When will hairdressers reopen after lockdown?

Hair salons have re-opened in Germany, and customers and hairdressers wear protective masks: Getty Images
Hair salons have re-opened in Germany, and customers and hairdressers wear protective masks: Getty Images

Ever since lockdown began on 23 March, hair salons have been closed and people have been forced to come up with alternative methods to keep their hair in check.

While some have resorted to cutting, dying and shaving their own hair, hairdressers around the country have been flooded with calls from people asking for home visits – which led the National Hairdressers Federation of Britain (NHBF) to issue a stern warning to salons that this is illegal.

In an address to the nation recently, Boris Johnson said a phased reopening of schools and non-essential shops in England will begin from June 1 if the spread of Covid-19 is sufficiently reduced.

Here's what we know so far regarding when hairdressers will reopen, in line with Mr Johnson's "careful steps" to ease lockdown restrictions.

A hair salon reopens in Europe after the coronavirus lockdown (AFP via Getty Images)
A hair salon reopens in Europe after the coronavirus lockdown (AFP via Getty Images)

When will hairdressers reopen?

The beauty and hairdressing industry employs over 600,000 people in over 50,000 businesses across the UK - but according to Millie Kendall, CEO of the British Beauty Council, hairdressers could open by mid-June

Speaking to The Telegraph she said: “When hairdressers and salons were initially closed in lockdown, the government assumed we were part of the retail sector.

“I think hairdressers will be grouped in this sector, but as Boris said there will be a gradual phased opening of retail from early June, I think hairdressers may be part of this latter phase of stage two re-opening, potentially by mid- to late June.

“As beauty salons are probably considered more close contact, this date may be different to the date that hairdressers open. The beauty industry is considered retail in government, not hospitality, so hopefully we’re looking at a June date rather than July.”

The Hair and Barber Council, which represents 11,000 salons, estimates most of its members would be ready by mid-June.

However, The Department for Business has said that salons will not be able to open until July 4.

Ireland announced that beauty salons, hairdressers and barbers will open as late as July 20

This will be during phase four of their five stage lockdown exit plan – as they are considered high-risk. Conversely, Norway and Sweden allowed hairdressers to re-open in late April, and several other European countries are now relaxing their rules to re-open salons.

Sadly, there is no clear answer about when hair salons in the UK will reopen.

What changes will be brought in to ensure staff and customer safety?

When hair salons re-open, it is likely that they will follow safety steps taken by other countries to stop the virus spreading.

Hair salons in Germany have re-opened, but there are no longer waiting areas, dry cuts, or magazines, as these could all aid transmission of the virus.

Both customers and hairdressers wear face masks to prevent Covid-19 infection, and customers wear disposable cloaks and wash their hands before entering the salon.

Customers must also stay 1.5m away from each other.

Blow-drys are discouraged and gloves must be worn until a customers hair is washed.

When hair salons open in the UK, most of these regulations will likely be followed.

Conversations between hairdressers and customers while hair is being cut may be forbidden to keep people safe.

Read more

Calls for clarity after PM 'sketches out' lockdown plans for England

French passengers to be exempt from UK quarantine plans

Police fears over enforcing new Covid-19 lockdown rules

PM set to announce more detailed plans on easing lockdown to MPs

When will schools reopen? Latest Government guidelines revealed