Salons to wait but changes are vital

SALONS and barber shops across the country are now making their tentative journeys towards reopening, although nobody knows for sure when exactly that will be.

At present, Wales continues to exist in the “red stage” of its “traffic-light” approach to exiting lockdown and a return to something approaching normal life. This stage allows certain shops and businesses to trade, but not “non-essential” retail and businesses offering “personal services”, such as hairdressers.

For that to happen, the country must move to the “amber stage”, which may or may not become a reality in the coming weeks.

If it does, that unkempt hair that has been getting ever more unruly since March may be in line for a makeover, and despite thousands of people across the country taking up a DIY approach to hairstyling in recent months, a return to your salon will be most welcome.

One business getting ready for the new and brave world of post-lockdown hairdressing is Morgan Edward.

The salon, in the centre of Carmarthen, has been in business for the past six years, while its other branch, in Llandeilo, has been operating for 11 years.

“Back in March we were already taking measures to keep people safe, like encouraging social distancing and getting clients to wash their hands, but we took the decision to close on that Monday (March 23) even before the Prime Minister made the announcement,” said owner Edward Rees.

Now, 12 weeks on, Mr Rees is hoping to reopen. Measures have been put in place to get the business moving again.

“We have put a screen in place at the front counter, and we’ve moved around the reception area to ensure that there is enough space for people to adhere to the two-metre socialdistancing guidelines,” he explained.

“The problem we have is that there isn’t really an official governing body for hairdressers giving out specific advice, so we are having to prepare for all eventualities.”

Every other station has been removed, meaning that the maximum number of people getting their hair done will be effectively cut in half as the twometre rule remains.

All staff will wear face masks, face visors, gloves and a disposable apron. Clients, meanwhile, will be given a disposable gown and, depending on advice at the time, a mask.