Several months ago, the government of the UK allowed many businesses to reopen because of the decreasing number of COVID-19 cases. Just like other businesses the UK hairdressers and barbers also reopened their shops on the 4th of July. But as we’re experiencing the second wave of coronavirus, the government has introduced a three-tier system. This system is basically a combination of different restrictions applied to each area with different infection rates. It keeps the whole nation from full lockdown to keep the economy running while taking necessary and strict measures at the same time.  young man having hair dress, barber working with hair clipper at  local mobile hairdresser shop

What is the Three-Tier System and How will it Affect Hairdressers and Barbers?

As mentioned, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a three-tier system with each tier having slightly different rules. 

Tier One

According to the new measures, tier-one includes the areas with medium risk. Additionally, the current rules such as the 10 PM curfew and rule of six will be applied to this category. Here the barbers and hairdressers can open their shops and salons but can remain open after 10 pm.

Tier Two

The tier-two includes areas with high risk and have the same restrictions. It also doesn’t allow indoor and outdoor gatherings even in households.

Tier Three

This category has the most stringent restriction because only those areas are considered in tier-three where the infection rates are very high. Here most of the malls and businesses are not allowed to work depending upon the current situation. Not all the areas with tier-three conditions have all the businesses closed and it depends upon the local authorities to manage the situation according to the current infection rates. However, there are concerns that new restrictions upon the tier-three category once again will see barbers and hair salons forced to close.  Because of all these concerns and confusion, we recommend you consider getting a haircut at your home especially if you’re under tier-three conditions. Keep on reading to find out how you can achieve it most efficiently and effectively. 

How to Get a Haircut at Home Under New COVID Tier System?

The lockdown has taught most of us to try and learn many DIY cuts while staying at home. But cutting your own hair is definitely not one of those things. Currently, in the UK hairdressers and barbers are required to wear a pair of goggles and a face mask or even a full-face plastic visor. It’s because you have to compromise social distancing while getting a haircut, and following these strict rules allows both you and the hairdresser to minimize the risk of infection.  There is no current disclosure directly from the government regarding hairdressers for the areas with tier-three conditions. As mentioned, it is the responsibility of the local authorities to determine whether the local shops will remain opened or not. So, if you’re unfortunately in a tier-three area and need to get a haircut, we advise you to opt for local mobile hairdressers. It’s also recommended by the leading expert of the industry that you should avoid going out for anything that you can achieve from your home. For that matter, the number of mobile hair salons is increasing dramatically in order to meet the increasing need for people stuck in their homes. Consider following the steps mentioned below to make the whole process efficient and seamless.

Make an Appointment

uk hairdresser filling questionnaire taking up details of her client Just like any other mobile service, the very first step is to make an appointment in order to get a hair cut at home service. The director of the British Beauty Council, Catherine Hancock shared her thoughts regarding local mobile hairdressers. She says that all the customers who want to make an appointment for mobile hair salon service must be healthy. It means that you have to make sure that you have been perfectly fine in the last seven days before any appointments. Moreover, she also says that local mobile hairdressers must also organize a wellness questionnaire for their customers to complete. It will help both hairdressers and customers to get what they need in a safe and risk-free environment. Taking the precautions mentioned above is critical whether you want to get a hair cut at home service or you want to visit the salon. Additionally, you can easily find the best mobile hair salon services by searching “home barber service near me” on Google. It’ll provide you with a list of the most visited and reviewed shops. By checking these hairdressers reviews, you can opt for the one that suits you the best. Moreover, you can also explicitly find the reviews by searching “hairdressers near me reviews” to make the searching process more efficient.

How Much You’ll Need to Wait?

Social distancing measures are very strict. That’s why you might need to wait for a little longer than you expect especially if you have to visit a nearby salon. It’s because of the reason that most of the salons and barbershops are working at a reduced capacity. It means that you can still get the haircut from your personal favourite hairdresser but might not immediately. On the other hand, if you search for local mobile hairdressers, you might get the services as soon as you want. But in such a case, you might not get the services from the hairdresser of your personal preference. That’s why we advise you to check the hair salon reviews you are opting for before making any final decision.

Necessary Measure

Female hairdresser drying her client's hair with a hairdryer, wearing protective masks Do you need to wear gloves or a face mask or not while getting a haircut? If you want to know the requirements that the government has set then the simple answer to this question is no. Because only the barbers, hairdressers and the working staff are required to strictly follow the necessary measures. They’ll need to wear masks, gloves, or visors. However, customers only need to cover their facts with some kind of cloth. Moreover, customers are also required to use sanitizer to clean their hands once they arrive at salons and barbershops.  In order to make the haircutting experience safer, many barbers and hairdressers are acquiring unique safety measures. For instance, Josh Wood, a salon owner in London has created a one-way path around his salon for customers. It ensures social distancing by limiting personal contact among customers. We recommend you at least wear a face mask and gloves for the sake of your own safety. You don’t want to catch the infection that is killing thousands around the globe. Moreover, if you want to choose mobile hair salon services then ask the hairdresser gently to wear a mask and gloves. 

Will You Still Receive All the Services of a Salon?

If you’re visiting a salon to get a haircut, you’ll need to say goodbye to a nice cup of tea and a magazine to read while waiting for your turn. Moreover, you’ll most probably need to leave anything you have in lockers. You’ll also have to ensure that you only reach the salon at your allotted time to your appointed hairdresser. As far as the haircut services are a concern, you’ll receive everything. On the other hand, you’ll need to thoroughly explain everything that you need for your local mobile hairdresser. It will allow them to carry all the necessary equipment and material to provide you with everything you need.

Will the Cost Be The Same?

The Hair and Barber Council Registrar, Keith Conniford suggests that it’s quite possible that you’ll have to pay a little more for your haircut. He adds that it depends upon individual salons whether they increase their rates or not. But considering the fact that the number of customers is decreased the rates might get a little higher. He also said that it won’t be more than £5 per appointment. Moreover, in order to meet the latest requirements and precautionary measures, hairdressers need to purchase gloves, visors, and other materials. It costs them a lot of money and customers will have to pay for that as well. Whereas, the rates of acquiring services from local mobile hairdressers will definitely be higher.

What About Blow-Dry?

Hairdresser drying woman’s long black hair with hairdryer It is yet another factor that varies from salon to salon. It’s very important to bear in mind that many of the salons are operating with fewer treatment services. It includes a smaller number of blow-dries and some salons aren’t offering it at all. That’s because a hairdryer typically blasts the air particles which can easily compromise safety. Additionally, the UK’s government has also suggested taking the hairdryers off the menu list. Whereas you can get the blow-dry service at your home in a closed environment by opting for local mobile hairdressers. Conclusion According to Hershesons, you’ll need to follow these strict rules for about the next 12-18-month to get the situation back to normal. Getting a haircut is one of the basic needs of every person as they make you feel great. For now, it’s only about doing it in the right way that minimizes the risk factors and that’s what you need to keep in mind.