A DALE hairdresser says her diary is “booked solid” until mid-August after the Government announcement that locks can once again be coiffed.
Although many barbers and hairdressers opened their doors on Saturday, Nic Gaskin, who runs Elizabeth James Salon, in Barnard Castle, decided to wait until this week to reopen to the public to enable her to have “one last weekend” at home with her family.
She told the Mercury ahead of opening she was excited to be back in her salon, but apprehensive at the same time.
She said: “One thing I’ve learned about this whole thing is how important family is and there is more to life than work.
“But I’m excited to be back and of course I’m apprehensive.
“I’ve done everything in my power to make it safe in the salon and I’m looking forward to seeing my customers again.
“They’re more than clients, they’re friends, some are like family.”
As well as completing several Covid-related courses during lockdown to ensure the best practices are adopted, Mrs Gaskin has plenty of hand sanitiser available.
She will be operating a one-in-one-out system and has even brought in a range of disposable towels and gowns.
She added: “They’re made from paper and they are compostable.
“After Covid is finished and done with I’m thinking of keeping them as I’ll be able to pop them in the compost bin and it works out cheaper than washing conventional towels.
“For now, though they have to be double bagged and go out in the rubbish.
“I’ve been through all 40 pages of the guidelines and there is nothing to say I can’t blow dry and I want to give my customers the full treatment.”
Customers will be asked to wear face masks throughout their appointments.
When with customers, Mrs Gaskin says she will be wearing a mask and full-face visor as well as disposable gloves and apron.
“I’ll be open five days a week to begin with to see how it goes,” she said.
“Normally I would open on a Monday, but I’ve done it to see how we go.
“I’ll be running at 40-50 per cent capacity as the salon needs to be completely cleaned down between clients.
“I’m nervous but I’m glad to be back. It’s going to be different as it’s the new normal, but we’ve got to keep going and get through this.”
