
While non-essential businesses have been reopening in England since the beginning of June, this hasn’t applied to all retailers.
From 4 July, hairdressing salons will be allowed to resume operations, with social distancing measures put in place to protect customers and staff.
However, nail bars and beauty salons, in addition to spas and tattoo parlours, have not yet been given the go-ahead to reopen.
Mr Johnson told the House of Commons during his address on Tuesday 23 June that businesses such as nail salons will only be able to reopen their doors once the government feels “confident” the business can operate “in a Covid-secure way”.
“Almost as eagerly awaited as a pint will be a haircut, particularly by me, and so we will reopen hairdressers with appropriate precautions, including the use of visors,” he said.
“We also intend to allow some other close contact services such as nail bars to reopen as soon as we can when we are confident that they can operate in a Covid-secure way.”
The prime minister added that “difficult judgements” were made when deciding which businesses would be permitted to reopen.
What about the rest of the UK?
The devolved nations of the UK have established lockdown guidelines that are distinct from the rules outlined by the government for members of the public in England.
In Northern Ireland, a provisional date of 6 July has been set for the reopening of hair salons, barbers and nail bars.
The Scottish government states that businesses including hair salons, beauty salons and nail bars, piercing and tattoo parlours must remain closed for the time being.
The same rule applies in Wales, although the Welsh government states that these businesses “may be opened at the request of a Welsh Minister of a local authority if needed to help facilitate a social purpose”.
“Individual businesses cannot apply for an exception to continue trading,” it adds.
How will salons ensure staff and customer safety when they reopen?
When nail bars and beauty salons are allowed to open their doors, it is likely that a number of safety measures will have to be introduced to protect both staff and customers.
As part of its plans to ease lockdown, the government has said that any businesses which reopen will have to meet Covid-19 secure guidelines.
Depending upon the workplace in question, this will mean carrying out measures such as ensuring people are able to maintain social distancing, staggering the arrival of employees and introducing “one-way flow routes” and hand sanitisation areas.
Can you do beauty treatments at home in the meantime?
You don’t have to wait until the lockdown is lifted to start ramping up your beauty routine as there are many treatments that you can do yourself.
The Independent has a number of DIY beauty guides to help you with everything from mastering a gel manicure, to removing acrylic nails and keeping your brows in check.
