Hair we go ... big day ahead for NI as Executive decides on cut-off date for hairdresser re-opening
Barbers and beauty salons already preparing to get back to business
Last updated 18th Jun 2020
Hairdressers, barbers and beauty salons could re-open across Northern Ireland within the next few weeks.
The NI Executive is meeting later today (Thursday) to discuss a raft of potential further easing of lockdown restrictions.
It is understood hairdressers could be open again for business in early July.
These include Sean Lawlor from the the Cambridge Barbers on the Lisburn Road in south Belfast (main picture) who has been clearning down his chairs in anticipation of being allowed to re-open for business in the next few weeks.
Meanwhile, Rachel Sinnamon who owns Elise skincare and laser clinic in Armagh, says she is already well prepared for re-opening.
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And Carly Bell Hoey, who owns the Bellaire Hair and Beauty in Belfast told Downtown & Cool FM that she, too, is ready for her business to re-open.
"We are very keen to reopen and are ensuring that we have all government recommend guidelines in place to allow us to do this in the safest way possible," she said
"We are currently taking time to ensure all measures are met in order to protect our staff as well as clients.
"To include ppe , sanitising stations, fixtures in place to protect clients at basins , we have also spilt our staff into teams.
"We want keep our brand as true to its self as possible and create a fun , relaxing environment for our staff and clients. (We have a very long waiting list) so have discussed extended opening hours (though nothing has been set in stone)."
She said it was "ludicrous" other sectors had already been given their re-opening date but beauty salons and hairdressers were still waiting.
"Our hands are never out of water," she added.
"The clients are being shampooed with gloves on, we understand that no touching is involved in the process of ordering food or drink and we wholeheartedly believe that these venues will also follow all safety guidelines however numbers are maximised in these outlets -where we can operate with small numbers and ensure our clients are fully sanitised along side our staff following the plan we have in place .
"The opening of the hospitality industry and beauty sectors will be very much welcomed. Both hospitality leisure and beauty/haircare are as we believe necessities which are essential for mental health and wellness. When you look good you feel amazing and it's just lovely to be pampered."