What date can salons open and are mobile hairdressers allowed to work now?

As the UK slowly eases its way out of lockdown, one question that keeps coming up is – just when will you be able to get your hair cut again?

With Toni and Guy and Regis salons saying they are already drawing up plans for re-opening, with new post-lockdown measures in place, we’re all keen to make that first trip back to the salon and get our unruly locks seen to.

But just what date are they likely to be open – and can you employ the services of a mobile hairdresser in the meantime?

Here’s what you need to know…

What date can hair salons open?

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No firm date has been given for the re-opening of hair salons – but the Government has said it will be no earlier than 4 July.

In his address to the nation on Sunday 10 May Boris Johnson said that the re-opening of hairdressers would be in the third phase of lifting lockdown, which would allow some parts of the hospitality industry – thought to include pubs and restaurants – to re-open along with personal care businesses.

Speaking on Sky News the next day Dominic Raab confirmed that also included hairdressers.

‘From the earliest, June 1, we’ll look at non-essential retail and how they can go back, only if the conditions are met, subject to wider monitoring, so that we only proceed in a sure-footed way.

‘Then from July 4 at the earliest, subject to the conditions, we’ll look at other sectors, and that will include hospitality, but it will also include personal care, and people like hairdressers.

While hairdressers have not yet been given the green light, Toni and Guy and Regis salons have been drawing up plans for a potential re-opening on this date, with new measures in place to keep customers and staff safe.

These look set to include the magazine rack being scrapped – as these cannot be easily cleaned – as well as drinks made by the salon being off the menu, and customers asked to wait outside for their appointment time rather than in a waiting room.

Cleaning protocols will be ramped up, masks will be given to everyone, and appointments are likely to be staggered to prevent people from sitting too close to one another. Staff may also be given daily temperature checks to ensure they don’t have Covid-19.

Can mobile hairdressers currently work?

No, mobile hairdressers cannot currently work, under the current lockdown regulations.

Under the current rules of social distancing, people can only meet one other person from outside their household in an outdoor setting – not in their homes or gardens – and must remain 2m apart at all times.

The Freelance Hairdressers’ Association has reiterated this on its website, warning hairdressers that they could face a fine of up to £3,200 if they are caught working during this time.

So you’ll just have to wait a little bit longer for that first haircut – but in the mean time you could always get out the clippers and give it a go yourself.

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