Beauty industry plans protest against Government's reopening policy

The beauty industry is to stage a socially distanced protest in London's Trafalgar Square this weekend against the Government's reopening policy for the sector.

As of yet the industry has no guidance from the Government on when it can offer currently restricted services that form the bedrock of many salons' businesses.

The industry was first left out of the tranche of businesses reopened at the start of the month, which included hairdressers and hospitality businesses. However the Government subsequently announced that some beauty businesses, such as nail bars, could be reopened on 13 July.

However services involving the face, such as facials, eyebrow threading, facial waxing, make-up applications, dermarolling, microblading and facial electrolysis were not permitted.

Many in the sector pointed out the inequality with barbers, who are allowed to carry out men's beard trims "if done from the side". The Government has been accused of prioritising services for men and businesses run by men, as the majority of beauty salons are founded and run by women for women.

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The British Beauty Council is co-ordinating the protest, which will take place at Trafalgar Square on Sunday 19 July from 12pm – 1.30pm.

"As of now there is no date to list the restricted beauty services and we need to ensure the sector has urgent financial support. Many have spent four long months preparing their businesses, without financial help, stocking up on PPE and going above and beyond government guidelines to get their livelihoods back on track," the British Beauty Council said.

Those who cannot attend the march are encouraged to voice their support across social media using hashtags such as #whycantiwork and #bringbeautyback.