Image Source: Getty [1]

After a nationwide lockdown due to the novel coronavirus [2], reopenings are underway in more than two dozen US states. Each developing its own version of a phased recovery plan, the statuses of various key industries — including personal-care services and retail — remain in limbo. While some states have been quick to reopen hair [3] and nail salons [4], others green-lit retail stores first. But where do beauty retailers (from large chains to small businesses) fall into the mix?

The short answer: it's currently unclear. Top players like Sephora and Ulta seem to be operating on internal protocol vs. the status of individual states. For example, all Sephora stores are closed as of this writing. Ulta, on the other hand, is offering curbside pickup at 350 of its 1,200-plus locations — even in areas where retail reopenings are permitted. What's more, beauty is often categorized as "specialty" retail, which may further affect reopening allowances and procedures.

To see where things currently stand in your state (or all 50), keep scrolling for a full breakdown. We've noted ongoing stay-at-home orders, phased reopenings, and other key information to keep in mind.

Alabama

Alabama has adopted a "safer at home" plan since its original stay-at-home order expired on April 30. Currently, retail stores are allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity.

Alaska

As of April 24, Alaska became one of the first states in the nation to ease its restrictions on select nonessential businesses. Retail stores are now reopened to limited in-store shopping.

Arizona

Although Arizona's stay-at-home order will officially expire May 15, retail stores were allowed to open their doors on Monday, May 4. A long list of government-mandated precautions aim to keep shopping safe, including physical distancing, reduced capacity, and screening for employees before shifts begin.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, where a statewide stay-at-home order was never issued, two malls reopened their doors on May 1. With other industries, like personal care and fitness, currently in the process of reopening, it's likely that more businesses will soon follow suit.

California

California's stay-home order has been in effect since March 19. State Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced that select retail businesses can reopen Friday, May 8. As of this writing, it is unclear whether beauty retail stores will be included in this phase.

Colorado

Colorado's stay-home order expired April 26. The following day, retail stores were allowed to process curbside pickup orders before reopening to guests at limited capacity on May 1.

Connecticut

Connecticut's stay-at-home order is currently set to expire May 20. Beauty retail stores remain closed for now.

Delaware

Delaware's current shelter-in-place order will expire May 15. In an update announced Tuesday, May 5, Governor John Carney said it will take "interim steps" toward reopening retail businesses. Starting Friday, May 8, this will allow select retail businesses to allow curbside pickup as long as social-distancing measures are followed. Clothing, shoe, and department stores are among the businesses listed, but it's unclear whether beauty retail stores are part of this update.

Florida

The Sunshine State began its reopening plan on May 4, excluding Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. This permits beauty retail stores to reopen, but Sephora stores remain closed, while Ulta is allowing curbside pickup.

Georgia

Georgia's statewide shelter-in-place order expired April 30, but select businesses have been allowed to resume business since April 24. As of now, malls and retail stores are implementing their own reopening plans. Simon Property Group, for example, reopened its locations May 4, while other stores remain closed.

Hawaii

In Hawaii, a stay-at-home order has been in effect since March 25 and is currently set to expire May 31. Retail stores remain closed across the board, but Governor David Ige may reopen "low-contact" retail businesses soon. It's currently unclear where beauty retailers will fall in a phased reopening plan.

Idaho

Idaho allowed retail stores to resume business on May 1. Major beauty retailers like Sephora and Ulta will continue to follow their own reopening plans, but other specialty businesses may now be open.

Illinois

The stay-at-home order in Illinois will extend through the end of May. Retail stores are currently allowed to accept curbside-pickup orders.

Indiana

Indiana's stay-at-home order expired May 1. Retail stores were allowed to reopen beginning Monday, May 4.

Iowa

On May 1, coronavirus-related restrictions were loosened in 77 of Iowa's 99 counties. Malls and retail stores were permitted to reopen at limited capacity.

Kansas

In Kansas, a phased reopening plan began May 4. Phase one included reduced restrictions for retail stores.

Kentucky

So long as Kentucky keeps up its fight against the coronavirus, retail businesses will be allowed to reopen May 20. This is the second of three milestones in the state's plan to restart business sectors.

Louisiana

On April 27, Louisiana's stay-at-home order was extended to May 15. If the infection rate continues to drop, Governor John Bel Edwards will loosen constraints beginning May 16, likely including retail stores.

Maine

After a stay-at-home order expired April 30, Maine began a four-stage reopening plan. While the beauty service industry has since been allowed to resume business, nonessential retail stores will tentatively stay closed until June.

Maryland

In effect since March 30, Maryland's stay-at-home order is currently indefinite. Nonessential businesses, including beauty retail stores, remain closed.

Massachusetts

The stay-at-home order in Massachusetts is currently set to expire May 18. As of this writing, no updates on the status of retail reopenings has been made.

Michigan

Michigan's stay-at-home order, in effect since March 24, is set to expire May 15. Retail stores are currently open for curbside pickup.

Minnesota

As of Monday, May 4, Minnesota retailers are allowed to resume business via curbside pickups.

Mississippi

Mississippi's shelter-in-place order expired April 27. Following social-distancing guidelines, retail businesses can now reopen their doors.

Missouri

In Missouri, a gradual reopening plan began Monday, May 4. Retail locations under 10,000 square feet can operate at 25 percent capacity, while larger stores are restricted to 10 percent.

Montana

Montana's retailers were given the green light to open on April 27. That said, we recommend checking the status of individual retailers first.

Nebraska

Although some of Nebraska's nonessential businesses could reopen May 4, the state's retail stores remain closed. As of this writing, no further announcements have been made.

Nevada

Nevada's stay-at-home order is set to expire May 15. Currently, retail stores are allowed to accept curbside-pickup orders only.

New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, a stay-at-home order will run through May 31. Retailers have the option to reopen their doors beginning Monday, May 11.

New Jersey

New Jersey's stay-at-home order has been in effect since March 21 and will continue indefinitely. Beauty retail stores remain closed.

New Mexico

New Mexico's stay-at-home was extended from May 1 to May 15. Retail stores are currently open for curbside pickup and delivery.

New York

"NY PAUSE," New York's stay-at-home directive, is currently set to expire May 15. In many parts of the state, where various metrics are still in the red, this will be extended further. For areas in better shape, reopening plans could soon follow.

North Carolina

North Carolina's current stay-at-home order will expire May 8. Retail stores will be allowed to resume business in the first phase of its reopening plan.

North Dakota

In North Dakota, where a statewide stay-at-home order was never issued, restrictions began to ease on May 1. Retail stores, however, currently remain closed.

Ohio

Ohio's stay-at-home order will expire May 29, and businesses will reopen in phases. Retail stores can open as soon as May 12.

Oklahoma

A formal stay-at-home order was never issued in Oklahoma, but retail stores have been closed. Reopenings will likely occur on a by-retailer basis.

Oregon

Oregon's stay-at-home order was issued March 23, but no official reopening plans have been announced.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania will reopen gradually following a colour-coded plan. Red allows for retailers to accept curbside-pickup orders, while in-person shopping can occur in the yellow phase. As of this writing, 24 counties can move to the yellow phase on May 8.

Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, a statewide stay-at-home order is set to expire May 8. "Noncritical" retailers could reopen as soon as Saturday, May 9, with limitations in place.

South Carolina

South Carolina was one of the first states to begin reopening. Retail stores were permitted to do so beginning April 20.

South Dakota

In South Dakota, a "back-to-normal" plan will help businesses and retailers determine when they can reopen. Based on these guidelines, coronavirus cases must trend downward for 14 days in the surrounding area.

Tennessee

Tennessee's stay-at-home order expired April 30. Retail store were able to resume business on April 29.

Texas

The stay-at-home order in Texas expired April 30. All retail stores were allowed to reopen at reduced capacity on May 1.

Utah

Utah did not have a statewide stay-at-home order, but most retailers have been shuttered. With businesses in the fitness and personal-care industries back open, retailers are now beginning to open their doors, but many large chains are still closed.

Vermont

Vermont's stay-at-home order is set to expire May 15. Currently, retail stores remain closed.

Virginia

Although Virginia's stay-at-home order extends through June 10, nonessential business restrictions are likely to ease much sooner. Retailers may be permitted to reopen as soon as May 15 with restrictions in place.

Washington

In Washington, a stay-at-home order has been in effect since March 23. Now, a "Safe Start Washington" plan will begin, helping the state's economy restart in phases. Tuesday, May 5, marks the beginning of phase one, where retailers can allow for curbside pickup. In-person shopping will resume in phase two.

West Virginia

West Virginia began to reopen in phases on April 30. Under this plan, specialty retailers (like beauty stores) are permitted to open May 11.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin's stay-at-home order was recently extended to May 26. Nonessential retail stores remain closed.

Wyoming

Wyoming never issued a statewide stay-at-home-order, but its retail industry has been largely shuttered. Restrictions began to ease on May 1, so retail stores may reopen soon.

POPSUGAR aims to give you the most accurate and up-to-date information about the coronavirus, but details and recommendations about this pandemic may have changed since publication. For the latest information on COVID-19, please check out resources from the WHO [5], CDC [6], and local public health departments [7].