Hairdressers in the UK are now open - with new safety measures in place for customers

As hairdressers and barber shops remain temporarily closed, many across the UK have been getting creative with cutting their own hair at home - with some interesting results (Photo: Shutterstock)As hairdressers and barber shops remain temporarily closed, many across the UK have been getting creative with cutting their own hair at home - with some interesting results (Photo: Shutterstock)
As hairdressers and barber shops remain temporarily closed, many across the UK have been getting creative with cutting their own hair at home - with some interesting results (Photo: Shutterstock)

Hairdressers have now been allowed to reopen throughout the UK, but with new safety measures in place.

Where are salons now open?

Hairdressers reopened in England on Saturday 4 July and in Northern Ireland on 6 July.

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Salons also opened their doors to customers in Wales on 13 July and in Scotland on 15 July.

What will going to the hairdresser be like?

Hair cuts bring clients in close contact with their stylist, and certain safety and hygiene measures are now in place to keep both customers and staff safe.

The National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) has issued guidance to businesses that are reopening their doors, giving advice on how best to keep customers and staff safe in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

In some salons, you may have to have online consultations before your appointment, to reduce the amount of time you spend in contact with your stylist.

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The guidance reads, "Consider offering online consultations to reduce the appointment time.

“This could be done before your salon or barbershop is fully open for business. This also gives you an opportunity to talk to clients about safety measures you’re taking to protect them and your team and to establish if an allergy alert test is needed".

The NHBF has also advised keeping the chit-chat to a minimum in order to prevent transmission of the virus via infected droplets.

Instead, the guidance advises that “discussions about cut, colour and treatments should be made via the mirror while standing behind the client and kept to a minimum.”

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The guidelines also include asking customers not to bring jackets coats indoors as the virus can stay on fabric for a few days.

What have others countries done?

In Germany, customers who visit salons are being asked to wash their hands thoroughly upon arrival. Customers and stylists must also wear face masks.

Equipment will be washed thoroughly after use, and a 1.5 metre distance must be maintained between staff and customers, except for when the haircut is taking place.

Customers and staff will be expected to follow the usual precautions against transmission, including washing hands thoroughly and staying at home if they feel unwell.