BRITS in England who are desperate for a haircut can finally get a trim today.
Hairdressers and barbers in England reopen today as part of stage two of Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of the coronavirus lockdown.
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The first stage began last month when kids returned to school and adults could finally meet up with a friend for a coffee or picnic outside.
Restrictions ease further again today when non-essential shops are allowed to open their doors again in England and Wales.
But easing lockdown is a matter for devolved governments, meaning the rules are different for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
For instance, salons in Wales reopened last month for the first time since before Christmas, while Brits have been left tearing their hair out dealing with their overgrown locks.
But the wait is finally over… Here’s everything we know about getting a haircut again:
When will hairdressers and barbers reopen?
Hairdressers and barbers in England will reopen today (April 12) as part of the second stage of easing lockdown restrictions.
The reopening of businesses on this date was assessed against four tests to allow restrictions to ease -as long as the data allows, the PM aims to review and relax more rules every five weeks giving a week’s notice of the update.
Hairdressers and barbers were forced to shut during the first lockdown in March 2020 and were among the last to reopen in July 2020.
There was a second four-week shutdown in November that lasted until December 2.
As hairdressers reopen today, it is likely that not every station in the salon will be used, with hairdressers working at every other station to maintain a two-metre distance between them.
The British Beauty Council recommends that staff wear gloves, masks and gowns, while customers will also have to wear masks.
Giving a small taste of salon normality, clients will be allowed to consume hot or cold drinks in disposable cups or bottles.
In Wales, hairdressers are already open as they were allowed to get their scissors back out and cut customer’s hair again from March 15.
In Scotland, hairdressers also got back to snipping on April 5, while shops, hospitality, and gyms opened up too.
Hairdressers in Northern Ireland remain closed and no date has been announced for when they will reopen yet.
What support is available for hairdressers?
Many hairdressers will be self-employed and could be eligible for support.
Self-employed workers can read our guide on how to get financial help during this crisis.
Some workers could be eligible for the furlough scheme – if you are, you can check our guide on what the emergency measures mean for you.
The furlough scheme and support for the self-employed were both extended by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in his Budget to support businesses as lockdown gradually eases.
Other things also opening on Monday include non-essential retail and pubs and restaurants which can offer outside table service and takeaways.
Richard Lambert, National Hair and Beauty Federation Chief Exec on push by ministers to reopen hairdressers and nail salons alongside shops
