AFTER months of uncertainty, beauty salons across England were allowed to reopen last week – and local beauty therapist, Sarah Clarke, has already safely welcomed back many of her clients.
“It’s fantastic to be back,” said Sarah, owner of Beauty @ No.12. “It’s been a long time, and it has been a stressful wait to reopen, but I’m so happy to be working again. My clients are really excited to be able to come and visit again too.”
Whilst restrictions on hair salons and barbers were lifted at the beginning of July, beauty salons faced a longer wait for details from the government about when they could reopen – and when the news came, salons were given just four days ‘notice.
Sarah said, “The industry was expecting to return three to four weeks after 4th July, so it was very short notice. A lot of people were caught out. It’s not just the physical preparation of the work space, making it Covid-secure, it’s also the mental preparation about returning to work and working under new guidance.
“But I was prepared, and I had taken control, which was lucky. I put out a message on social media explaining that I would be contacting clients to arrange appointments, and that has worked well.”
Whilst beauty salons have been allowed to reopen, the government has restricted what treatments salons can offer – and currently treatments such as face waxing, eyelash treatments, make-up application and facial treatments are not allowed, due to the greater risk of transmission of Covid-19.
“I’m lucky as I offer other beauty treatments,” said Sarah. “Unlike brow bars that do eyebrows and lashes, they are still waiting for news about when they can open. So I am lucky that I can still work under the restrictions.
“Some clients are frustrated that they can’t have their eyebrows done, or book in for a facial waxing. But they can still come in and have other waxings; and treatments such as manicures and pedicures – and experience a sense of normality by having a treatment.”
About what clients can expect when visiting her salon, which is based at her home on Longford Road, Sarah said, “I have had online Covid-19 training course, which shows clients that I am observing new regulations and understand them.
“And as I work from home, I have adapted my work space so that clients don’t have to use my downstairs bathroom to wash their hands – they can do that in the treatment room at my new hand wash station. I am also having to stagger appointments to allow for cleaning after client visit. Clients can read my Covid policy in full on my Facebook page.”
For more information, visit Beauty @ No.12’s Facebook page: www.facebook. com/BeautyatNumber12
