The beauty treatments allowed during phase one of easing COVID-19 restrictions

Nails are in, spray tans are out. Here are what services beauty salons can and cannot provide from this weekend, as the State Government eases COVID-19 restrictions. SEE THE LIST

BEAUTY therapists in Queensland will be allowed to perform facials, waxing, laser, nails, and eyelash/eyebrow treatments from Saturday, The Courier-Mail can reveal.

Spray tanning, saunas, and skin penetration services like tattooing, body piercing and microneedling won’t be allowed until phase two of restrictions, which is scheduled for June 12.

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The news follows days of mass confusion among salon owners after the Premier announced last week that beauticians would be allowed to provide “little beauty treatments” including nails.

Nicola Le Lievre, the owner of InTherapy, with beauty therapist Michelle Scarratt. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Several salon owners yesterday told The Courier-Mail they were frustrated that despite massive demand, they couldn’t take bookings because they didn't know what other services will be allowed.

Nicola Le Lievre, owner of InTherapy in Red Hill, was holding off taking bookings while seeking clarity from the State Government about what was allowed.

“I’ve been a bag of nerves because I was so afraid I was going to do the wrong thing,” she said.

According to documents obtained from Queensland Health, during phase one, beauty salons can operate with a maximum of 10 customers at one time (not including staff) and must apply the one person per four square metre rule within the premise where possible.

They can operate by appointment only and must keep a register of clients to assist contact tracing as well as create a COVID-safe plan.

Before re-opening, beauty salons must complete a mandatory government checklist (see a draft version of the checklist for the beauty industry here) and keep that checklist on file.

Staff should adhere to existing infection control standards, such as wearing a mask in a nail salon, as well as any additional measures a business can implement minimise the spread of infection.

Personal contact between customers and staff should be minimised wherever possible.

Brow Bar Owner Chernae Silk said it was “really exciting” for the beauty industry to be allowed to service clients again.

“The minute we found out on Friday we could reopen my sister turned the online bookings on and boom we were full,” Ms Silk said.

“We can’t wait to get cracking. All of my girls are texting me saying they cannot wait to get back to work, which is funny because they’ve been paid to have a holiday in a way.”

Allowed in phase one

– Facials

– Nail painting

– Manicures

– Pedicures

– Eyelash extensions

– Eyebrow shaping

– Waxing

– Laser hair removal

Not allowed in phase one

– Saunas

- Steam rooms

– Spray tanning

– Tattoo

– Body piercing

– Microneedling

- Full body exfoliation

- Vinchy shower

– Massage services (unless performed by a qualified massage therapist*)

– Any skin penetration service (unless performed by a registered health practitioner)

– Water-based spa services

- Non-therapeutic hydrotherapy tubs

- Whirlpool tubs

– More than 10 customers allowed in the business at once

*Qualified massage therapist means a massage therapist who:

1. holds a relevant qualification (minimum AQF level 4 (Certificate IV)) under the Australian Qualifications Framework;
   Example – Certificate IV in Massage Therapy,Diploma of Remedial Massage or Bachelor of Health Science (Myotherapy)
2. is a member of a professional organisation within the meaning of section 10 of the Private Health Insurance (Accreditation) Rules 2011 (Cwlth); and
3. holds approved provider status with one or more private health funds