All the rules hairdressers must follow when they finally reopen on July 4th

It’s finally happening, hairdressers and barbers will be reopening on July 4th following Boris’ latest announcement. 

The House of Commons was full of cheers when Boris announced that barbers and hairdressers would be allowed to reopen, as part of the next lockdown easing phase coming into place on July 4th.

It was a cheer that was echoed across the nation from everyone suffering from terrible trims due to DIY jobs throughout lockdown.

However, the experience is going to be very different from what we know and love. 

The changes will be apparent when you first arrive, with floor markings indicating where customers should sit.

Customers are advised to turn up exactly on time for their appointment, which means no pre-haircut coffee and a read of a  2016 Hello! mag to settle into your usual relaxing experience. 

On that note, there’s likely to be no drinks on offer, so you are advised to take your own, and magazines will be ditched due to the risk of transferring COVID-19 via the surface.

The government has also recommended the use of screens to create physical barriers between workstations. Perspex screens can be expected at pay stations also. 

Your hairdresser will be wearing a protective visor, however, you will not be expected to wear a mask – but you can if you wish!

The new guidance encourages customers to regularly wash their hands, specifying to do so before and after their treatment.

Salons are recommended to use disposable equipment where possible, including gowns and to sanitise chairs after use. 

Like pubs and restaurants, salons and other close contact services will have to keep a temporary record of all visitors for 21 days in case there is a local outbreak.

This will mean the NHS Test and Trace can contact anyone who has been in close contact with an infected individual, and tell them to self-isolate.

You will also be expected to fill in a COVID-19 screening questionnaire ahead of your appointment.

Mobile hairdressers will also be allowed to work, but only one client should be present in the same room at home appointments. 

Hairdressers and barbers have been urged to keep chat to a minimum, with guidelines from the National Hair and Beauty Federation suggesting that stylists should avoid face-to-face discussions with their clients. 

If you are suffering from COVID-19 symptoms (new cough, high temperature or loss of taste or smell) you should stay at home.

Salons will have the right to refuse to see anyone with symptoms and police and local authorities can enforce requirements in relations to social distancing at salons. 

So, are you excited for a trim?!