Irish hair and beauty industry to reopen on 1 December

The Irish Government has announced that hair and beauty salons, and spas, can reopen on 1 December, as part of the country’s exit from Level 5 restrictions.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed that Ireland will move to Level 3, with some modifications, of the Government’s Plan for Living with Covid-19. It had been placed under Level 5 at midnight on 21 October, for a total of six weeks.

From 1 December, retail and services such as hairdressers, beauticians and barbers can reopen, with strict adherence to sectoral guidance on protective measures. Spas are on the reopening list also, with a reference to the specific guidance available for this sector.

There had been some confusion as to whether the lockdown would lift on 1 or 2 December, with salons seeking clarification due to pre-booked appointments.

Habic had written to the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar, along with every member of the Dail, to outline its members’ concerns in regard to reopening and trading on the 1 December, and fears of rolling lockdowns.

It said that if the personal grooming service industry did not reopen and trade on 1 December, a very conservative figure of €4,736,842m in revenue would be lost in one day. This figure did not include the losses in regard to any form of retail sold in salons.

“We are delighted to say our hard work paid off,” it said after the Government announcement. “The last few days at the Habic office have been very busy as we lobbied the Government for this valuable extra day. We contacted each and every member of the Dáil, and sent 160 personalised letters. Our emails and phone lines were hopping yesterday as TDs responded in support. Sincere thanks to all our members who took the time to lobby their local TDs and senators too. We wish you all a very safe and prosperous reopening on Tuesday morning.”

Other industry bodies also welcomed the Government’s decision. “It’s a great relief to all our members, customers and staff, and are we’re looking forward to getting back in the salon,” said the Irish Hairdressers Federation.

“Our focus now is on opening safely and responsibly, as per the extensive health and safety guidelines we developed earlier this year. The hair industry is not just a major contributor to local economies around Ireland, it helps keep countless main streets alive and is a huge part of local communities.”

“Hairdressing salons and their staff have continuously proven themselves to be a safe, controlled, environment for our clients, and this will continue over this incredibly busy December period,” said the Hairdressing Council of Ireland.