Lockdown locks get the chop! Thousands queue up to 3 hours for a haircut

ITV Central's Matt Teale visited a salon just before it reopened on Saturday (4th July) to see how new safety measures are being implemented.

After more than three months of isolation, hairdressers and barber shops were finally allowed to reopen at the weekend.

In some areas, people queued up to 3 hours to get an appointment. ‘Brown’s the barbers’ in Droitwich Spa opened at 8am but customers had already been queuing in the street for around an hour earlier. 

Despite now being open, however, many salons have undergone drastic changes due to new government safety measures.

  • Hairdressers and barbers are now be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face shields and gowns. Customers can choose to wear a face mask if they wish, but it is not compulsory.

  • Two-metre social distancing rules must be followed and many businesses are limiting the number of clients allowed in a salon at any one time by only allowing pre-booked appointments.

  • Food and drinks are banned

  • Magazines have been removed from premises

  • Salons should use disposable equipment where possible, and when not they should ensure all equipment is thoroughly cleaned between each client. 

  • Chairs, gowns and towels must be cleaned regularly.

  • Customers will be encouraged to wash or sanitise their hands. 

  • Music should be kept at a low volume to stop people from raising their voices which can spread the virus - although blow drying is still allowed.

  • Like restaurants and bars, salons will also keep temporary records of all visitors for 21 days, to help with NHS Test and Trace.

ITV Central Presenter Matt Teale before and after

ITV Central Presenter Steve Clamp before and after

A Nottinghamshire barber has offered a glimpse into the measures being put in place at his shop to protect customers. Images inside Twisted Tink'z in Kirkby-in-Ashfield shows what many barbers now look like with coverings placed on seats, door handles and counter tops.

Protective covers by Medicova in Twisted Tink'z barber shop, Kirkby-in-Ashfield Credit: Twisted Tink'z Modern Barbers
Medicova provides specialist protective covers that it says have been tested to reduce the amount of coronavirus on the fabric. Credit: Twisted Tink'z Modern Barbers
Even door handles have been covered in protective materials Credit: Twisted Tink'z Modern Barbers

Owner, Chris Tinklin, enlisted the help of another Nottinghamshire business, Medicova, to keep his returning customers safe. The company, based in Colwick, is providing specialist protective covers that it says have been tested to reduce the amount of coronavirus on the fabric.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that the easing of lockdown restrictions has been introduced to support the livelihoods of bosses and their employees but he has warned “we are not out of the woods yet” when it comes to the Coronavirus pandemic and the UK lockdown.

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