Hairdressers and barbers look set to reopen ahead of schedule on June 29th

The gruaig could do with a good trim in fairness.

After three months in lockdown, it looks like hairdressers and barbers could be reopened ahead of schedule on June 29th. Early this week, The Irish Hairdressers Federation published a set of guidelines in the hope of reopening early. Under the government's current roadmap for reopening Ireland's economy, hairdressers and barbers are permitted to return to work in Phase Four. The document describes the steps that hair salons and barber shops should take in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 upon reopening. These include the use of PPE for stylists and customers, Covid-19 training for staff, customer screenings during bookings, and the complete sanitation of work areas after each customer. No reading material will be permitted and stylists should carry out consultations from behind the client. Sanitation stations should be available at every entry and exit point. It seems that these measures and proposals are being looked at closely. According to The Irish Times, Government sources revealed last night that work is being done on a proposal to bring the reopening of barbers and hairdressers forward to June 29th. As hopeful as this sounds, the National Public Health Emergency Team still need to meet on the issue but full confirmation, or at least an update, is expected in the coming days. The IHF has said that "As an industry, we have always practiced dutiful care in the delivery of our services to our clients in a professional, efficient, hygienic and sanitary manner, as professionals and indeed as citizens, we understand the importance of preventing the spread of Covid-19, in how we operate our environment and in how we deliver our services." You can check out the full list of guidelines set out by The Irish Hairdresser Federations here.