Are hairdressers going to open earlier than expected?

The Irish Hairdressers’ Federation has put together an extensive list of over 100 measures that salons could take to help them open earlier than the government’s proposed date of July 20. 

Hairdressers have been sorely missed by their customers since they closed in March, but there is hope that we may be able to return to our favourite stylist sooner than expected.

The Irish Hairdressers’ Federation has compiled specific recommendations that they will present to the government this week. They believe these measures could allow them to open sooner than the July 20 date in the roadmap for easing of restrictions.

The recommendations cover the everyday practices of hair salons, and include ways to combat any risk that both staff and customers could encounter by coming into close contact with each other.

Incoming President of the Irish Hairdressers Federation, Danielle Kennedy, said: ”Foremost in our thoughts is the wellbeing of our staff and the safety of our customers. The recommendations will radically change how we do our business, which will see the extensive use of personal protective equipment and sanitisation procedures. There are 25,000 people employed in our sector and we want to ensure they can come back to work safely.”

Many people also have a close personal relationship with their hairdressers, and going to the salon is a chance to get out of the house and socialise, which Kennedy also points out.

“I have been talking to hundreds of hairdressers in the past few weeks and they can’t wait to get back to work because they love their job and they love their customers. Our customers come in, they talk with the staff, find out the local news and they all go home feeling great. It’s a vital local service, especially for the elderly.”

Speaking on RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland this morning, Kennedy outlined some of the recommendations, including that salons would work on an appointment only basis, with no walk-in customers.

Another would be that salons will check with customers if they have been ill or travelling recently, and they will sit two metres away from each other. Staff would wear protective equipment, including masks.

She also pointed out that hairdressers have already reopened in other countries around six to eight weeks after they closed, including Spain and Italy. However the government’s proposed date of July 20 would be 18 weeks after their closure in Ireland.

We will have to wait and see how the recommendations are received by government when they are presented this week to know if we can expect the July 20 date to be moved forward.

Featured image: Guilherme Petri via Unsplash

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