When will hairdressers reopen in England? Date hair salons and barber shops can open as government relaxes lockdown rules

Hairdressers temporarily closed their doors when the UK entered into lockdown in March, but when will they be able open their doors again?

Here’s what you need to know.

No haircuts earlier than 4 July

Boris Johnson announced in the House of Commons on Tuesday (23 June) that a number of restrictions will be relaxed from 4 July in England, including the reopening of businesses.

As of 4 July, hairdressers and barbers will be allowed to reopen to customers, with strict safety measures in place.

Markings on the floor will show where people should sit, and seating arrangements will be side-to-side with at least a one metre gap between clients.

Customers will be encouraged to turn up to their appointment exactly on time to avoid congregating in waiting areas, and will be required to wait outside if there is a queue.

Till points will have perspex screens between customers and cashiers, doors and windows will be kept open, and hairdressers must wear a protective visor that extends below their chin. Customers can also choose to wear a face covering, although this is not mandatory.

When did hairdressers close?

Hairdressers and barbers temporarily closed when the UK went into lockdown on 23 March.

It was originally thought that hairdressers could be among the first businesses to reopen, but, earlier in May, Secretary of State Dominic Raab revealed that salons would not open in England until July, at the earliest.

Mr Raab previously told Sky News, "From 4 July, at the earliest, we'll look at other sectors and that will include hospitality, but it will also include personal care and people like hairdressers.”

Salons are have been preparing to reopen after lockdown under new guidelines, with major chains like Toni & Guy and Regis also putting plans in place.

Toni & Guy are looking removing some of the non-essential interaction between customers and employees, while Regis will be introducing screens for reception staff, alongside texting customers when their stylist is ready.

When can mobile hairdressers go back to work?

Mobile hairdressers will be able to go back to work from 4 July, at the same time hair salons can begin operating again.

Can I book an appointment yet?

Hairdressers are now allowing customers to book appointments, but there may be a waiting list and not all salons will be reopening on the same date, so its worth getting in touch with your hairdresser to make an appointment in advance.

What will going to the hairdresser be like post-lockdown?

Hair cuts bring clients in close contact with their stylist, and certain safety and hygiene measures are likely to be put in place when customers return to salons.

The National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) has issued some guidance to businesses making plans to reopen, giving advice on how best to keep customers and staff safe in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

New rules could see you having to have online consultations before your appointment, to reduce the amount of time you spend in contact with your stylist.

The guidance reads, "Consider offering online consultations to reduce the appointment time.

“This could be done before your salon or barbershop is fully open for business. This also gives you an opportunity to talk to clients about safety measures you’re taking to protect them and your team and to establish if an allergy alert test is needed".

The NHBF has also advised keeping the chit-chat to a minimum in order to prevent transmission of the virus via infected droplets.

Instead, the guidance advises that “discussions about cut, colour and treatments should be made via the mirror while standing behind the client and kept to a minimum.”

The guidelines also include asking customers not to bring jackets coats indoors as the virus can stay on fabric for a few days.

In Germany, where hairdressers and salons have already reopened, clients are being asked to wash their hands thoroughly upon arrival. Customers and stylists must also wear face masks.

Equipment will be washed thoroughly after use, and a 1.5 metre distance must be maintained between staff and customers, except for when the haircut is taking place.

Customers and staff will be expected to follow the usual precautions against transmission, including washing hands thoroughly and staying at home if they feel unwell.

In France, everyone in the salons will be asked to wear masks and gowns and use hydraulic gel, disinfectants and disposable gloves, and salons will not accept walk-in clients.

Other countries, including Spain and Norway, have also allowed salons to open.