Lockdown haircuts have become a part funny, part frightening side effect of the current social distancing measures in force across the UK but for many, the need to visit their local barber or salon is all too real.
Now that we’re well into our sixth week of lockdown in the UK, the time since we were last allowed out and about has been marked by the growth of hair, fringes, beards and the all too obvious appearance of roots as our natural hair colour comes through.
Many partners, friends and family members have taken up the task of trimming their loved one’s facial or head hair where necessary since lockdown started.
But, we don’t blame you if the prospect of having your significant other take scissors or a trimmer to your hair fills you with dread.
If you are resisting a lockdown haircut, when will you be able to let a professional sort out your ‘do?
Can UK barbers and hairdressers work during lockdown?
As part of the UK government’s lockdown measures, both hairdressers and barbers were ordered to close when Boris Johnson announced the restrictions on 23 March 2020.
Barbers and hairdressers were just two of many ‘non- essential’ business that have had to close their doors in the midst of the pandemic to help stem the spread of Covid-19.
While in other countries around the world lockdown restrictions are beginning to be lifted, allowing businesses like barbers to re-open, in the UK the lockdown restrictions remain in place and hairdressers and barbers must remain closed.
Similarly, their staff are not allowed to cut people’s hair in their own homes, nor travel to other people’s houses.
It was claimed last week that senior ministers are pushing for a ‘traffic light’ system to lift lockdown in the UK in stages.
This phased approach could see small shops allowed to reopen as well as hairdressers, barbers and nurseries in the first stage.
There has been no more said on the rumoured ‘traffic light’ system at this stage, however Boris Johnson did announce last night that he would share a lockdown exit strategy and a plan for how to get the economy moving again next week.
In the meantime, you can always book an online hair appointment with a barber, who can walk you through how to cut your own locks.
Each consultation – which lasts 20 minutes – can be booked online and costs £15, with the money split between the barber who does your consultation and the NHS.
Find out more on the Lockdown Haircut website.
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