A BEAUTY therapist is relieved and excited to be able to go back to work after getting the green light from the Government.

Abbie Clarke runs The Hair and Beauty Box in Winsford town centre with sister Hollie Ryan.

Hairdresser Hollie, 27, was allowed to reopen the salon at the weekend and has been inundated with customers, desperate to get their hair cut and coloured.

Yet, until last night, Abbie to stay at home because therapists have not yet been given permission from Boris to return.

After hearing the news, her phone never stopped buzzing with clients desperate to book in.

"I'm so excited, my messages have been going mad, I can't wait to see everyone," said Abbie, 30, who will be back working in the salon on Monday.

However, coronavirus restrictions mean beauticians are still not allowed to carry out any facial treatments.

"I'm really pleased to be back but it is disappointing that the guidance isn't very clear. 

"I can do gel nails and toes, acrylic extensions, spray tans, leg waxing and all aspects of waxing as long as it is not on the head.

"My reaction moved from initial euphoria, from a high to a low.

"I usually do all aspects of beauty on the face like HD brows, brow lamination, lash lifts and all aspects of facial waxing and tinting. I won't be able to offer any of that right now.

"This is a step in the right direction though. I'm sure it won't be long before we will be able to do facicals again."

Personal hygiene and safety has always been a top priority in her profession.

Abbie said: "Within our training we always sanitise and use disinfectant. We can't cross contaminate anything, I always wear gloves and sometimes us a visor if I'm microblading eyebrows. We already go above and beyond."

Abbie has now introduced additional measures to make her work station even safer.

"I have added in masks and I’ve bought a clear acrylic screen where clients can pop their hands through a letter box. It is really safe.

"Everything will get sanitised in between each client and we are asking everyone to sanitize their hands when they arrive."

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The sisters celebrated the eighth anniversary of their family business in December last year.

An unexpected opportunity arose which led to them to team up.

"We fell into working together because Hollie previously worked in the same building for another hairdressers," said Abbie. "She got made redundant so we looked into renting the building and it went from there.

"It is really successful. We have a lovely client base, really friendly. Everyone is more like friends."

Many of her regulars have been contacting the salon to try and make appointments.

Abbie, who has two children, believes beauty therapy helps to improve mental health and wellbeing.

"It is such a feel good," she said. "Most of the clients come in for a chat. It's a pick me up. I can't wait to go back, I need some normality.

"We've both got children so we're hoping when September comes we can catch up a little bit more when they are back at school."

To book an appointment call 01606 596612 or visit thehairandbeautybox.co.uk