Government's major backflip after beauty salon restrictions eased

A statement on NSW Health’s website earlier in the week prompted a flurry of activity from business owners after it was announced that beauty salons, tattoo parlours and massage parlours could now provide from their homes, but now the department has reversed the decision.

A NSW Government spokesperson tells Yahoo Lifestyle that salons that operate from a person’s home are no longer allowed to re-open, despite an earlier statement on the website advising as such.

“Spas, nail salons, beauty salons, waxing salons and tanning salons can only stay open to sell their products,” a spokesperson clarified on Wednesday morning.

“This covers any business premise, regardless of whether it operates in a retail outlet or in a private home.”

Earlier, the government website sent a different message.

“Services can be provided in your home provided hygiene and social distancing requirements are followed where possible,” the website’s guidelines initially read.

“This includes services provided at home by spas, nail beauty, waxing and tanning salons, tattoo parlours or massage parlours.”

This wording has now been replaced on the NSW Health website to clarify that services whether operating from an owner’s salon or home are not allowed to resume.

As for taking your business to clients, it is technically still allowed.

Will I get a fine for hosting my beautician?

No, you will not be fined as the lockdown restrictions allow for beauty services to now operate as mobile services, however it is not encouraged by the Health Department.

“Yes [one can provide a service related to a spa, nail salon, beauty salon, waxing salon and tanning salon as a mobile service or in a client’s home] however NSW Health recommends that at this time operators of spas and nail, beauty, waxing and tanning salons should not provide services in their client’s homes,” a spokesperson clarified in a statement to Yahoo Lifestyle.

So while not illegal, getting a beauty treatment in your own home is not considered best practice, and if you do decide to go ahead and get mobile, you’ll need to comply with any relevant rules surrounding mobile businesses.

“Any business providing mobile services must comply with all relevant laws, including work, health and safety and public health laws, as well as local council and planning requirements,” the site now clarifies under ‘beauty and personal care’.

“Social distancing should be followed when visiting homes.”

Urban Company Australia is a mobile beauty and cleaning service directly impacted, and they tell Yahoo Lifestyle they are continuing to provide at-home services in compliance with the NSW health official guidelines.

“We are regularly checking in with the NSW government to ensure we are complying with the relevant updated policies to help us flatten the curve and discontinue the spread of the virus,” says Lauren Warwick, the company’s marketing lead.

“All of the Urban Company Professionals (both at-home cleaning and at-home beauty) are abiding by new strict safety measures and policies.”

She explains where possible disposable items are being used, instruments are sanitised between uses and that they are checking in on staff members’ health every day.

Business owners furious saying rules ‘don’t make sense’

The reversal may prompt understandable confusion among small business owners and anyone looking to procure a beauty treatment.

Yesterday beautician Kristin Fisher of Kristin Fisher Eyebrows in Double Bay lashed out at the government in a series of furious comments online, promising to break the restrictions which she dubbed ‘bullsh*t’.

Though the beauty entrepreneur did not go ahead with her plan of reopening the salon, she didn’t shy away from slamming the restrictions, claiming the rules ‘don’t make sense’ and insisting her salon is more sanitary than visiting individual homes.

She also questions why salons were not given the same guidelines as hairdressers from the beginning.

NSW Health did not respond to request for comment on the distinction between beauty salons and hairdressers.

Got a story tip or just want to get in touch? Email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com.