For Newport salon owners Maxine and Carl Jones, re-opening after the COVID-19 lockdown meant two important things.
Firstly, that they could welcome back their customers who were clamouring to get their hair done after months without a hairdresser or barber.
Secondly, they were able to re-open with the full complement of nine staff.
“We didn’t know what was going to happen when the lockdown was announced,” Carl said.
“The furlough scheme was created, and all our staff were then furloughed. Being able to get through the lockdown and re-open with all of them was a wonderful feeling. In fact, they have been incredible.
“Things were manic for the first five weeks after we re-opened and we were working seven days a week to fit all our customers in. Our staff have been amazing, often working Sundays.”
The owners of the salon in Celtic Springs pride themselves on the strong relationships they have built with their clients.
Now, they understand the need to reassure them before they even set foot back in the salon.
Carl said: “Right from making the appointment, we explain the process to them. We explain they’ll be asked to wait outside, then their temperature will be checked. They will be brought in by our staff who all wear facemasks, shields, and disposable gowns.
“Each station is cleaned thoroughly before and after every client and we have reduced the number of seats to ensure we comply with social distancing measures.
“Clients don’t have to wear masks, but they can wear them if it makes them feel comfortable.
“We want them to feel safe and to relax, so they’ll still be able to chat with us and get the high-quality service we’ve always given. The only thing we can’t do is offer them a cup of tea or coffee like before, but everyone understands.
“We’ve had lovely feedback from our clients, so we’re happy that the system is working well.
“We have a beauty room which is free for part of the week, so we can offer vulnerable clients an appointment on their own with the stylist in there, too.”
Award-winning stylist Maxine leads the hairdressing and beauty side of the business while Carl leads the barbering and male grooming.
“All our services have re-opened, including our nails service and beauty treatments and our male grooming treatments such as hot towel shaves, head shaves, and beard shaping,” Carl added.