No facials, magazines and temperature checks – what spas will look like when they reopen
SPAS will look very different when they reopen after lockdown, with no facials and temperature checks before your treatment.
These are the recommendations being suggested by industry experts, which also include no magazines in waiting rooms, or food and drink being served during visits.
But you’ll still need to wait a little while longer before you can get booked in, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed spas, nail salons and beauty salons won’t be able to reopen just yet.
The PM said these businesses must remain closed “for now”, with no date set for when they’ll be able to welcome back customers.
The same goes for gyms, swimming pools and massage, piercing and tattoo parlours.
It comes after Mr Johnson gave the green light for pubs, restaurants and hairdressers to reopen from July 4.
If you're already dreaming about your next spa visit, we've rounded up all the changes you may find.
The majority of these measures have been recommended by the or industry experts, meaning they haven't officially been put into action yet.
1. No facials
Spas will likely be offering a limited selection of treatments when they reopen - and sadly, this could mean facials will be off the cards.
Experts say most places will instead focus on options where the guest will be faced away from the therapist, such as body massages.
Helena Grzesk, general manager of the UK Spa Association, told : "We expect a phased approach, with limited facilities on reopening.
"Rightly or wrongly, its generally expected by the industry, that facial treatments might need to be suspended temporarily."
Similar reduced measures have been seen in the food and drinks industry, with the majority of fast food chains offering a slimmed down menu.
2. Shower before treatments
It's also likely that you'll be asked to shower before any treatment, as part of plans to increase hygiene measures.
This will help prevent the spread of infections, experts say.
Renowned beauty and well-being expert Beata Aleksandrowicz told : "You will most likely have to shower pre-treatment and sanitise your hands before entering the treatment room.
"Your therapist will explain hygiene protocol and wash their hands prior to the treatment."
3. No magazines
Flicking through a magazine while you're waiting for your treatment will also be a thing of the past, under guidance published by the British Beauty Council.
Again, this is to help stop the spread of any infections, by limiting the items that could be touched multiple times by customers.
As well as spas, the British Beauty Council also represents hairdressers in the UK, so it's likely they'll also be no magazines when you next get your hair cut.
4. No food or drink
The British Beauty Council has also recommended that there should be no food or drink sold in spas, which is bad news if you like to sip a glass of champagne during your treatment.
However, guests may be allowed to bring their own beverages.
5. Disposable towels and slippers
Instead of a fluffy white towel, you may find you're asked to wear disposable paper towels and slippers during your next spa visit.
If spas can't use disposable products, then they must wash each item after each customer, the British Beauty Council recommends.
They must be washed at a temperature of at least 60° to ensure they are fully disinfected.
In the food and drinks industry, restaurants are expected to have similar measures in place with disposable menus that can be binned.
6. Timed swimming slots
There may also be more competition for the swimming pool, with timed slots that have to be pre-booked, according to .
This means once you're in the water, you'll also have to keep an eye on the clock for when your time is up.
According to the World Health Organisation, there’s little evidence to suggest that coronavirus can be passed through water.
7. Temperature checks
To make sure you're well enough to visit, Cecily Spa in Hertfordshire told that guests should also expect to get their temperature checked before starting any treatment.
Some gym chains, such as Fitness First, have also said they're looking at introducing similar measures when they reopen.
8. PPE for staff and guests
Don't be surprised if you see staff wearing face masks and gloves during your next spa trip.
Some places may also provide PPE for their guests too.
The majority of high street retailers already require their staff to wear gloves and face masks, and most restaurants and gyms say they'll also be providing these for their workers.
9. Cleaning between appointments
The British Beauty Council also expects there to be increased cleaning in place at spas, with treatment areas wiped down after each appointment.
This may mean some places will be taking on fewer booking when they reopen, to allow for extra time to clean.
But it'll be essential for ensuring spas are fully safe when they reopen, the British Beauty Council says.
Coronavirus guidance for close-contact workers
THE government has issued the following advice for workers whose job requires them to have close contact with customers.
This includes: hairdressers, barbers, beauticians, tattooists, sports and massage therapists, dress fitters, tailors and fashion designers.
The suggests following the below procedures to manage any risk of spreading infection:
- Ensure customers and staff stay at home if they feel unwell
- Increased hand washing and cleaning of work surfaces
- Full PPE, including gloves and face masks, should be provided
- Comply with social distancing measures where possible, and if staff cannot work from home
- If social distancing can't be followed, businesses should consider what actions can be removed while allowing staff to still work
- Services within the "highest risk zone" of workers (defined as the area in front of the face where splashes and droplets from the nose and mouth, that may not be visible, can be present and pose a hazard from the client to the practitioner and vice versa) should not be resumed until they have been adapted
10. Hand sanitiser stations
Like when pubs and gyms reopen, spas are expected to install hand sanitiser stations for guests and staff to use.
This will be part of their enhanced hygiene measures to prevent spread of any infections.
11. Floor markings
You may also find new floor markings on the floor, which will tell you how far away to stand from other guests.
Mr Johnson has just announced that social distancing will be cut from two metres to one metre from July 4.
This means these markers will have at least a one-metre distance between them, although they could have more.
12. Pre-booked appointments only
To avoid walk-ins, which would see customers loitering around at payment areas, some spas may only take advanced bookings, according to the British Beauty Council.
This will require you to make an appointment in advance, either over the phone or online.
As this will vary between spas, your best bet will be to contact your usual place to see how they are taking bookings.
13. Card payments only
Most retailers are encouraging the use of card and contactless payment, with some shops refusing to take cash at all.
It's then not impossible that spas could introduce similar payment measures, but again, this will vary between establishments.
Make sure you check before heading down to your choice of spa when they reopen.
Most read in Money
The Sun has also rounded up all the changes you'll find when you next visit the cinema, including fewer seats and no pick and mix.
Read More on The Sun
We've also been behind the scenes to see what gyms will look like when they reopen.
Plus, here are all the changes you can expect when you visit an Intu shopping centre now "non-essential" stores are open.