2020 has been a turbulent year because of Covid19 and the ongoing pandemic, and it has changed many things in our day to day life. Even though the vaccine is now hopefully just round the corner, things, at least for the next six months or so, will continue to be very different as we get used to the new normal.
Social distancing has been the word of the year as we have all been told to keep our distance from other humans, due to the way the virus spreads easily from one person to another, so this has affected simple things like getting your hair cut.
But as all different types of business have had to deal with crazy situations they have come up with clever and unique ways to be able to still keep open and run their business, albeit slightly differently than before, and barbers and hairdressers have been no different.
So Is It Actually Safe To Get A Haircut?
Many people during the first lockdown have had to let the hair grow wildly out of control as most barbers and hairdressers like many other shops and high street businesses had to close. But as we have slowly learned more about this horrible virus we have been able to come up with different ways to try and keep ourselves safe while keeping these types of businesses open and running to the public.
All premises that are now open need to be what is called Covid secure or Covid safe. This means that all protocols and rules have to be in place to keep the general public and staff as safe as possible.
These can include keeping to a minimum of close contact with each other, putting up barriers or shields between customers and of course wearing all appropriate personal protective equipment.
Due to all these measures being in place, it is extremely safe for you to get your haircut from your favourite barber or hairdresser’s salon. Just make sure that they have put in place all the correct safety measures to help keep you safe.
What Measures Are In Place To Keep You Safe?
Every barber and hairdresser takes slightly different approaches when it comes to keeping their customers and staff safe from COVID 19, but there are some simple measures that most have taken.
Keeping interaction to a minimum is vitally important so most are now limiting the amount of people allowed into their premises at one time. So, no longer can you just walk in on the off chance to get your haircut. There now needs to be a bit more planning involved, so booking an appointment is needed. This will help with the organisation of things and help keep interactions between other humans as low as possible.
Salons like Salon Nine 28 in Nutley now make sure their barbers and hairdressers wear face visors when they are cutting your hair. This will normally be seen through plastic, so that they can still see what they are doing, and should cover their whole face. They should also be wearing a mask covering their mouth, as this means there is double the protection.
By doing this there is little to no chance of them being able to spread any germs to their client as their mouth is completely covered. This will also help protect them as their mouth, eyes and nose are shielded from the viser.
Check Covid Rates In Your Area Before Booking An Appointment
Unfortunately due to the nature of this disease there is not one hundred percent guarantee that you cannot catch or pass it on while getting a haircut as no matter how safe we all try to be the reality is this disease is passed on when humans come into close contact with each other.
So another safety measure you should take before booking an appointment to get your haircut is to check out the rates of infection in your area. The numbers can really fluctuate from town to town and state to state. So keep this in mind when deciding to get your haircut.
If where you live has lots of cases suddenly popping up this is an indicator that the cases are rising and spreading much more quickly so you may want to think twice about getting your haircut.
Where as if the current covid rates are low in your area then it would be a better and safer time to book in that appointment.
Speak To Your Barber Or Hairdresser
If you are concerned and worried about getting your haircut a good idea would be to speak to your barber or hairdresser and salon beforehand.
Ask them what safety procedures they have put in place, how many customers they are seeing on a daily basis, what cleaning is taking place after every customer and any other questions that you may have concerning others.
They should be able to put your mind at ease but obviously if you are uncomfortable with their answers and feel it would be unsafe, follow your gut instincts. There are many salons to choose from so read up reviews regarding the COVID 19 situation from previous customers, to get an idea of how seriously they are taking the safety measures.
Do It Yourself
If you really feel uncomfortable and unsafe to get a haircut during the pandemic you could try what so many other people have been doing and cut your hair yourself or get a loved one to do it for you.
Realistically, unless you have been fully trained in cutting hair, you won’t be able to do as good a job as your barbers or hairdressers but by watching some youtube tutorials and reading up online you may surprise yourself and discover a new skill.
To Sum Up
Covid19 has affected everyday life for all of us, but while this pandemic goes on, we have to get used to living with the virus and try to continue on as normal as best we can.
Barbers and hairdressers have worked tirelessly to try and keep their business running while making sure they follow all covid safety rules to try and keep their customers’ hair looking good while keeping them as safe as possible.
