Here's how barbers and hairdressers around the world are keeping customers safe as they reopen

Hairdressers and barbers around the world are beginning to reopen, but they look very different to how they did before the pandemic.

Thousands of barbers and hairdressers have been forced to close over the past couple of months to minimise the risk of coronavirus transmission. However, as infection numbers begin to decline, some - including businesses in Germany - have begun to tentatively reopen.

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With haircuts bringing customers into close contact with their stylist, these are the safety measures that barbers and hairdressers are implementing around the world.

Social distancing and hygiene practices

In Germany, where hairdressers and salons are beginning to reopen, clients are being asked to wash their hands thoroughly upon arrival. Customers and stylists must also wear face masks.

Equipment will be washed thoroughly after use, and a 1.5 metre distance must be maintained between staff and customers, except for when the haircut is taking place.

Customers and staff will be expected to follow the usual precautions against transmission, including washing hands thoroughly and staying at home if they feel unwell.

Reduced capacity

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In Spain, hairdressers were permitted to reopen on 4 May, but rules stipulate that they have to run at a maximum of 30 per cent of normal capacity.

Even where rules don't specify a maximum number of people, hairdressers and barbers will likely have to run at a reduced capacity in order to observe social distancing rules and allow time to thoroughly clean equipment between cuts.

Reduced services

As well as reduced capacity, hairdressers and barbers are withholding some of their usual services which may increase the risk of viral transmission.

In Germany, for instance, blow drying is to be avoided as much as possible.

Less chat

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If you hate small talk, this may be good news for you - face-to-face interaction is a no-no at some reopened barbers and hairdressers.

In Germany, any discussion about the style or cut must be done via the mirror.

No waiting around

In both Germany and Spain, hairdressers and barbers are only allowing cuts by appointment, in order to avoid people waiting unnecessarily.

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