During lockdown, we all became DIY beauty professionals out of necessity. Home-based treatments like buzzcuts, bleaching, and manicures rose in popularity, while others had to be put on hold. It’s these services, that you can’t have a good go at yourself – the microblading, the filler – that are set to see a rise in popularity.

As of August 15, after weeks of back and forth from the government, all beauty services and treatments – including those involving the face – have been allowed to return. A new study by Candela Medical has revealed the most popular search terms for beauty treatments in the UK, and highlights what treatments will likely be at the top of beauty salons appointment lists in the coming weeks.

Coming up tops is microblading. Hamish McNair, clinical director at Candela, says there has been an 80 per cent rise since mid-March. The eyebrow-shaping technique uses a pen tool with 10-12 little needles at the end to finely tattoo strokes which resemble hair strands. Tied at an 80 per cent increase is lip augmentation, which covers lip filler and laser enhancements to change the fullness and shape of your lips. Lip filler has been in high demand in the last few years, dating back to a 2015 spike when Kylie Jenner admitted to having it done. Within 24 hours, there was a 70 per cent rise in enquiries for the procedure.

Next up is laser hair removal, which has seen an increase in searches of 50 per cent. With access to professional waxers restricted over the past few months, it seems that people have been looking into more permanent solutions once lockdown is over. In fact, all three of the top treatments offer more long-term benefits to your grooming regime, offering insurance in case we go back into strict social distancing measures.    

Rounding out the list is the physical exfoliating treatment dermaplaning, which involves a medical-grade blade to gently shave the surface of your skin, removing dead skin cells and triggering the cell regeneration process. This has seen a 40 per cent increase as has gel manicures which are more durable than regular nail polish and require specialist equipment which many people do not have at home.

The pandemic has completely changed the face of beauty, from treatment wishlists to makeup sales, skincare routines and nifty techniques. Check out an expert’s tips on combating maskne, and get some inspiration for those eye make-up looks you’ll be turning with that mask on.