People in Harrogate are rushing to get hairdressing appointments before lockdown begins on Thursday.
Some salons are extending their hours to fit in as many clients as possible before non-essential businesses are forced to close on Thursday.
Joseph Ferraro, owner of Joseph Ferraro hair salon in Harrogate, said:
“The phone just hasn’t stoped since the weekend. I’ve had to bring staff in for extra hours to fit all of our clients in.
“I’m feeling more angry than nervous. It is dangerous for businesses to have another lockdown. My business will be able to get through this but some will be struggling.
“The furlough system is great for paying my staff but it won’t cover the other bills.”
Hairdressers were among the last to reopen after the first lockdown. Salons had to introduce safety measures, such as mask wearing for clients and staff, sanitising stations and perspex screens.
Olivia Mitchell, the owner of BeBaBo on Cold Bath Road, is usually closed on Monday but opened today to meet demand.
“I think the lockdown may be longer than December 2. But I feel calmer this time: we have a blueprint to follow from the first lockdown, which will help us.
“All we can do is look to the government for additional help. I just hope that if it is a longer lockdown that they can keep that support going.”
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Terry Sowerby, who co-owns the Baroque salons in Harrogate and Ripon, said:
“It’s been challenging trying to fit everyone in over the coming days. I am not happy at all, I understand we are within a pandemic but we’ve spent thousands making our salons safe so it is frustrating. But we have to do it to reduce the virus.”
