Irish Government to make decision on reopening date for hairdressers in coming week

The Irish Government is due to make a decision in the coming week on when hairdressers can reopen.

Responding to a TD in the Dail on Thursday, 11 June, Minister for Health Simon Harris acknowledged there is a desire in the industry for some certainty.

“I know this is actually a serious issue, especially for the people for whom this is their livelihood. This industry employs many people in towns, villages and cities across the country. Like every other industry, there is a desire to have certainty about when it will be possible to get back to work.

“I also know that for many people getting their hair done has a mental health element as well. Many of our older citizens get their hair done every week, not because their hair needs to be done every week, but because it is part of how we feel good about ourselves. I acknowledge the health and well-being aspect of doing that as well.”

Now that the number of phases in the road map for reopening the country has been reduced, the Government is looking at what belongs in each of the next two phases, he explained. “Nphet will provide guidance to the Government on that. I hope, therefore, that by the end of next week we will have a direct answer to the question regarding into what phases each of the remaining sectors will fit.”

Under the road map for reopening the country, the Irish hair and beauty industry is scheduled to reopen on 20 July. The Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation (Habic) clarified on its social media that currently the reopening date is still 20 July.

“However, there is ongoing discussion within Government departments and there is real potential for an earlier reopening date. Whatever the reopening date, it is imperative that you are correctly prepared to return to work.”

An article on the The Irish Times website had suggested that a reopening date in Phase 3, 29 June, was confirmed. It has since been amended and the Hairdressing Council of Ireland has formally written to The Irish Times and notified the Press Ombudsman of its frustrations with the “erroneous headline” that appeared in the digital edition.

“This was on foot of a complaint we made to their offices verbally, which resulted in the headline being changed to reflect its speculative nature,” the council said on Facebook. “Speculation on a reopening date aside, headlines like this make all of our jobs incredibly difficult and stressful when it is not necessary.”