Salons, barbershops see long lines of clients as Phase 2 begins

Salons and barbershops were finally able to reopen last week, after being ordered to close to contain the spread of COVID-19.

One business in Regina had long lineups of customers eager to shed several weeks’ worth of hair growth.

“The first day opening, I’m going to say there were 20 people at the door. It was a little bit hectic at our front desk,” said Sami Bruce, manager of SportClips in Grasslands.

Tuesday marked the first day of Phase 2 under the Saskatchewan government’s gradual plan to lift COVID-19 restrictions. Retailers, personal service providers like hairdressers or massage therapists, and public markets were allowed to reopen.

However, there are public health recommendations for businesses to follow, such as maintaining physical distancing when possible, and increased cleaning and disinfection.

At SportClips, staff are required to wear a mask and protective goggles.

“They fog up. It has been a little frustrating but it’s definitely worth it so that we can be open and see our clients. It’s totally worth the (discomfort),” Bruce told the Greg Morgan Morning Show.

Part of the haircut includes conversation with the stylist. Bruce said most of those have revolved around what people have been doing in isolation.

For her, it has been Netflix. Bruce said her clients have done more with their time.

“(They’ve done) yardwork (and) renovations,” she said. “I’m just like, ‘Wow. You’re way more productive than I am. I feel like a lazy couch-potato now.’ “