Men have to book haircut just the same as ladies do
WOMEN have always envied how men could nip out to the barbers for a few minutes and return sporting a new haircut. Those days of casually nipping into a barbers shop for a short back and sides have been consigned to the past, as barber shops adapt to the ‘new normal’ of the COVID-19 pandemic world.
Pat Rogers of Blade FX was delighted to welcome customers back to his Clanbrassil Street shop on June 29, although he hastens to add that it was to a very different set-up.
‘I’ve been here in business here for 18 years and I never thought I’d see a situation where we would be operating by appointments only and customers can’t just walk in off the street.’
He has introduced a number of measures aimed at keeping his customers and staff safe. Alongside the appointment system, there is a buzzer on the door for people who wish to book an appointment but don’t like doing so over the phone or online. Otherwise the door will remain locked and will only be opened to allow customers with appointments in and out.
Hygiene is top of the agenda, with Pat and fellow barber Tommy Gray wearing masks. Customers will also be required to wear masks and will be given a gown, which will be washed at 60 degrees after each use.
There are also hand sanitizer dispensers which customers are encouraged to use as they enter and leave the premises.
‘All the equipment we used will be fully sterilised between customers,’ he explains.
Only one customer per barber will be allowed in the shop at any one time, apart from children who can be accompanied by an adult.
While the new regime might cut down on the banter and craic, Pat says he has received ‘ brilliant feedback’ after posting a video highlighting these measures on social media.
‘I had one customer who came down from Glengormley, Co Antrim after viewing our video as he wasn’t too happy with the way his local barber was doing things and he said he’ll be back.’
‘I am happy I made the changes as it means our customers can feel safe, which is particularly important for older people or those with underlying health issues.’
Pat says that while business is down 30% he is happy with how things are going and they are getting plenty of bookings.
‘We’re getting a lot of new customers who don’t like what they see in their old barbers and we are happy to welcome them here.’
He adds that they have slimmed down the list of services to dry cuts, wet cuts and fade cuts, and won’t be offering their full range, which includes beards, until Phase 5.