28 July 2020

 This update covers:

  • Face coverings in salons and barbershops: change to England guidelines.
  • Wales: beauty guidelines now published. 

Face coverings in salons and barbershops: change to England guidelines 

The government guidelines about face coverings for England have been updated. The guidelines now say that you should strongly encourage clients to wear a face covering in enclosed public spaces such as salons and barbershops where social distancing may be difficult and where clients come into contact with people that they do not normally meet. 

Staff should wear a visor. 

  • In Scotland, face coverings must be worn by staff and clients. Visors are recommended for staff, but face coverings are mandatory. 
  • In Wales, face coverings are optional. Staff should wear a visor. 
  • Northern Ireland is following the England guidelines. 

Read our FAQs to find out more about which guidelines apply across the four nations. 

Wales: beauty guidelines now published 

Guidance, a checklist and a restart risk assessment for beauty businesses are available on the Welsh Government website. 

While there is currently no outright ban on providing treatments on the face, Public Health Wales recommends ‘a fluid-resistant surgical face mask, eye protection (goggles or a full face mask), disposable gloves and apron, plus sufficient training in putting PPE on and taking it off and standard infection control procedures’. 

  • In England, treatments on the face are not allowed until 1 August 2020. 
  • In Scotland, treatments on the face are not specifically banned, but must not be carried out if they will involve prolonged periods in the high-risk zone in front of the face. 
  • In Northern Ireland, treatments on the face are allowed. 

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