Hair stylists missed ‘making people happy’ during closure
LIKE greyhounds out of a trap, the females of Ireland raced to their favourite hair salon once the way was cleared for this most essential of non-essential services to reopen. For weeks beforehand, salons had been fielding calls from desperate customers looking for information as to what to do with their roots as their natural colour and grey hairs began to make an appearance. Appointment books began to fill once hope that the doors might eventually reopen. Hair products to tame unruly locks were in great demand while some of the more desperate took a DIY route, chopping their fringes and applying home dyes.
Business has been brisk in The Hair Shop since the Williamsons Mall salon reopened its doors on June 29, much to the delight of its loyal customers. However, it’s to a changed environment that staff and customers have returned.
As they arrive at the award-winning salon, customers have their temperature taken and are asked to fill out a COVID-19 declaration form, asking them if they have any symptoms of the illness or have been in contact with anyone who might have it. They have to don a mask while the stylists all wear visors. Gone are the glossy magazines while helped while away the hours while highlights and colours were done. Discreet floor markings and signs remind customers to main social distancing. However, the same friendly service awaits. Social distancing means that there are fewer clients and staff in the salon and the door is only opened to those with appointments or purchasing hair products.
Catherine McElligott said that two things have really stood out since the salon opened. ‘A lot of our clients are nervous and anxious as they could have underlying health conditions or someone at home who is at risk. We have set up two private rooms at the back - there’s one room where just one client can go, and we have turned the staff room into a small salon with just two seats for two family members. This has worked really well and anyone who is anxious can book those rooms.’
‘ The other thing we realised is not that we have missed cutting hair, but how we can make people happy,’ she continued. ‘ We can give a woman a cup of coffee which she didn’t have to make herself and wash her hair for her. A lot of women come from busy households - they have whole families at home, taking over all the rooms as offices, so it’s nice that they can come here and relax.’
She is delighted that their customers have felt comfortable in the salon. ‘We’re really pleased that we can deliver a luxury service like we always did.’
‘It’s great to be back’ commented Paula Bishoff, who is delighted to be welcoming customers once again. She is enjoying the more relaxed ambiance but is concerned about the long-term impact which the 2m social distancing restrictions will have on the business as it has reduced the capacity of the salon.