'Let's do what we do best' says salon owner

The bunting was flying to welcome customers back to a hair salon in Chapel St Leonards.
Amanda Flint, owner of Hairs and Graces, ready to greet customers.Amanda Flint, owner of Hairs and Graces, ready to greet customers.
Amanda Flint, owner of Hairs and Graces, ready to greet customers.

Amanda Flint, owner of Hairs and Graces, had held a staff training day on Friday to prepare them for Saturday's re-opening.

"There was some concern about how our customers would respond to the changes," said Amanda. "But I said, it's a stage out there on the salon floor so come on, let's do what we do best."

First through the door was Jo Stone from Burgh le Marsh.

First through the door at Hairs and Graces in Chapel St Leonards is Jo Stone of Burgh le Marsh.First through the door at Hairs and Graces in Chapel St Leonards is Jo Stone of Burgh le Marsh.
First through the door at Hairs and Graces in Chapel St Leonards is Jo Stone of Burgh le Marsh.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She was delighted with her new 'do' and said: "I feel more like myself now."

Amanda, who has run her business for more than 30 years, admitted avoiding small talk was the hardest challenge for hairdressers.

"We're super excited about re-opening but have no idea how that is going to work," she said.

During lockdown, while her staff were furloughed, she kept busy deep cleaning and preparing the salon, as well as gaining two 'corona diplomas' which are proudly displayed on her wall, along with signage so customers are clear about the changes.

Jo Stone delighted with her new 'do'.Jo Stone delighted with her new 'do'.
Jo Stone delighted with her new 'do'.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Customers have to pre-book and there are just two clients in the salon at a time. Gone are the chairs in the waiting area, magazines and hot drinks and two-meter distancing will be imposed where possible.

"We hope people understand that what we have done is to keep both customers and staff safe," said Amanda. "But so far we have been blown away by the good wishes and support we have received."

For the time being the beauty side of the business is remaining closed - and Amanda is supporting the Federation of Hair and Beauty Therapists' campaign to get this changed.

"We are taking this further by joining a national appeal to open the beauty side of the business," she said.

The bunting was out at Hairs and Graces salon in Chapel St Leonards to welcome back customers.The bunting was out at Hairs and Graces salon in Chapel St Leonards to welcome back customers.
The bunting was out at Hairs and Graces salon in Chapel St Leonards to welcome back customers.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We can understand concern about facials but don't understand why we can't do pedicures or manicures on washed hands.

"I am with the Federation of Hair and Beauty Therapists and, along with other beauty therapists, have sent an open letter to our MP in the hope we will soon be able to resume our beauty business too."