How Doncaster hair salons are looking to re-open post lockdown and working together to make sure they're prepared

Hundreds of Doncaster hair and beauty salons may not know when they will be able to open yet.
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But they are already making preparations for when they will be able to get back to work after lockdown.

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While some high street businesses were re-opening their shops last week, the hair and beauty industry that employs thousands across the borough is still waiting to be given the go-ahead by the Government to get back to work.

Priority Hair SalonPriority Hair Salon
Priority Hair Salon

Those who are waiting for re-opening have not been idle. And around 200 salons have clubbed together to set up a mutual support group to discuss how they can best organise their shops to ensure safe social distancing when they do re-open.

They have been closed since March 23 when lockdown was announced.

But in the last few weeks, they have joined forces online with a social media group called Doncaster Salons - Helping Each Other. It has seen 232 salons signing up as a support network.

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Sharon Quinn, one of the site administrators, said the salons in Doncaster are now preparing and eager to reopen.

Jack Wickes co founder of Apothecary 87 in Doncaster. Picture Scott MerryleesJack Wickes co founder of Apothecary 87 in Doncaster. Picture Scott Merrylees
Jack Wickes co founder of Apothecary 87 in Doncaster. Picture Scott Merrylees

She said: “In normal circumstances salons are competitive against each other, but all have come together as one to assist each other on the return back to the new normality by exchanging ideals on best PPE, H&S procedures also hints and tips on how to keep their beloved clients engaged, whilst they are unable to tend to their hair and beauty needs.”

Sharon herself runs the Strands salon in Edenthorpe.

She has been in the trade for 34 years, since starting as a 16-year-old apprentice.

She said salons across the borough had been keeping in touch with their regular clients, and were eager to get back to work. She is urging residents to support their salons when they finally get the green light.

Jack Wickes co founder of Apothecary 87 in Doncaster. Picture Scott MerryleesJack Wickes co founder of Apothecary 87 in Doncaster. Picture Scott Merrylees
Jack Wickes co founder of Apothecary 87 in Doncaster. Picture Scott Merrylees
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“A few of us have been social messaging each other since the start of lockdown,” she said. “It was a big shock to have to totally shut your business down. We have never experienced anything like this before.

“That is why we set up a support group.

“It gives us somewhere to raise any questions, even little ones about keeping your clients entertained, or ask where you can get disposable towels. We’re not used to things like that. But it is hard to put a risk assessment together when you don’t know the guidelines yet.

“At the moment, hairdressers and the beauty industry are under what they’ve been calling phase three. As far as we’re aware, early July is a possible opening time for us, but that could change, and there’s been no announcement yet. At the minute there are no guidelines. But we are eager to go and to support each other.”

Members have looked at what has been done elsewhere in the world, such as Germany, France and Spain, where salons have been allowed to re-open.

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At present, Sharon’s staff, like those of others, are furloughed, but she is looking at how they can return when she is given the green light. She has getting by on a business loan.

She says things are going to be different when re-opening does happen.

“There are a lot of ideas,” she said. “I think if I was to open, I would have to adapt with a shift pattern. There would be a limit to the number of people allowed in, and the number of chairs working, with PPE for the hairdresser and the client. There would be no arriving early or late.

“There will be no waiting chairs, and there will be no magazines to read or drinks.”

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She believe salons will open longer hours, with some stylists working an early shift, others working late, effectively having two shift patterns.

“I woud urge everyone to support their local businesses,” she said. “It is the local businesses that are going to need as much support as possible.

“We’re all trying to put together plans.

“Hairdressers have come together to support each other to an unprecedented level. I’m sure when the time comes, our clients will be back. We’ve had lots of supportive messages, and I’m backing the Free Press’ Support Local campaign.”

Adele Thornton runs a barber shop on Finkle Street, Thorne, and has also joined the group.

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She will have been running her shop, Adele’s Barbers, two years in August, and has never run appointments before. Her customers arrive and queue, as is the case for many barbers.

Adele knows that is going to have to change for social distancing, but does not want to arrange online appointments in the way some shops are doing, because she feels it would not be fair on older customers or those who do not use the internet.

Instead, she is collecting phone numbers of those who want haircuts. She has around 200 numbers she is going to ring as soon as an announcement is made on when she can re-open.

But she admits she is scared some of her customers may sign up online elsewhere.

Like Sharon, she plans to open early and close late.

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“I’ve put a poster up in my window with my number on,” she said.

“Hairdressers and barbers in Doncaster will work all hours to make sure everyone in Doncaster who wants a hair cut will get one as soon as they can. I would urge people to come back to their hairdressers and barbers when they re-open.”

At Apothecary 87, a barbers shop at Woodfield Park, Balby, they have already started provisionally taking on-line bookings ahead of the official date when they can re-open. But they are made aware they may have to be changed if they are not able to open by that point.

Chief executive Sam Martin said: “They know they may have to cancel or re-arrange. But we have a list of people who want to come in.

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“I think people have seen how important keeping on top of their hair is for them, and we think we will be inundated. I think it will be the same for shops everywhere.”

His salon is looking at providing masks for customers and staff, and washing hair. as well as hand sanitiser. He plans to offer customers bottled drinks instead of tea and coffee.

Again, there will be no waiting area, and people will be able to come in when they are waved in for their appointment.

"Safety is the most important thing,” he said.

> Salons joining the support group include:

Salon 15 in DoncasterStrands in EdenthorpeEn Vogue @ Town moor Lavish in Barnby DunnBradsroom Hair Studio In ScawsbyKerrie Ann's In BessacarrBeauty Lounge in ArmthorpeBlissful Tanning Hair & Beauty In ThorneEs Paradis in Wheatley HillsHouse Hair & Beauty in SprotbroughMirror Images in EdenthorpeRaffles in Doncaster4 th Image Hair, Nail & Beauty Salon in WoodlandsCLS Nail & Beauty Lounge in WheatleyLocks Of Love, Eila in DunscroftPure Hair and Beauty in DoncasterQuality Tips Beauty BoutiqueBliss Hair and Beauty in StainforthThe Hair Gallery in Barnby DunnZen Beauty & Holistics in CantleyThe Beauty Shop in WestwoodsideCapelli in CantleyHalo Hair and Beauty in DunsvilleBethany Hughes Salon in EpworthPerfection Unisex Hair Salon in ScawsbyColosseum hair in ArmthorpeNikki's Hair and Therapy Room in HatfieldChic in WarmsworthSilver Tree Beauty & Relaxation in RossingtonDaisiesMegan’s Hair Extensions and Beauty in ScawsbyBeauty by Caitlyn in MexboroughRumours tor Hair in HarworthAdele’s Barber Shop in ThorneThe Nail Salon in EdenthorpeHair studio In Wheatley HillsScandalo In TickhiillThe Courtyard Hairdressing in TickhillHair Studio In EvertonNail Lounge In MexboroughPoppies Styling Lounge in RossingtonNC Beauty in IntakeHair Gallery in MoorendsElite In BawtryZodiax In RossingtonShylocks Hair Salon in DunsvilleDivas Home of Hair and Beauty in BalbyStyles in Motion - MobileLads & Dads In RossingtonSerenity Hair and Beauty Boutique in SprotbroughFiori’s Therapies In SprotbroughThe Nail Gallery In BawtryRobinsons Hair In EpworthElegance Hair and Beauty in BalbyKerryannes Nails In BalbyHannah Louise Hair @ LakesideAll About You In BentleyUnique Hair Design in BalbyJennifer Sowerby Nails & Beauty In CantleyTate-Jones Hair & Beauty Salon in ThorneHair lounge in IntakeJo - MobileHedgehog’s in ConisbroughCuts & Co in ArmthorpeThe Loft Hair Salon In HarworthMaria - MobileUnit Eight Hair and Beauty In HatfieldPolished Makeup Nails & Beauty by Suzanne in RossingtonEclipz Hair & Beauty in WheatleyMe Time Hair and Beauty In HatfieldThe Hair and Beauty Boutique @ Old Granary SkellowLL PMU Training AcademyBeLoved in EdenthorpeElite Collective in SprotbroughThe Agency Hair and Beauty Lounge in DunscroftAllora in HarlingtonHolistic...Independent.Eternal Beauty - MobileEclipz Hair & Beauty Wheatley

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