QUARANTINED Brits will finally be able to have their long over-due makeovers as hairdressers and barbers open their doors for the first time in three months on July 4.
Here is everything you need to know about the easing of restrictions.
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When do hairdressers and barbers open in the UK?
Boris Johnson announced on June 23, that hairdressers would reopen from July 4.
The news brought cheer to the nation’s 33,000 stylists and beauticians, many of them self-employed.
It also brought a boost to the morale of millions in desperate need of grooming after 13 weeks lockdown.
Some hair salons have said they will be opening at midnight on July 4 to clear a backlog of 3 months, with one London hairdresser preparing to deal with a queue of 2,000 people desperate for a trim.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, celebrity hairstylist Michael Van Clarke revealed his Soho salon already has a 3,000-person waitlist for when it reopens in July.
How will social distancing work at the hairdressers?
Salons are likely to operate at only 50 per cent capacity in order to maintain social distancing measures, with those cutting your hair working on shift patterns to minimise contact with staff and customers.
It is also likely that not every station in the salon will be used, with hairdressers working at every other station in a bid to maintain a two-metre distance between them.
The British Beauty Council recommends that staff wear gloves, masks and gowns, while customers will also likely have to wear masks and will not be able to have many belongings on them.
Meanwhile, the National Hair and Beauty Federation has asked hairdressers to keep salon chat to a minimum and avoid "face-to-face discussions with clients".
It’s not thought customers will be forced to wear masks, although you can if you choose.
"When the customers comes in we will measure their temperature with a scanner and antibacterial gel will be offered along with two face masks (in case one gets dirty)," explains London salon owner Gennaro Dell'Aquila.
"Our staff will also wear a mask and gloves and will have their temperature measured 3 to 5 times per day."
Sadly a cup of tea or coffee and a magazine is probably out of the question – customers may even be asked to leave their belongings in a locker.
What are the guidelines for hairdressers?
This is a stressful time for all self-employed workers and hairdressers are no different.
The government has pledged support to self-employed people in the United Kingdom as well as full-time workers.
Self-employed workers can read our guide on how to get financial help during this crisis.
Some workers will be eligible for the furlough scheme – if you are, you can read our guide on what the emergency measures mean for you.
The furlough scheme has been extended until October.
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