Hairdressers and barbers in Wales can reopen for appointments from Monday, 15 March, after a relaxation of Covid lockdown rules.
Salon’s closed before Christmas, days before Wales went into a level four lockdown on 28 December. First Minister Mark Drakeford said on Friday that hairdressing businesses would be allowed to reopen because they have “gone through everything that is needed in order to operate safely”.
Welsh Government regulations say hairdressers can only serve customers with an appointment, and that services will be restricted to haircuts only.
Kayleigh Edwards, owner of the Glamour Room in Bangor, said: “Many in Wales are looking forward to their first haircut in months as hairstylists reopen.
“We can finally open our doors after along 12 weeks, which feels like a life time now I’m so happy & grateful we survived, but I would say it’s not been easy one this time around.
“Like every small business it’s been very hard financially. My heart goes out to anyone who has lost their business big or small.
“I’m proud and grateful we can open our doors again and continue too employ all seven of my team and they can support their families.
“I’m especially looking forward to seeing our amazing clients. I can’t wait to share some giggles and laughs, but most of all fix all your hair and make you all Glam!”.
Despite the reopening of hair salons, other businesses such as nail parlours and beauty salons are set to remain shut until at least 12 April.
Bangor City Council has welcomed the announcement that some businesses can now reopen but has urged the Welsh Government to reopen other non-essential retail businesses as soon as possible.
Responding to the Welsh Government announcement Mayor of Bangor Cllr John Wyn Williams said: “We welcome the announcement from the Welsh Government that Wales is taking the first steps out of lockdown. We understand the need for a gradual and phased approach generally in order to keep people safe and manage the spread of coronavirus.
“We express disappointment however that non-essential retail businesses won’t be able to re-open until 22nd March and other businesses won’t be able to re-open at all in March.
“The past year has been incredibly difficult for Bangor businesses, and the pandemic has caused huge uncertainties over their future. We ask that these businesses are able to re-open as soon as possible, as they are able to welcome customers whilst adhering to Covid19 rules.”
Wales’ Path Out Of Lockdown
Saturday, 13 March
‘Stay at home’ requirement lifted and replaced with ‘stay local’
Four people from two households can meet outdoors to socialise, including in gardens
Outdoor sports facilities such as golf courses, tennis courts, and basketball courts can re-open (see more here)
Indoor care home visits will restart for single designated visitors
Monday, 15 March
Hairdressers and barbers will re-open for appointments
All primary school pupils and children in qualifications years in secondary schools (meaning exam years 11 and 13) will return. Schools will have the flexibility to bring year 10 and 12 learners back and more learners will return to colleges. There will also be flexibility for in-school check-ins for all other pupils
Monday, 22 March
Non-essential retail will start re-opening gradually as restrictions are lifted on what can be sold in shops which are currently open
Garden centres will be able to open
Saturday, 27 March
The ‘stay local’ message will go and people will be allowed to travel anywhere in Wales
Self-contained holiday accommodation will be allowed to open in time for the Easter holidays
Friday, 2 April
Date of next three-week lockdown review announcement
Monday, 12 April
All learners will return to school after the Easter break
All shops, including all close contact services, will be able to open
Mid April
The Welsh Government will consider opening outdoor hospitality areas and certain gyms
More household mixing may be allowed.
