This article was originally published in the Sunday Times: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/cost-of-haircuts-to-rise-as-salons-prepare-to-reopen-after-lockdown-t8m9j023l
For many people the reopening of hairdressing salons is the most desired date in their diaries as the grey roots start showing or the chic crop turns into a chaotic mess.
Jay Lefevre, 31, who owns Crown London in the capital, has auctioned off his first appointments, with one client paying £360 for a complete hair makeover, including cut and colour, that would normally cost £260.
He has raised a total of £1,300, which will be used to provide free haircuts for NHS staff. “When I realised we would be able to open and I saw that little glimmer of hope, I felt I had to help like Captain Tom [Moore] did, even if we couldn’t raise millions,” Lefevre said.
For those desperate for a snip, prepare for rising costs, a lot of personal protective equipment and queueing before being allowed into the premises. More than half of 30 salons surveyed by Mon Platin, which supplies products to more than 1,000 hairdressing companies, said they would raise prices.
The survey also found that some salons plan to ask clients to wait in their cars before appointments. Others are advising people not to wear coats so they can be taken straight to the chair and make minimal contact with their surroundings.
Silas Baiden, 35, who runs the Ama hair salon in Tottenham, north London, with his mother, Ama, has five customers booked for July 4 but worries that some others will never return.
“A lot of people are asking us if we can do their hair at home and we know rogue stylists are already doing home visits,” he said.
“It puts your customer base in jeopardy. Increasing prices is something we’re looking at. A lot of customers are willing to pay a bit more. Many people’s hair is overdue so would cost more anyway.”
This article was originally published in the Sunday Times: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/cost-of-haircuts-to-rise-as-salons-prepare-to-reopen-after-lockdown-t8m9j023l