It’s that time of year again when we are all starting to get our bodies summer ready, and although we may not all be able to jet off to exotic far away beaches this year because of COVID-19 that doesn’t mean we all want to be walking around fluffy and fury either.

The new normal is constantly changing as the world accepts the effects of coronavirus - the ripping effects in the beauty industry have been stronger than in other sections, but one disconcerting factor professionals were not prepared for is the rise of allergic reactions in clients.

The government guidelines to date of working in the close touch sector such as the beauty industry instructs beauty professionals to wear visors in situations of close proximity (less than 1 meter) for a prolonged period of time. However, since the introduction of face shields, reports have risen of beauty therapists experiencing headaches through straining their eyesight.

The latest government announcement during the daily press conference on the 17th July has seen the Prime Minister encourage staff and employees to go back to work by opening the remaining sectors of the economy from the 1st of August in England.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced on the 14th of July that face coverings will be made compulsory in shops from the 24th of July give people more confidence to shop safely and enhance protections for those who work in shops.

The government has announced during the Downing Street Press Conference on 9 July 2020 that the beauty sector will be opening from the 13th of July. This follows the earlier easing of lockdown which allowed hairdressers to open on the 4th of July.

With colour services in high demand from clients who have inches of roots, or have attempted a box dye during lockdown, colourist’s skills are going to be tested once clients return to the salon.

We are living in a world of first impressions and appearances, our skin’s “look” inevitably has a major impact on our self-confidence, and our professional and personal lives. So, let’s find out what is ageing our bodies and our skin, and how we can temper this process!

Up until a few months ago, face masks were an exception on our streets, especially outside Asia. However, things have drastically changed because of the Corona Pandemic: wearing a face mask has now become part of our everyday ritual and that may last for quite a while to come.

Ingrown hairs cause red and itchy bumps where a hair has grown back under the skin. It doesn’t look nice and is often very uncomfortable. The problem arises especially after shaving which is why men have many of their face and neck and women find them on legs and armpits.

With all UK salons due to reopen next month, there will be some aspects of the visit that will be very different - the consultation for starters! Clive Collins, director at HOB Salons, share how to make a virtual consultation work for you.

For curly girls, moisture is the key to success, but did you know that some hair care practices can make curly hair dry, frizzy and unmanageable? Curl expert, Ouidad, addresses the most common moisture zappers and how best to treat thirsty curls.

With over 4 month of clients out of salons, seasonal trends have been put on hold. After boy dyes, home haircuts and inches long roots - trends are changing with salons set to reopen.

Figuring out insurance can be a minefield which is why the Freelance Hairdresser Association (FHA) has stepped in to answer all your insurance questions.

The government has released guidance for close contact services which includes hairdressers, barbers, beauticians, tattooists, sports and massage therapists, after input from industry bodies.

The countdown is on for salons to reopen – and while PPE, hand sanitiser and social distancing is forefront in your mind, there are other things not to forget about that will make reopening run smoothly.

In a coronavirus world, where PPE is essential to protect the safety of yourself and your clients - how useful is taking your client’s temperature?

Some clients may have experimented with home dyes. A patch test will be required to ensure that the client can still tolerate their in-salon colour.

Recent events surrounding Black Lives Matter have sparked a conversation in our industry about equality and diversity have led Naeemah LaFond, amika's Global Artistic Director to create the powerful and informative guide.

How is Henna made and where does it come from? Read on for the Down low on Brow Tint.