How the Beauty Industry Plans to Relaunch Post COVID-19

As non-essential retailers begin to re-open, including some beauty counters, many will be eager to return to a beauty regime that they have been deprived of. The beauty procedures that have become a mainstay in the routines of people all over the world – from regular haircuts and manicures/pedicures to elective cosmetic surgery – have been cut out almost completely over the past 12 weeks. This has led to some famous examples of drastic DIY haircuts the world over.

In countries across Europe, hairdressers and salons are reopening with new procedures in place to protect both customers and the people who work there. While in the UK the earliest date for the reopening of these businesses will be July 4th, there is plenty for people to do to get ready for their return to the 'new normal' in beauty.

Renowned plastic surgeon and co-founder of Uvence, Dr Oliver Amar, discusses how individuals can get ready to be back at the salon and support the beauty industry:

“The past few months have been incredibly challenging for the beauty industry, as an area that relies so heavily on personal interactions and close proximity. There is now, however, at least light at the end of the tunnel. As shops reopen, people will be looking forward to a return to their normal regime in the next few weeks. Although this will not be the same as before, for many it will be a key step in getting back to normal life. There are a few things you can do to prepare for when these treatments will be available again.

Video consultations 

Many people - myself included - have offered video consultations to patients and customers throughout lockdown. This has helped people to feel that they are still in touch with their beautician, hairdresser or doctor through this difficult period and means that when it is safe to do so, we know exactly what the plan is and we haven't become strangers!

Waiting lists and bookings 

Waiting lists and appointments help us to feel that there is something tangible to look forward to. One of the main issues with lockdown for many people was the lack of certainty around its end. But with a tentative date in place preparing for this is key. Not least because salons and hairdressers especially will likely be very busy in the first few weeks.

I have also heard a number of examples of innovation in this to maximise safety post-lockdown, including double bookings for members of the same household. If you want to get your haircut it might make sense to take your mum or sister or anyone else you have been living with at the same time, thus reducing potential exposures.

Vouchers

Buying and booking appointments also helps the businesses that have struggled through lockdown with their cash-flow and inevitable costs of reopening. From salons to plastic surgeries, there will be new equipment to buy, PPE to source and possibly reduced capacity. The beauty industry has had to take a significant shift in its way of working to comply with new rules but safety, as always, is at the forefront of everyone's mind.”

Dr. Amar is also well placed to discuss the following subjects; the relationship between self-image and mental health, the evolution and future of cosmetic surgery, how a break from cosmetic procedures may impact what clients are looking for in their results and how leaders in the industry like Uvence are adapting to accommodate a post-COVID-19 world

About Uvence

Dr. Olivier Amar, Reece Tomlinson and chairman Dr. Chris Donegan have pioneered the standardisation of the treatment after asking leading plastic surgeons what they believe will be the future of the industry. Tomlinson has run several cosmetic companies including hyaluronic acid based dermal filler developer, Intraline, and has led companies to the Profit 500 list of Fastest Growing Companies in Canada on three occasions. Dr. Amar has been a leading plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgeon in the UK and France for over a decade– specializing in minimally invasive techniques to restore, revive and replenish the skin. Dr. Donegan is a Ph.D Biochemist and global expert in Intellectual Property.  This combined experience gave them the balance of tools to set out on the Uvence journey.