Head start: Salons open at midnight to beat the queues
HAIRDRESSERS and barbers reopened their doors yesterday for the first time in four months as parts of phase three of lockdown restrictions have been lifted.
Salons across Scotland have been preparing to give haircuts to the nation as they adapt their businesses around a new normal in complying with the government health guidelines.
Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard were among those taking advantage, with some salons opening at midnight to beat the queues.
One barbershop owner in Giffnock has told how new changes to his business will last long-term as he shifts his strategy to comply with the new guidelines.
Tony Jay Mann, who owns Tony Mann’s Barber Shop, said: “I gave the place a makeover as I wanted to make it look more clinical so people can come in and feel that we’re a nice, safe, clean and friendly barber.
Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, Tony told how every corner of his barbershop would be filled with customers as those who wanted a short trim could casually stroll up to his shop without an appointment.
Tony has now introduced a booking system for his business that he will continue to use postpandemic, meaning customers will now have to book an appointment to get their hair cut.
He added: “The barbershop used to be filled with people sitting waiting for a haircut, especially on Fridays – every corner would be filled so I guess that’ll change now.”
Rainbow Room International in Glasgow’s George Square was also among the salons reopening their doors after being closed for almost four months.
One of the first customers was physiotherapist Norma Goodfellow, 65, from Stepps, in North Lanarkshire, who came prepared with her own mask and had her temperature checked at the door.
She said: “I didn’t know how it was going to work when I heard Rainbow Room was opening back up again but what happened was the hairdressers phoned all their own clients and they offered us appointments so I was absolutely delighted.
“We’ve been kept well informed all along through email and Instagram so we kind of knew what to expect and it’s been a nice, smooth process.”
She added: “I work in a hospital and you’re always a bit wary, but it’s all worked out really well.”