Welsh hairdressers back in business in first phase of staggered re-opening

Welsh hairdressers and barbers have today re-opened for business as part of a gradual easing of lockdown restrictions in Wales.

The move also includes mobile therapists, but in a clarification issued by the Welsh government over the weekend, appointments in clients’ homes should only resume in scenarios where there was no “reasonably practical alternative to a home appointment.”

For example: if a client could not physically leave their home or if leaving their home was likely to have a “detrimental effect on wellbeing.”

All appointments must be pre-booked and all hairdressers and barbers must wear a Type II mask and face visor.

Only services that relate to cutting or treating hair on the head can be provided, with trimming or shaving of facial hair strictly off limits.

News of the re-opening of Welsh hair and barbering services was announced by Welsh first minister Mark Drakeford last week.

However, all close contact beauty services, including nail salons and eyebrow bars are to remain closed until 12 April - in line with England’s re-opening of non-essential businesses.

The National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) said it was “baffled” by the Welsh government’s staggered approach to re-opening.

“While pleased that those in hair and barbering can begin trading again, NHBF is deeply disappointed with the Welsh Government’s decision to stagger the reopening of the sector without providing any scientific evidence to support the move,” NHBF chief executive Richard Lambert said.

“The NHBF has stressed the damage that such a move will do to public confidence in the beauty sector and is continuing to make the case for the whole personal care sector to be reopened as soon as possible,” he added.