Hairdressers play a vital role to economy
Hairdressers and barbers in England are delighted that they are able to open their doors again from Saturday.
New government guidelines which apply to services that relate to cutting or treating hair on the head apply to both salon-based, mobile and freelance hairdressers and barbers.
The National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) said: “In 2018, the hair and beauty industry contributed £27.2bn to the UK economy – which is even more than the automotive industry.
“Hair and beauty salons and barbershops make up a great part of that, and many are small businesses who need your support now more than ever after being closed for so long.” Measures are in place to protect both clients and staff, with the government publishing its safer workplaces guidelines.
It includes social distancing of two metres between clients or one metre with additional precautions such as a screen.
Face visors must be worn by practitioners for all activities, and clients must be seen by appointment only. Salon and barbershop owners will also be required to keep a temporary record of all clients and visitors for 21 days to support the NHS test-andtrace system which controls outbreaks of the virus.
No food or drink is to be consumed in the salon by clients other than water in disposable cups or bottles.
NHBF chief executive Hilary Hall (below) said: “Although it’s great news that hairdressers and barbers in England have a confirmed opening date, these decisions have come very late in the day. “We are also extremely disappointed that beauty businesses are not yet allowed to reopen, and we have always emphasised that hair and beauty should reopen at the same time. “We will continue to put pressure on the government to allow beauty businesses to reopen as soon as possible, and for financial support to be extended.”
Beauty businesses including, but not limited to, nail bars, eyelash and brow bars, makeup artists, tattoo and tanning studios, spas, sports and massage therapy, wellbeing and holistic locations will not be able to open until the government announces it is safe to do so at present.