News

PB launches #SalonsAreSafe campaign calling for a confirmed reopening date

After beauty salons were omitted from the list of businesses in England allowed to reopen on July 4, and those in Scotland allowed to reopen on July 15, Professional Beauty Group has launched the #SalonsAreSafe campaign to demonstrate to Government that salons are both safe and ready to reopen.

PB is encouraging business owners to share the #SalonsAreSafe hashtag on social media, along with our campaign graphic, to show the Government the industry is safe.

There are three ways you can get involved: 1. Show how your beauty salon, nail bar or home-based business will be safe on reopening by posting photos and videos on social media using the #SalonsAreSafe hashtag. These photos/videos can be Although beauty salons in England and Scotland were still awaiting a confirmed reopening date as this issue of Professional Beauty was published, Northern Ireland Executive has announced that beauty and hair salons in Northern Ireland can open on July 6, and the Welsh Government has given a provisional date of July 13.

Both dates are dependent on the coronavirus R rate staying a downward trajectory.

The statement from the Northern Ireland Executive said that changes to its Coronavirus Regulations included: “The re-opening of hair

walkthroughs of your salon showing the changes you’ve made in terms of PPE, social distancing, etc. We’d also recommend tagging your local MP, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and/or Business Secretary Alok Sharma to help get the message direct to UK Government. 2. Share PB’s #SalonsAreSafe graphic on your social media channels while using the #SalonsAreSafe hashtag, explaining how you’ve made your salon safe for reopening. Also, ask your clients salon and barbers – July 6. This also covers close contact businesses... and includes nail, beauty, hair salons and barbers, tanning services, electrolysis or acupuncture.”

However, there is no official reopening date for spas in Northern Ireland. The new guidance confirms “spas and leisure facilities at hotels will not be permitted to open at this stage.”

Meanwhile, the to share the message too as a show of faith in how you’ll look after them. We’d also recommend tagging your local MP, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and/or Business Secretary Alok Sharma. 3. Write to or email your local MP, asking for clarity on when beauty salons will be able to reopen and explain the measures you’ve put in place to make your business safe. Our drafted letter has been templated, so it’s easy for you to fill in, and you can find the name and contact details of your local MP to send it to here on the UK Parliament website.

Separately, the UK Spa Association is launching the #GiveWellnessADate campaign, backed by Professional Beauty and all other spa trade titles, to call for a confirmed date for spas to reopen

Northern Ireland gears up for reopening July 6 and Wales July 13

in all countries of the UK. Welsh Government released plans to restart the economy, with beauty and hair salons potentially reopening on an “appointmentonly” basis on July 13, depending on how the virus is progressing.

inbrief

// The Black Aesthetics

Advisory Board (BAAB) has been formed by Dr Tijion Esho, Dija Ayodele, Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme and Dr Amiee Vyas to investigate the experiences of black practitioners within aesthetics, as well as those of black and minority ethnic patients. The group wants to inform change; from ensuring all practitioners understand the needs of black skin to increasing representation of black professionals at all industry levels.

// Cancer support charity Look Good Feel Better has adapted its “Skin Fitness” group sessions for male cancer patients during the coronavirus pandemic by launching a virtual version online. The workshops create a supportive environment to focus on skincare, shaving and grooming advice for those struggling.

// Vita Liberata has launched a sun safety and skin cancer awareness campaign, as well as donating to the Skin Cancer Foundation and partnering with consultant dermatologist Dr Alia Ahmed. The #BodyCareChecks initiative is designed to help clients get familiar with their skin and understand if any changes might be cause for concern.

// Lynton Lasers has donated its Light Soothe Cooling Recovery Serum to support the NHS in Stepping Hill, helping to rehydrate and heal the damaged skin of frontline staff’s hands. Dr Jon Exley says the choice was inspired by those returning to work, volunteering to help others and wanting to give back.

Government releases guidelines for close contact services

The Government has released safety procedures for performing close contact beauty services. These guidelines have been designed to help prepare beauty salons, spas, nail bars, make-up artists and mobile/home-based therapists in England to safely reopen their businesses once a date is confirmed.

You can read the safety guidelines here. They state that a risk assessment must be carried out, shared with your workforce and published on your website. You also need to demonstrate to clients that you taken appropriate measures to mitigate the risk by displaying a notification in a prominent place in your business. Upon the announcement of the safety guidelines and the delay in a confirmed date for reopening in England or Scotland, the industry has reacted with mixed feelings.

Penny Kimpton, salon director at Sparx Beauty in Winchester, Hampshire, commented: “We have all of this in place and even secured a temporary premises to ensure social distancing. We are an aesthetic and beauty clinic, CQC registered for specific treatments. We follow such strict hygiene procedures as a matter of course. I’m completely stunned that we cannot open the same time as hair.”

Emma Batkin, owner of Fabulous You Beauty in Tarporley, Cheshire, said, “We all want to get back to work but our health and our clients health is paramount. I completely understand For PPE, the main requirement is a visor, with the guidelines stating, “This should take the form of a clear visor that covers the face and provides a barrier between the wearer and the client from respiratory droplets caused by sneezing, coughing or speaking. Visors must fit the user and be worn properly. It should cover the forehead, extend below the chin, and wrap around the side of the face.”

The guidelines also cover social distancing measures including the use of disposable items where possible and ensuring non-disposable items are cleaned between clients; and Installing screens to protect workers in receptions or similar areas.

Salons must also operate an appointment-only system, asking clients and staff not to visit the salon if they feel unwell, and keep a temporary record of clients and visitors for 21 days, assisting NHS Test and Trace with requests for that data if needed.

The guidelines also cover increased

Industry reacts to Government guidelines and reopening delay

surface cleaning and hand washing.

why the government isn’t allowing us back just yet.”

Natalie Henson, owner of Regent Beauty in Barwell, Leicestershire, said: “I feel we’re being branded as a business that’s not as ‘good’ as hairdressers or barbers…Why can a back massage not be performed? In pedicures, you’re away from their faces.”

Join the debate at professionalbeauty.co.uk and facebook.com/ProfessionalBeautyUK

inbrief

// Sweet Squared has launched free online education run by CND’s education ambassador Nataliya Al-Ta’ai, in conjunction with its recently launched Shellac Wear Extender Base Coat. The sessions will cover five-point polish methods, 10-minute removal techniques and tips for retailing the product. // Founder Leighton Denny has returned to run the Leighton Denny Expert Nail brand, which he founded in 2005 but left in 2017, after 18 months in a part-time advisory role. The brand is now manufactured by Prestige Personal Care. // International speaker, educator and beauty business expert Liz McKeon has launched the Liz McKeon Salon Business Academy, an online course which contains instructional seminars over five modules. Designed to be taken at the participant’s own pace, the course offers a certificate on completion and is accessible on mobile.

// Skincare brand 111SKIN has opened 12 new global online and in-store accounts this year, including Selfridges, Sephora and Look Fantastic. It exclusviely launched into Beauty Workshop in February with its Rose Gold Radiance Eye Mask, before establishing its online store in May. // Roz Colthart, founder of Salon Studios, has launched “Salonpreneur,” a free online support network for selfemployed salon professionals. The network includes social media checklists, pre-made Canva templates and more. Sign up is free and new members will receive a free three-month subscription to booking platform Treatwell.

Five coronavirus skin issues identified by dermatologists

A study by the Spanish Academy of Dermatology identified five common skin manifestations in those suffering with Covid-19. The study by four dermatologists reviewed images of unexplained skin eruptions in 120 patients with suspected or confirmed Covid-19, and then a consensus was reached.

Just under a fifth (19%) of cases presented with pseudo-chilblain symptoms, commonly found on the hands and feet, lasting for a mean of 12.7 days. Other vesicular eruptions (small blisters) were seen in 9% of those studied and lasting for a mean of 10.4 days.

Urticarial lesions, commonly interpreted as nettle rash or wheals which show as pink or white raised areas of skin, were present in 19% of patients, and other maculopapules (small, flat and raised red bumps) in just Salons will be happy to hear that having a beauty treatment is the UK’s third most anticipated post-coronavirus lockdown activity, according to Kantar Media’s research of social media posts, beaten only by a night out with friends at the pub (top spot) and attending a live event or outdoor venue (second place).

Meanwhile, UK consumers also can’t wait to relax in spas again, with 80% keen to visit now or in the next few

under half (47%), which generally lasted for a shorter period of time – 6.8 mean days for urticarial and 8.6 for maculopapular. These were usually associated with more severe Covid-19 cases.

Livedo or necrosis was only present in 6% of cases and associated with older patients with more severe

Salon and spa visits top clients’ post-coronavirus activity wish list

diseases.

months, according to The Good Spa Guide’s consumer habits survey, conducted in collaboration with the UK Spa Association (UKSA). More than half (65%) of the 5,000 people surveyed cited “just relaxing in a spa environment” as their main reason for returning and 6% also plan to visit more regularly than before.

When spas reopen, 69% of consumers will feel comfortable booking a manicure or pedicure treatment, 60% a massage and 50% a facial. More than half (68%) will also look to book two-to-three-day wellness retreats, especially those focusing on sleep and nutrition.

inbrief 92% of UK spas significantly impacted by coronavirus

// Hotel and spa Ye Olde Bell in Nottinghamshire has launched “Spacations,” which include exclusive spa hire and private staycations. Bookings will be tailored to each group, with services including thermal experience, snowstorm or vitality pool.

// London molecular wellness clinic BelleCell has created its own genetic skincare and supplement range, designed to prevent signs of antiageing by supporting the genes that aren’t performing optimally. This launch incorporates an at-home genetic testing service to personalise the skincare and supplements sent via post.

// Marie Louise-Coster,

owner of All About Mi in Chipping Sodbury, ran a series of four-hour nail art courses online in June in conjunction with Louella Belle. Topics included tutorials for animal print, aquarelle and Disney characters.

// Online platform Get Harley has extended its remit from online retail to helping practitioners offer online consultations for skin and in-clinic treatments in an effort to reduce in-clinic appointments. The facility encourages clients to pay a deposit for future treatments. // Vegan nail brand Peacći launched home kits for the tortie nail trend alongside an online workshop with The GelBottle Inc’s educator Helena Marimon over Instagram Live. The kit contains a base coat, polishes in three shades and a round gel brush. Coronavirus has had a “severe” or “significant impact” on 92% of UK spas since lockdown started in March, according to the UK Spa Association’s (UKSA) What’s Next for Wellness Survey.

Although more than half (54%) plan to reopen as soon as restrictions have been lifted to help their business survive the pandemic, only 13% anticipate being able to open their spa in full capacity, the report found. A fifth (20%) stated there was a possibility that their spa may not reopen at all following the lifting of restrictions.

A massive 87% of operators have had to furlough the majority of their staff and just under a third (28%) anticipate Four in 10 small business owners believe it will take more than five years for the UK’s economy to recover from the impact of coronavirus and the enforced lockdown, according to research by the #ForgottenLtd Campaign.

Only 15% of the 1,000 small business owners polled believe the economy will be back on its feet by the end of 2021, whereas more than a quarter (28%) think it will take up to three years to see a complete comeback, the report found.

However, 18% think it could take as

the need to make redundancies in the future. More than half (57%) are also concerned about the cost of essential PPE, while 72% say it’s important to them that all PPE is sustainably manufactured, the report found.

Meanwhile, more than a third (38%) plan to restrict the use of their thermal facilities when they reopen, with 22% also planning to phase the reopening of pool areas. The majority (76%) are also in agreement that spas should remove testers from their retail displays.

Survey respondents were from a cross-section of the industry, including operators, suppliers, consultants and

UK economy won’t recover from coronavirus until 2025, say SMEs

therapists. long as five years for a full recovery, while more than a third (39%) were of the belief that it will only be after 2025 that we will see the economy back to normality.

diarydates

//October 11 World Spa & Wellness Awards London A celebration of the best hotels and resort spas from around the world. 020 7351 0536 worldspawellness.com/ awards

// October 11–12 Professional Beauty London ExCeL London The flagship show from the PB Group will now be held alongside major hair show Salon International. It will include conferences for spa, manufacturing, and more. 020 7351 0536 professionalbeauty.co.uk/ London

// October 11–12 World Spa & Wellness Convention London ExCeL London The essential conference for international spa owners and hoteliers looking to network. 020 7351 0536 worldspawellness.com/ London

// November 2 Professional Beauty Awards London Hilton Park Lane Prestigious awards ceremony for beauty, spa and nails. 020 7351 0536 professionalbeauty.co.uk/ pbawards

// November 8–9 Professional Beauty and Hairdressers’ Journal Ireland Citywest Dublin Join Ireland’s biggest beauty, hair and spa trade show, featuring PBHJ Ireland Awards. 020 7351 0536 professionalbeauty.ie/interest

// November 15–16 Professional Beauty North EventCity Manchester The largest beauty exhibition in the North is back. 020 7351 0536 professionalbeauty.co.uk/ north

Leading brands share bespoke guidelines for re-opening

Pro brands including Lynton Lasers, Dermalogica and Aromatherapy Associates have unveiled their own guidelines to help their salon and spa accounts on re-opening.

Created to meet Government guidelines but also add more specifics for certain treatments, the guidelines detail new customer service protocols surrounding Covid-19.

Health and hygiene precautions dominate, with policies regarding contactless reception and retail services, as well as new training and e-learning opportunities for staff.

Aromatherapy Associates has introduced In Spa Treatments and InRoom Wellbeing Experiences related to current client concerns, such as sleep, stress and anxiety, and suggested new revenue opportunities.

Meanwhile, Lynton has incorporated free webinars, help guides led by digital consultant Rick O’Neil and a “re-opening checklist.”

Other precautions in both involve the use of PPE, cleaning of treatment Kerri-Ann Angus, owner of Peaches salons and the Peaches Academy, is launching a vegan-friendly CBD face and body skincare range in July.

The Peaches Wellness CBD retail range will feature a body butter, lip balm, roll on, cooling gel and gummies, with a facial skincare range due to follow in August.

rooms and the importance of scheduling, as well as increased communication with clients through positive messaging and social media.

Dermalogica created a Clean Touch Certification, for skin therapists who complete their free online course, while Phorest has launched the Reopening Resource Bank, which includes its “Getting Back In Business Playbook” covering operations and finances. L’Oréal Professional Products, which owns Decléor, has released a Back to Business Salon Support Guide

Peaches owner to launch CBD face and body skincare range

for salons and hairdressers. A professional-only line for beauty salons and spas is also in the works, which will feature a massage oil, body oil and bath salts, and it will complement the brand’s CBD facial and body treatment course, both launching in the winter. “Our endocannabinoid system – a complex cell-signalling system made up of endocannabinoids that are similar to the cannabinoid compounds found in cannabis – plays a role in in regulating our memory, mood, sleep, appetite and even our reproduction and fertility, and this got me interested in finding out as much as possible on the benefits and uses of CBD,” Angus told Professional Beauty.