Get a haircut (minus small talk), but nail bars facing a longer wait

ALTHOUGH hairdressers will be able to finally reopen on July 4, nail bars are going to have to wait longer.

Salons can open if they observe strict new measures, with stylists required to avoid small talk and wear full-face plastic visors to reduce the risk of infection.

Boris Johnson admitted he was particularly excited about the change in government guidance: “Almost as eagerly awaited as a pint will be a haircut – particularly by me,” he said. “So we will reopen hairdressers with appropriate protections, including visors.”

Customers will have to make appointments and there will be limits on numbers in salons. Staff will be required to follow strict rules over disinfecting equipment. They have been told they must observe a “silence rule” to prevent transmitting the virus. The

National Hair and Beauty Federation also issued advice as salons prepared to reopen. It said: “Avoid face-to-face discussions with clients – those about cut, colour and treatments should be made via the mirror while standing behind the client, and kept to a minimum.”

It advised customers to avoid bringing coats or jackets to salons, as the coronavirus was known to remain on fabrics for days. Salons were also encouraged to avoid handling cash.

Beauty salons and nail bars were not permitted to reopen, as scientists suggested it would be harder to mitigate the risk of transmission. Spas and tattoo parlours will also remain shut.

Millie Kendall, of the British Beauty Council, admitted disappointment. “It’s down to the face-to-face contact, as hairdressers work behind the client. The Government doesn’t know the subtle nuances of our industry, so this is news is very frustrating,” she said.