Getting used to a whole new style of hairdressing after lockdown
A the country begins to return to a 'new normal' and businesses get back to work, it's no secret that the nation is desperate to get back in the salon chair to fix the damage caused by impulsive lockdown trims.
Nina Hodgkiss, aged 37, has owned Nina Capelli salon in Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, for 14 years and is getting set for when she can reopen next month.
"There is a massive backlog of clients who have been waiting since the start of lockdown in March," she says.
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Hairdressers such as Nina are keeping up to date with advice from the National Hair and Beauty Federation and are looking oversees where lockdown has been eased for ideas on how to safely reopen for business.
Nina continues: "Our hygiene standards have always been very high.
"We will be wearing masks, gloves, disposable aprons, disposable towels and regularly washing our hands and disinfecting chairs and surfaces - as we did before lockdown.
"Customers will be asked to wash their hands and put on their own masks, I am apprehensive and anxious about salon life and how the experience will change and it may not be a good environment but we need to do it to keep us and our clients safe.
"I'm also concerned that some vulnerable groups or elderly clients may not want to come into the salon, it will be a big change for our industry."
As well as wearing PPE and increasing cleaning regimes, salons will also have to limit the number of people inside to keep in line with social distancing guidelines.
"Financially we will have to take a hit as we won't be able to have as many clients in the salon at the same time, or have people waiting," Nina adds.
"We are lucky as we are a small team of four here, but a lot of salons may not be able to keep their full team, I wish everyone in this industry the best of luck as we are all in this together and have been throughout the pandemic.
"But our clients have been so supportive and kind throughout this pandemic, I know I speak for a number of other businesses when I say I that just wish that the Government would give us some notice or guidelines about when we will be able to open again so I can tell them a definite date."
Tina Wild, from Sedgley, owns The Basement Barbers in Wolverhampton city centre. She has been in the business for more than 40 years.
"It's been difficult for everyone, but we are worried about trade. Is it still going to be there?" she says.
"We already have lots of appointments booked in for July 4 as people are desperate to come in and get a haircut, there have been some really awful ones during lockdown.
Strict cleaning measures have also been put in place at Tina's salon. Automatic hand sanitiser stations have been installed, she has bought more than 1,000 masks for customers, disposable gowns and disposable gloves for customers.
Chairs have been moved apart and will also be completely wiped down and sanitised after each customer, with combs, scissors and equipment all being sterilised after each use.
Tina adds: "We've been here since 1962 and it's all going to change. Customers can't wait in the store, or have a drink or read the paper or a magazine.
"We will be limited to the number of customers we will see each day, as after every one we will have to completely clean the chair and tools.
"We will see half the number of people we did before, but out rent and bills will all remain the same, it is not going to be easy.
"For the first two weeks when we reopen we will be working seven days a week to try and keep up with demand and see as many people as possible.
"I want our customers to know we are doing all we can to protect them and be safe, we are really looking forward to seeing them too, it's been ages."
