The current restrictions on beauty salons in Australia

It's almost been three months since the Australian government announced only 'essential' businesses could continue operating. The restrictions saw us kiss goodbye our beloved nail and spray tan technicians (figuratively, of course), leaving most of us to brush up on our waxing and diy root touch-up skills at home.
But it's starting to look like our unkempt eyebrows and nails might be getting some professional TLC real soon.
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However, until the whole of Australia has been given the green light, it's easy to get confused about what you can and can't do, based on government announcements.
So to help you navigate what's going on in your state beauty-wise, we've put together the latest guidelines (from the official govemernment websites) in one helpful state-by-state list.
Scroll down to find your state for the latest update...
Northern Territory
Stage 3 will commence as of June 5 2020 at midday.
All services offered by beauty therapy, cosmetic services, massage and body art businesses (a personal services business) in the Northern Territory will be able to operate without restrictions provided the operator has submitted a COVID-19 safety plan and put measures in place.
However, the Chief Health Officer (the CHO) may place further requirements on the reopening of personal services businesses.
For more information, see here.
New South Wales
Beauty salons, including nail salons, tanning and waxing salons will be allowed to reopen in NSW on the 1st of June.
- One person per 4 square metres including both staff and clients
- Max of 10 clients per salon at any one time
- Ensuring good hand hygiene facilities at venue entry and exit
- Waiting area seating complies with physical distancing
- Records of attendance on the business premises
- Exclusion of staff and clients who are unwell
For more information, see here.
South Australia
Restrictions set to ease as of June 5th 2020, when SA enters stage two. These will extend to beauty salons.
Until then the same restrictions still apply. Hairdressers and barbers can remain open provided the total number of persons present does not exceed one person per 4 square metres.
The following businesses are closed:
- Beauty salons
- Nail salons
- Tattoo parlours
- Beauty therapy or body modification services
- Saunas, bathhouses and wellness centres
- Spas and massage parlours
For more information, see here.
Western Australia
Restrictions re beauty salons remain unchanged for the moment. Beauty services are set to reopen upon entering phase three. It is predicted phase three will be implemented one month into phase two which began on the 18th of May.
ACT
If the ACT stays on their current path, they could move into phase two as early as the 30th of May.
Victoria
From the 1st of June, beauty salons, spas and tattoo parlours for up to 20 people will reopen.
Queensland
No changes, the 12th of June is the date set to look towards implementing stage two restrictions.
For more information, see here.
Tasmania
68 Member Comments
I still can't believe the government never let them shut in vic and many had to shut on their own terms :(
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This crazy time
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I need my hair cut
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I've reported the spam by Oliviahannah and Wendychapman on the "SERIAL SPAM MEMBER ON BH" thread.
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So glad I can finally get my eyebrows done! Have been waiting for ages
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I think people really need to learn to cut there own hair atleast a trim, it really is so easy.
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Lucky I just had my hair cut prior to all the closures, but sadly the cut was terrible. Even before I left the salon the other hairdresser came with scissors to trim some uneven hair. My fringe was the worst, had to attack that myself to even it up then had a couple of different friends do some more trimming. Worst hair cut I have had for such long time, and this hairdresser was previously very good.
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very handy to know
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So many people are waiting for them to open
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Can’t wait to get back to normal. Looking forward to having my hair done and a facial in the very near future
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How come hairdressers are allowed open but not beauty salons? To me it seems that the contact is the same??
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I stopped going for manicures and pedicures ages ago because I prefer to do my own. I took the plunge and went to the hairdressers last week for the first time in 13 weeks because I desperately needed a colour and cut.
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Good to know - I'm looking forward to getting my hair cut and highlighted!
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I am not ready to go out like that just yet. There will be a second wave and I want to avoid it.
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We're pretty luck that most places to get a haircut are open and haven't completely closed down.
I wish micro needling and beauty treatments would still be open, I am getting so hairy and just too lazy hahaha!!!
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I can't wait for injectable clinics to open again.
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My hairdresser is still open..thank God!!
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It hasn’t really affected me as I don’t go to beauty salons, just the hairdressers for a cut. I’m lucky to be in a state where we’ve only had 1 case in the last 30 days.
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I've got a Groupon for a facial that I'm keen to use when I'm able.
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I’m looking forward to the reopening of salons. I have a couple of vouchers for services to use up. I also think it’s about time I went for a brow reshape. I’ve been plucking for years and think they’ve gone a bit unsymmetrical.
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A good article, appreciate the update
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I want to take advantage of these restrictions by letting my hair grow...but it desperately needs a cut. What a dilemma! lol
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We've been cutting our own hair and it's passable for now.
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My hairdresser is still open, thank god.
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I've been trimming my own hair but I can't wait to be able to get my eyebrows done again!
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