Hair we go – salons reopen after lockdown

Hair we go – salons reopen after lockdown

28 April 2021

LOCAL hairdressers have welcomed a return to business following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Salons are finally back to cutting and styling after a four month layoff. 

Andrew Maginn, owner of Ace Barbers in Downpatrick said the lockdown was a “real struggle” given that he only opened in August 2019.

“Everything was so stop-start but hopefully that’s all behind us now. It’s fantastic to get back, I just want us to stay this way,” said Andrew.

Despite the long absence, Andrew’s clientele remained as loyal as ever as his reopening time slots for appointments were fully booked.

“I stayed in touch with my customers over social media. In terms of traditional barbers, I’m the quickest and cheapest about,” he quipped.

“Once you set a fair price the customers will always remain loyal to you.”

Andrew has made use of the time off during the pandemic to remodel his salon in time for reopening.

“People walking by Ace Barbers the last few months could see the work we are putting in here. They can see we are improving the facilities everyday,” said Andrew.

Staff at McCartan’s in Market Street say they are “just glad to see all of their customers” again. 

Proprietor Joan Burns said: “It’s great to see both men and women back into the salon. We missed our loyal customers so much, it’s amazing to see them back smiling and catching up with them.”

The salon closed its doors four months ago but now the staff are firmly setting their sight on a hopeful future ahead.

“We are getting back into the swing of things. Hopefully the worst is behind us, we want our doors to be open for a very long time,” said Joan.

Downpatrick-based barbers Thee Men’s Room have also welcomed ‘a return to some sort of normality’ following the lifting of restrictions.

Salon manager Rian Dyer said: “It’s nice to actually see people rather than being in the house by yourself. To chat to the customers again is great, I think it’s important for everyone’s health that we are allowed to safely socialise again.”

As per the Executive, A person must not provide a close contact service unless an appointment to provide the service has been booked in advance by online communication, telephone, text or electronic messaging.

Thee Men’s Room are making use of their online booking system which customers can use to choose a date, time and which barber they want to cut their hair. This can be found on their website or through their social media accounts.

“The system is great and handy to use. It’s another way we’ve been able to reduce risk and make people feel more comfortable,” said Rian.

Customer Patrick Crane said: “It’s great to be back in the barber’s chair. I alway’s feel welcomed with the guys here and I wouldn’t go anywhere else”.