Lockdown restrictions will ease on Monday, allowing beauticians and hairdressers to reopen.
Many people have eagerly awaited haircuts, pedicures and spa treatments since the third lockdown began in early January.
Consequently, businesses in the Harrogate district are bracing themselves for a hectic month. Many customers are struggling to get appointments.
The Treatment Rooms in Harrogate has been shut since December 30 and set up a waiting list six weeks ago to deal with high demand for bookings.
Alex Smith, owner of The Treatment Rooms, said:
“We’re fully booked for the first month and we wanted to make sure we were booking in our loyal customers first before we can fit in new customers.”
Ms Smith said this has been the busiest return from any lockdown so far.
“It could be because the weather’s getting nicer, pubs are reopening or because people have this hope that this will actually be the last time.
“Either way, we can’t wait to go back and see some normality.”
Aimes Health and Beauty in Knaresborough is almost fully booked April, but owner Amy Dodsworth thinks the beauty industry could be adversely affected after the initial rush.
Ms Dodsworth said:
“I think we will be affected by people maybe not feeling safe enough to go out yet, and even working from home might affect business because people won’t want their nails doing as much with no one to see them.
“But we’re looking at the positives. Now is the time to get pampered and have something to look forward to.”
Susan Schofield, owner of the salon Headroom Harrogate described the measures it has instigated to make customers feel safe:
“We have the screens between each customer and all of the team will be wearing masks and visors. We are also doing a few early mornings to ensure we can properly clean each station before every customer.
“Reopening is an exciting time but it is a strange feeling. We’re looking forward to seeing how the first busy week goes.”
Montpellier Beauty in Harrogate, which is also opening its doors on Monday, has kept in touch with clients about government guidelines to demonstrate continuity of care.
Owner Judy Robson said this lockdown has caused stress and uncertainty for the business.
“It has prevented us from implementing some development plans moving the business forward, but has also afforded us some reflection time to brainstorm!
“We have been in survival mode, but are now emerging excited about reopening and thankful that all our lovely, loyal clients have been so supportive and we can’t wait to get back.”
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