Beauty shops may be reopening, but is this the death of the salon as we knew it?
Many of these businesses have been given the green light to welcome back customers – and shops specialising in services that require facial contact, such as eyebrow shaping and waxing, will also be permitted to reopen from August.
But despite their return, there’s still a big concern that businesses will take a huge hit from the pandemic.
The lockdown didn’t just stop income, it has threatened to reduce the number of future customers as well.
Being stuck at home for months on end prompted people to try DIY beauty tips in replacement of their salon experience, looking to the likes of TikTok to learn lash lifts, nail-painting and hair cutting/colouring skills.
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Some found the experience a success. But others suffered disastrous results.
Manchester salon Beauty and Bubbles confirmed this, stating: “Most people we have spoken to have had bad DIY beauty fails and wouldn’t trust doing it themselves again!”
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The kind of events that prompt people to visit the salon are currently in short supply. There’s no longer a need for pre-holiday nail extensions and spray tans, whereas the continued closure of nightclubs means fewer people will be booking makeup appointments (is there a point in these anyway, when half of our face will be covered by a mask?)
But will a quieter world deter customers from visiting the salon?
Beauty and Bubbles is more optimistic.
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People enjoy feeling special and pampered, and the owners believe that salons will be just as popular as ever after lockdown.
“We feel beauty is essential for most people as it helps people feel good about themselves, giving them that boost of confidence,” they said.
“Our clients have been eager to get back into the salon, as have we!”
But salons are also hoping customers return for the camaraderie as well as the service.
The salon isn’t just a place for cosmetic procedures. It’s where people come for friendly chat, gossip, and to talk to other people in the community.
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For many, visiting these businesses is no different to the socialisation you’d find at the pub. And people have missed it.
Will you be rushing back to the salons now that they have reopened, or are you opting for DIY treatments in the future?
Make sure you check out Beauty and Bubbles for all your beauty treatment needs and help to support local businesses during this difficult time.
Style
Luxury tattoo studio with world-famous clients to open in Manchester for the first time
Daisy Jackson
A tattoo studio with a roster of VIP clients is heading to Manchester, as The London Social prepares to open The Manchester Social.
The world-renowned studio, which counts celebs like David Beckham, Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice and Sam Smith as its clients, is opening its first site outside of the capital.
Set to open next week, The Manchester Social tattoo studio will span three floors and 2,200 sq ft on King Street.
They say this new tattoo parlour will be ‘serve Manchester’s elite’ and offer a convenient location for existing regulars, including Luke Shaw and Mason Mount.
The Manchester Social studio will offer the same bespoke tattoo experiences and world-class artistry it’s famous for, but with eight new artists, all from the Manchester city region.
The business is headed up by Miles Langford – named by The Times as one of the world’s most exclusive tattoo artists – and already has tattoo parlours in Fitzrovia, Soho and Angel in London.
It’s famed for fine-line specialty designs and will bring a luxury tattoo space to the historic King Street for the first time.
Miles Langford, founder of The London Social, said: “Opening our first location outside of London is a huge step in our business journey but Manchester seemed like the obvious choice.
Inside The Manchester Social. Credit: Supplied
“A key selling point for me was the building and its location. King Street is known for being the epicentre of luxury in Manchester so it was a no brainer for us to make the decision on where we would fit in best.
“An indescribable amount of hard work has gone into making this store one of our best yet, all whilst maintaining its Manchester foundations and we can’t wait for Manchester to get the experience that our London clients love so well.”
Holly Whitcomb, associate director at DTZ Investors, said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome such an exclusive brand like The London Social to King Street.
“King Street is known for being the go-to place for luxury retail and leisure and addition of The Manchester Social will be help to diversify the offering on the street, aligning with our ambitions to be a go-to destination in Manchester City Centre.
“From its VIP feel, to star-studded clientele, we’re looking forward to seeing footfall soar on the street.”
The Manchester Social will open on Saturday 5 April at 9 South King Street – find out more HERE.
A Manchester dentist to the stars is offering an exclusive discount for their hugely popular treatment
Kristen MacGregor-Houlston
A designer dentist in Manchester is offering composite bond treatment with a huge saving this month.
Rüh Dental, hailed as one of the top dental surgeries in Manchester and one which counts popular celebs like Helen Flanagan and Molly-Mae Hague as their patients, is offering readers a healthy 10% off composite bonding treatment this month.
The boutique surgery leads the way in creating a perfect smile that both stands out in a crowd but is effortlessly natural.
The whole process can be done in as little as 60 minutes too, depending on how much work you need.
If composite bonding is something you’re new to, it’s a straightforward, smile-perfecting procedure that is designed to give natural results and improve your grin, all whilst preserving the patient’s own teeth.
We caught up with leading dentist Dr Billal Arshad from Rüh, who is an expert in his field and is famed for his dental diligence and artistic flair.
He tells us “Composite bonding is a simple but effective treatment where we sculpt composite onto the teeth to make them look aesthetically pleasing.
“It’s a painless procedure that gives a natural look and lasts up to seven years without damaging the patient’s own teeth.”
You can find more about composite bonding from our Q&A session with Dr Arshad here.
Whilst Rüh Dental Manchester is also known for other treatments like their Invisalign treatments, general dentistry, veneers, etc, this offer is exclusively for composite bonding and for our readers. Quote TheManc10 when you call 0161 348 8738 to book.
Daisy Bradbury -
24th July 2020 
