Rules in place at hairdressers and salons from April 12

This is great news for those hoping to get their locks chopped and outgrown roots redyed.

However, things in the salon might look a little different this time around and there will be stricter rules for both customers and salon workers to adhere to.

Remember to check in with your local salon to see exactly what rules and guidelines they have in place before you visit.

Splendore Hairdressing on Sapling Road is just one local salon opening today. 

They are fully booked until May and have a fully refurbished and clean salon for customers to enjoy. 

Karen Burtonwood is the managing director of Splendore Hairdressing on Sapling Road said: "With Covid, it was important to declutter the salon and make sure everything is sterile.

Karen Burtonwood

"We can't have an overcrowded shop- I have had to take my waiting area out of the shop to avoid people coming in and sitting down before their appointment."

Bolton Council’s Director of Public Health, Dr Helen Lowey, said:

“This gradual approach to easing lockdown is essential, alongside the vaccination programme, in helping us get back to normal.

“As we move onto the next step of national roadmap it’s important that we do all we can to prevent the virus from spreading. COVID-19 loves nothing more than being passed from person to person and we need to continue to do all we can to prevent any further outbreaks.

“Personal hygiene is still important to prevent the spread. Wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds; wear a face covering indoors especially where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet; stay two metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, and open windows and doors to increase the flow of air."

Here’s everything you need to know about the guidelines in place at hairdressers and salons from today (April 12): 

Face coverings will be required

According to the Government website, hairdressers will remind customers to wear face coverings (unless they are having a facial treatment at the time) while indoors.

According to the Gov.uk website, staff must: “Remind customers and staff to wear face coverings in any indoor space or where required to do so by law.

“That is especially important if your customers are likely to be around people they do not normally meet.”

Similarly, clients will be encouraged to use hand sanitiser as soon as their enter the premises.

Social distancing rules are still in place

Customers must follow the signs or instructions put up in their local salons to adhere to social distancing rules (2m, or 1m+ with risk mitigation where 2m is not viable).

Some salons will have introduced a one way system to prevent customers from crossing paths.

Depending on the size of the salon, owners must also consider how many people can be in the space while remaining socially distant.

When waiting areas can no longer maintain social distancing, some salons have been asked to consider moving to a ‘one-in-one-out’ policy- this could mean waiting outside for your appointment.

Can I get my hair dyed?

Staff have been encouraged to “keep appointments short” and not encourage any lengthy treatments.

The Gov.uk guidance continues: “Businesses should consider providing shorter, more basic treatments to keep the time to a minimum”.

However, if you are going to the salon to get your hair dyed make sure you go for an allergy test in advance.

The rules around patch tests have changed and you could be turned away if you don’t get one at least 48 hours before the treatment.

No singing or raised voices in the salon

Salons have been encouraged to keep the volume of background music low to “discourage people from raising their voices or shouting”.

NHS Test and Trace

There is a legal requirement for salons to keep a record of all visitors and staff for 21 days. This can be done via the NHS Test and Trace app or just via a written record.

Can I read a magazine while I wait?

Salons have been urged not to provide newspapers or magazines in waiting areas.

People with coronavirus symptoms must stay at home

If a staff member a customer has a persistent cough, a high temperature or has lost their sense of taste or smell, they should be isolating.

They must also isolate if someone they live with has these symptoms too.

Employers must not require someone who is being required to self-isolate to come to work. Any employer asking a worker to break self-isolation to work is committing an offence.

Can I use the toilet at the salon?

Toilets are allowed to open- but these premises “should be carefully managed” by staff to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.

Toilets should also have clear and visible signs about handwashing and have a limited entry of one in one out.

Can mobile hairdressers still work?

There was a lot of confusion about whether or not mobile hairdressers can operate- but it has been confirmed that their services can also resume from April 12.

However, staff must follow guidance on working safely in other people’s homes before this can resume.

Can I have a drink at the salon?

Getting a hot drink before while getting your hair done is a ritual for some people.

Luckily, clients can be given hot or cold drinks, providing they are served in disposable cups or bottles.

Caroline Larissey, National Hair and Beauty Federation's Director of Quality and Standards said: "Salons can provide hot or cold drinks to clients in disposable cups or bottles, but no food should be offered to or eaten by clients whilst in the salon.

"Salons should encourage clients to only remove their mask to consume the drink or for treatments which require they be removed (beard trim, for example).

"When clients have removed their masks, hair and beauty professionals should ensure they are socially distanced from the client (2m, or 1m+ with mitigations).​"

Are you heading to the local salon this week?