Hairdressers ready to tackle lengthy lockdown locks

Clippers and combs are at the ready once again as hairdressers reopen across Scotland today after being closed for 16 weeks.

There was much jubilation when First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the return of the industry at the end of last month, and salon owners have spent weeks ensuring their premises meet safety requirements.

Kyle Ross, co-owner and managing director of Sovereign in Aberdeen, said he was overjoyed at the prospect of being back at work.

Mr Ross said: “It is just so good to be back. It is nice to have something to focus on again and to socialise in a working capacity.

“Planning has been difficult but I think hairdressers and customers are willing to do their best for what is the bigger picture, and take heed of the guidelines.

“For businesses in particular, we are fortunate to be opening again despite uncertainty and financial stress.”

The gentleman’s grooming salon on Union Street opened its online booking service on June 25 after being given the go-ahead from Holyrood.

Within three hours, the team was swamped with 600 bookings – ensuring a full calendar of appointments well into early August.

Mr Ross, a previous winner of Best Barber UK award, added: “This industry is sometimes taken for granted and it is only when you take it away, you begin to realise how important it is.

“I think people are delighted to be back and it gives them a sense of normality again.”

Like other industries reopening to the public, new measures have been introduced to protect staff and customers from the potential spread of coronavirus.

Workers at the Aberdeen barbershop have undergone additional Covid-19 hygiene training and will be dressed in

personal protective equipment (PPE) when operations resume.

Clients will have to wear a face covering inside the salon and have been instructed to re-arrange appointments if they or anyone in their household is feeling unwell.

The salon is extending opening hours to counter reduced capacity and has erected portable plastic shielding while adapting to the two-metre social distancing rule.

Some services have also been limited including eyebrow waxing and beard trimmings.

Rigorous cleaning will take place in preparation for each customer which includes cleansing scissors, timers, combs and seats.

Photograph by Paul Glendell Reporter Gregor Aiken has his hair cut by Kyle Ross at Sovereign in Aberdeen.