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Jul 2020

Last Updated: 09/07/2020

Business

Harrogate's hairdressers and barbers set for action

by Suzannah Rogerson

| 04 Jul, 2020

Hairdressers and barbers are excited and apprehensive to reopen today. The new experience will replace the expected coffee and magazine with a visor and hand gel.

Hair cuts are in high demand and the hairdressers and barbers of Harrogate are ready to serve their clients but the experience will have changed.

Many will reopen today with all members of staff wearing visors. Chairs have been placed within a one metre distance or screens have been put in between stations to maintain safety for staff and customers. The usual expectations that accompany a hair cut such as drinks and magazines won't be available.

The new experience could see clients being asked to wear masks, their coats and bags placed in paper bags to combat cross-contamination and one barber shop said they won't be offering bear trims or hair washing.

Michael Mackinnon is the owner of the Barber & Mack in Harrogate, said:

"We filled up the first two weeks within the first 24 hours we have split day shifts with three barbers at a time to ensure we are all spaced out. Each of the barbers has their own equipment and products that are kept in individual boxes.

"We aren't offering hair washing but are asking clients to come with clean hair and we will just spray it down. We will be asking people to wear masks for the first two weeks for extra safety."

Ripon hairdressers are ready to reopen today following a huge wave of demand for appointments.

Masks and visors could be the new norm for staff as they prepare to reopen pubs and restaurants.

Hairdressers are having to work hard to change their habits to limit the amount of contact with their clients.

Gerri Dangerfield Keane owns Dangerfield and Keane salon in Harrogate, he said:

"We are trying to limit our contact points so nothing is being transferred when clients enter the shop. The way we're approaching this is it's not short term its for two years everything we have put in such as the screens can be lowered and raised as and when they are needed.

"We have to adjust to it but it will be very different for all of us, it's what I've always done but I'm going to have to do it so differently."

Jenny Addyman recently won the regional finals of the prestigious hairdressing competition, "Trend Vision Award" and will now compete at the national finals. She spoke of her excitement to return to work:

"I am excited to see my clients as its been a long time. I'm already fully booked until the middle August, of course it'll be a little different with visors and fewer stylists. But im excited to be back its the longest I've not worked since I was about 15."

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Harrogate's hairdressers and barbers set for action

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