Hairdressing brings customers in much closer contact with workers than retail, as close as Goodyard hair systems with the scalps. Reopen become more difficult, but hairdressers are feeling their way out.
Across Europe, hairdressers have been among the first businesses allowed to open when lockdown restrictions have been eased. “Vanity is definitely greater than fear”
Germany has become one of the latest country to reopen its salons but with strict quarantine rules: No waiting area, no magazines, no dry cuts, and face masks for both customer and hairdresser.
The rules issued by the German ministries for economy and for social affairs also include 1.5m distance between customers and ideally no blow-dry. Gloves must be worn until a customer’s hair is washed, but can be removed for the cut itself. No talking face to face, the rules say. Any communication about cut or color must be done via the mirror and kept to a minimum.
“Pretty funny. Lots of people have cut their own hair. Some have been coloring it themselves. We’re doing mostly repair work today,” A stylist says.
In Spain, salons also have re-opened, but must run at a maximum of 30% normal capacity and by appointment only.
In Denmark, one of the largest online booking systems crashed when the reopening of salons was announced, which one newspaper put down to the high volume of unkempt citizens desperate for a cut.
There’s certainly no shortage of business though. In many salons in Europe it can be difficult to get an appointment at the first weeks of post-lockdown.
But how easy are these rules to follow and how might they change our haircuts?
Most of the rules sound sensible but are challenging to follow, particularly cutting a customer’s hair while they’re wearing a face mask.The mask’s string will get in the way of cutting layers or cutting hair near the ears.
Whether getting a haircut was a relaxing or a stressful experience before the pandemic, it seems likely that post-lockdown will look very different. It may mean longer appointment times and fewer services, may be without head massage, shampooing and drinks service.
Social distancing rules may lead to salons can’t serve as many clients as before and whatever new measures are introduced when the time comes, it seems clear that costs will increase.
And what about the haircut gossip? It’s going to be interesting to see what happens.