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Coronavirus Scotland: When hairdressers reopen how will haircuts work?
by Rebecca FloodDESPERATE Scots have been resorting to cutting their own hair - and dyeing it - while in lockdown with varying levels of success.
With some people stuck with lopsided locks or an uneven colour, it will be music to their ears to hear hairdressers could be re-opening from July.
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There has been no definitive date on when hairdressers will reopen in Scotland.
The route map for exiting lockdown says they could reopen in Phase 3, which could be as soon as July 9.
But Scotland has only just entered Phase 1 meaning it is too early to tell.
So, what will have changed? Will you be able to get your favourite cut and colour?
Will you have to wear a mask?
Here’s everything you need to know before your first visit...
1. When will hairdressers reopen?
The Scottish Government’s routemap published earlier this month indicated hair and beauty salons may be allowed to re-open in Phase 3.
Hairdressers are classed as ‘non essential’ shops, so we wouldn’t see them opening before July 9 at the very earliest.
Even when salons are given the green light to open, it’s likely you may have to wait for an appointment.
There will likely be an increased demand for their services, coupled with new measures, which mean waiting lists are likely to be implemented.
Some salons have already set these up for when they’re allowed to reopen, so if you have a place you usually visit it’s worth giving them a call to see if they’ve got one in place.
2. Will my hairdresser/I have to wear a mask?
It’s likely all workers will be wearing gloves and a mask, which is the minimum requirement suggested by the British Beauty Council and some salons could see perspex screens above the basins too.
It’s not thought customers will be forced to wear masks, although you can if you choose.
3. How will social distancing work in the salon?
Other changes may include a ‘one-way system’ to reduce interaction between people, and you’ll likely go straight to your chair for your appointment and straight back out again.
In order to comply with social distancing, some salons may have a limit on how many customers can be in the salon at any one time, or have a quota for each day and chairs are likely to be more spaced out than before.
But they may also extend their opening hours as a way around this to try and see as many customers as possible, and staff may work rotas to minimise contact between them.
4. Will I still be able to enjoy a coffee and a magazine?
Sadly a cup of tea or coffee and a magazine is probably out of the question, and customers may be asked to leave their belongings in a locker.
5. Will I have to do anything before an appointment?
Before being seen, it’s likely any potential customers will be asked to fill out a lengthy questionnaire.
This would probably ask them about their health and well-being, and possibly their movements or interactions over the last seven days.
6. Can I still get the same treatments?
Most salons will probably have to overhaul their treatments to comply with new measures.
For example blow-dries will most likely not be offered as hairdryers blast particles around the room, which could potentially compromise the entire salon.
Hairdressers which have re-opened in Europe and America are offered a reduced number of blow-dries, or none at all.
Depending on social distancing measures, extras like a head massage or even a shampoo and condition could be scrapped to comply with new rules.
7. Will a haircut cost more?
As workers will need to buy and wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), this cost could be passed on to the customer.
Salons will most likely need to be regularly deep cleaned to reduce the risk of infection, and this could also be an extra cost which is passed on.
Some salons could also implement a 'no cash' rule which will include tips.