Pavithra comes to the rescue of the jaded beauty brigade
Keat’s ‘Beauty is truth, truth beauty’ written On a Grecian Urn may not exactly be what thousands of women had in mind when the curfew tolled the knell of passing weeks and showed what truth without make up really looked like when the COVID shutdown prevented their regular visits to the beauty salons.
Not to worry. Just as they were thinking of using their face masks to conceal the curfew induced neglect on their faces and a head scarf to hide the streaks of grey in their dyed hair, now erupting like weeds sprouting from a bed of roses, when stepping out to the public glare should the barriers be brought down this coming week, the Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi rose to their aid; and in her dual role as ‘Minister for Beauty and Make-Up’ struck a heaven sent blow for all women by declaring that beauty salons would be open for business from Monday 11 May.
Of course, she said, health guidelines will have to be followed and her ministry will draft it. Accordingly on
Vesak day the 7th of May, the Health Ministry released the guidelines all beauty salons are expected to follow.
According to the guidelines what is permitted will be the cutting and trimming of hair dyeing, colouring, tinting of
hair,
manicure and pedicure of
hands and feet
waxing of arms and legs to remove hair
All else will be prohibited. The guidelines also state the precautionary health measures that will have to be taken by the beauty salons that will effectively reassure the customers that the COVID threat is minimized.
No salon shall operate without a valid written commencement certificate issued by the area Medical officer of Health.
Barbers and dressers also have been told to wear a mask and goggles or eye shields while attending to customers.
A 1-meter distance should also be maintained except during the procedure. Barbers and dressers should also always attend to the customer from behind and sides only and avoid a face to face encounter. Air conditions are not recommended.
No sweat. Small price to pay, to feel and look top of the world to a posse of admirers. After the make up is done, time for the male look over to get the final seal of approval.