Coronavirus / Face masks and temperature checks: what getting a haircut could look like when restrictions ease
A LERWICK-based barber has offered more details on what getting your hair cut could be like once restrictions ease.
Isaac Webb of Tooth and Nail Barber Surgeons said he will implement new measures like temperature checks for clients before a haircut and people having to wear masks once his Commercial Street shop reopens.
When that moment comes, however is unclear, with the Scottish Government only confirming that hairdressers are likely to reopen in the third phase of exiting lockdown with social distancing measures in place where possible.
Today (Friday) the first relaxation of restrictions will come into effect as phase one starts.
Hairdressing has been something of a hot topic during the pandemic, with many people forced to have their overgrown locks chopped at home by their partner or family.
By its very nature, the trade will make it hard for the hairdresser and customer to keep a two metre distance, but personal protective equipment (PPE) will become the new norm.
Webb – who closed his doors in March – said he has been already preparing for when his barber’s shop does reopen, with an appointment-only system due to be retained in favour of walk-ins.
“I’m planning on doing what I was doing before lockdown, like only clients who are getting a service being allowed in the shop, and if clients arrive early they must wait outside until the client before them has left and everything has been sanitised.
“Things I will be adding is before granting entry clients’ temperatures will be taken with a no contact thermometer, clients must sanitise hands on entry and exit. Clients and barbers will be masked, and barbers will be gloved.”
Webb added that he will also use a new gown for every client – “I’ve currently employed my granny to sew gowns for me as disposables are horrifically dear at the minute”.
He stressed, however, that these new future rules for his shop are not set in stone as guidance changes regularly.
There are extra costs associated with buying in PPE like masks and gloves, but Webb said he is looking to do what he can to avoid putting prices up.
“There has been no official word on what our procedures will have to be when we return,” he stressed.
“This is all based on what other shops have done in other countries either from guidance by governments or from their own accord.”
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