Alnwick hairdresser reveals what customers can expect if they're lucky enough to have an appointment

Hairdressers are allowed to reopen again from Saturday, July 4 as coronavirus-related lockdown restrictions are further eased.

Among them is Kirsty Sample, owner and managing director at Capella hair salon in Alnwick.

It’s been a busy time as she tries to rearrange appointments and prepare the Narrowgate salon for a safe reopening.

“It’s been non-stop getting in touch with all our customers to sort out appointments and answering messages from people looking for a haircut,” she said. “I’m fully booked until the end of this month.”

Safety measures she has introduced include sanitising stations, temperature checks, added space between chairs and PPE visors for staff.

“When customers come through the door there is a sanitising station and a notice asking them to wait for staff to come over,” revealed Kirsty.

“We will take their temperature and if they have no symptoms they can come in. There is also a sign on the door asking anyone feeling unwell or with symptoms of coronavirus to change their appointment and take medical advice.

“We’re also asking customers to give us their contact number for track and trace purposes.

“We’ve also moved some of the stations for social distancing, staff will be wearing gloves and face visors and the floor will be swept and stations cleaned.”

She is confident that customers and staff will be safe.

“We don’t do face-to-face work, other perhaps than when washing customers’ hair,” said Kirsty. “Most of our work is done through a mirror.”

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