A Walkden hairdresser is celebrating news that salons and other close-contact services can reopen on December 3, regardless of what tier the area falls into.
At the moment, all personal care services are closed under the current four-week lockdown measures, lasting from Thursday, November 5 until their new re-opening date.
Heather Smith, a stylist at Hair Flick in Walkden, welcome the Government decision after a turbulent year.
She said: “I, personally, am happy we were allowed to re-open in July rather than being told to close for the year. At least people were able to get their treatments and we could get back in the workplace for a while.
“It has affected business, we have had clients who have been made redundant or are still on furlough and can’t afford to spend.”
The team of stylists and beauty therapists already implemented many changes to make the salon safe for their first re-opening on July 4, including strict rules on hand sanitising and wearing face coverings.
Miss Smith, who has been in the industry for 26 years, added: “I do feel a little let down to have to close again after all the expense. But it’s for the greater good, safety first.
“We need to slow the ‘R’ rate down.”
The stylists and beauty therapists at Hair Flick have worked together for at least 13 years and have a close relationship with their clients.
Speaking of the reaction when the salon reopened under new rules in July, Miss Smith said: “We had clients who couldn’t wait to get an appointment – and the opposite end of the scale, those who were really nervous, and still are.
“All of us have struggled at some point along the line, but we are all here for each other.”
The owners have used the temporary closure as an opportunity to give the salon itself a makeover, and the latest government announcement finally gives them a chance to enjoy the refurbishment in the run-up to Christmas.
“It was the perfect time for a full facelift to be done, so it’s not all bad!”
Miss Smith is happy that the latest announcement allows everybody to return in a safe manner:
“I think it’s important for everyone to reopen in time for Christmas. It does affect people’s mental health and wellbeing if they can’t have their hair done.”
Hair Flick is currently taking bookings for when they reopen.
You can contact them on 0161 790 1766 to book an appointment.
Recent Comments