Michaela’s Health and Beauty in Billericay High Street has reopened after 16 weeks of coronavirus closure - something that’s never come close to happening in the 20 years it’s been in town.

Now, coming off the covid-19-rollercoaster - along with all health and beauty salons - is proving to be of big value for its ten staff and Billericay clients.

The staff are all-rounders, normally offering a range of services from beauty treatments to sports massage.

However, while the nix is still on treatments from above the chin, from the 1st August lash treatments, electrolysis, facial, caci, eyebrow tints, facial waxing, and more are coming back.

Echo:

Before reopening, expert health advice helped Michaela Bartlett, who owns the beauty business decide to reduce certain services, allow staff to focus on specific areas, and view the operation through different eyes: “I walked through as a therapist and then walked through as a client and you see what you need to change.”

And in addition ubiquitous face masks and wiping down, new measures such as clients only having a treatment from one therapist, with 15 minute breaks between clients for cleaning, are now the norm.

“The manicure tables are two metres apart now - we measured them,” says Michaela. “We stopped spray tans and set up a new pedicure room upstairs.

"Therapists are working from one room now, and it’s aired and cleaned before we swap rooms.”

But it’s something that the community is clearly wanting: “We had a man who had a back wax, then his mother came in, and then his wife—the whole family.”

Men and women from 18 to 80 years old are coming through the doors; from young singles, to adult families and widows; regulars are grateful to have the services back—as well as much more.

“We’re more than just a business - we’re a confidant,” says Michaela, “I’ve known some clients for 30 years.”

While they are offering waxing, manicures, pedicures, body and sport massages, reflexology and other body treatments, Michaela says that personal relationships and community has been a major part of reopening.

It’s reflected in customer’s views. One client, Claire, said: “Covid measures all in place and the salon was as welcoming as ever. Michaela and her team have worked really hard with exceptional levels of cleaning to put your mind at rest and still delivering a top class service. I had a mani and pedi today and so happy with the result. A little pampering is good for the soul.”

“One 80 year old client said she thought it was exactly as it should be when we opened; we’ve got plastic sheeting, we’re wiping everything down,” says Michaela. “I’m hoping that more people will feel safe to come out - although the majority of regular clients have booked in.

“I think that from the general atmosphere from the people in the salon just coming back and having a treatment whether it be their hands, their feet, a massage - people are happy that we’re back and to be out.”

You can find Michaela Health & Beauty at 122 High Street, Billericay CM12 9DF or click here.