DESPERATE Brits have been resorting to cutting their own hair – and dyeing it – while in lockdown with varying levels of success.
As some people are stuck with lopsided locks or an uneven colour, it will be music to their ears to hear hairdressers can reopen from 4 July.
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Boris Johnson ended weeks of DIY disasters in an announcement on coronavirus lockdown rules today in Downing Street.
Hairdressers had already been told they would have to wait until at least that date to get cutting again.
It comes as part of phase three of the government's plan to ease the coronavirus lockdown and get Britain moving again.
Earlier this week, health secretary Matt Hancock gave a strong hint that people would be able to get a cut from July 4 and told Sky's Sophy Ridge: "I wouldn't rule it out".
He added: "A lot of the country does need a haircut. We need to do that in a safe way."
So, what will have changed when salons open? Will you be able to get your favourite cut and colour? Will you have to wear a mask? Here’s everything you need to know before your first visit…
1. When will hairdressers reopen?
The Government’s 50-page ‘roadmap’ indicated hair and beauty salons may be allowed to reopen from July – provided they can make their premises COVID-19 secure.
Hairdressers are classed as ‘non essential’ shops which is why they weren't allowed to open before July 4 .
In order to cope with demand, the owner of Canterbury-based salon The Chair Katie Hancock told The Telegraph that she is planning to open from midnight until 4pm on 4 July to cope with the backlog of clients.
She said: "Obviously the health and safety of our clients and stylists is the priority. All of our services will take a bit longer than usual."
2. Will I have to join a waiting list?
Whether or not you have to join a waiting list will vary from salon to salon.
But considering the increased demand for their services and the social distancing measures they have to put in place, it's highly likely that you'll have to join one before you can go in for your cut and colour.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, celebrity hair stylist Michael Van Clarke revealed his Soho salon already has a 3,000 waitlist for when they re-open in July.
To cope with demand, hairdressers won't be fitting new hair extensions and the day will be split into two shifts – in doing this, Michael hopes they can see all the clients on the waitlist within three weeks of re-opening.
To reduce the number of people coming into the salon, customers will be expected to book their appointments either over the phone or online.
3. Will my hairdresser/I have to wear a mask?
It’s likely all workers will be wearing gloves and a mask, which is the minimum requirement suggested by the British Beauty Council and some salons could see perspex screens above the basins too.
It’s not thought customers will be forced to wear masks, although you can if you choose.
"When the customers comes in we will measure their temperature with a scanner and antibacterial gel will be offered along with two face masks (in case one gets dirty)," explains London salon owner Gennaro Dell'Aquila. "Our staff will also wear a mask and gloves and be have their temperature measured 3 to 5 times per day."
4. How will social distancing work in the salon?
Other changes may include a ‘one-way system’ to reduce interaction between people, and you’ll likely go straight to your chair for your appointment and straight back out again.
In order to comply with social distancing, some salons may have a limit on how many customers can be inside at any one time, or have a quota for each day.
And chairs are likely to be more spaced out than before.
Hairdressers may also extend their opening hours as a way around this to try and see as many customers as possible, and staff may work rotas to minimise contact between them.
"We have started a waiting list that has 100s of bookings already," says Gennaro. "These will be appointments only and every salon, depending on the number of chairs, will make sure we have only the allowed amount of customers booked in at one time."
5. Will I still be able to enjoy a coffee and a magazine?
Sadly a cup of tea or coffee and a magazine is probably out of the question -customers may even be asked to leave their belongings in a locker.
6. Will I have to do anything before an appointment?
Before being seen, it’s likely any potential customers will be asked to fill out a lengthy questionnaire.
This would probably ask them about their health and well-being, and possibly their movements or interactions over the last seven days.
You may be asked to wash your hair before your appointment to cut down on how long you spend in the salon.
7. Can I still get the same treatments?
Most salons will probably have to overhaul their treatments to comply with new measures.
For example blow-dries will most likely not be offered as hairdryers blast particles around the room, which could potentially compromise the entire salon.
Kat De Rozario, hair stylist at Josh Wood Atelier, told Stylist: "Due to the potential risk of the virus being transmitted through swift airflow and to reduce the time and volume of people in salons, what is apparent is the need to cut down, or out, blow drying the hair.
"Essentially, whether hair is long or short, the cut needs to aid styling so it can dry naturally without the need for a blow dry."
Hairdressers which have reopened in Europe and America are offered a reduced number of blow-dries, or none at all.
Depending on social distancing measures, extras like a head massage or even a shampoo and condition could be scrapped to comply with new rules.
What's more, Gina Conway of Aveda Salons & Spas told the Daily Mail that they'll be offering a "tint and go" option to customers.
Rather than spending hours waiting for your dye to develop in the salon, hairdressers will apply the tint and give customers a timer for when they can remove it at home.
8. Will a haircut cost more?
As workers will need to buy and wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), this cost could be passed on to the customer, something Gennaro says is inevitable.
"Prices will go up because we have been working on improving everything over these months to fight the crisis.
"Also with the new PPE equipment needed and sterilisation for things like brushes and scissors, prices have to increase to reflect that."
Some salons could also implement a 'no cash' rule which will include tips – instead, customers will be asked to pay with card to reduce contact.
If you are desperate for a fresh trim then here are plenty of tips on how to cut men's hair with clippers.
Or, if you fancy attempting to cut your own bangs – here are some tips on cutting your fringe at home.
Plus we revealed the Queen has been styling her own hair at Windsor Castle during lockdown.
Meanwhile this bonkers hairdresser chops holes in an umbrella so she can still style her clients and be ‘protected’ from coronavirus.
And these are the hair stylists offering secret cuts during the coronavirus crisis… and the ones who are obeying the lockdown rules.
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