Inverness hairdressers enjoy bounceback from coronavirus lockdown
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People have been flocking back to Inverness city centre hairdressers and barbers to have their DIY lockdown haircuts made more presentable.
The restrictions were eased to allow such businesses to reopen last month as long as a range of safety measures were put in place.
Jodie Lynch, from Hair Therapy in Union Street, said it had been a bit nerve-racking at first being back for the first time in months and added: “It brought our team closer as we were following the guidelines.”
She said they were getting five-star reviews online and clients were impressed with the cleanliness of the salon. She said: “We want to make sure they feel safe – they have got to feel comfortable – and make it as easy as possible for them to come in and get their hair done. It makes them feel better.”
Miss Lynch said that, after their visit, clients also felt confident enough to visit other shops in the city centre.
She said: “Although we have not been working to our full capacity we have been working longer hours and we are booked up until the end of September.”
And she said the clients were definitely feeling safe because 80 per cent of them were booking their next visit after their appointment. She said: “We know they’ve got the confidence to book again when they leave – it’s really good and we are grateful for that.
Paul Mulvaney, who runs the Paul Mulvaney Salon in Academy Street, said it has been great since they reopened and they were getting used to the new way of working.
He said: “We are into a rhythm with it and clients have been saying how comfortable they are with it – especially if they have been shielding.”
Mr Mulvaney said it had felt strange at first, for both staff and customers, because people had been so isolated with limited family contact.
He said feedback had been positive from clients, especially after their appointment, because they had enjoyed the experience and felt both comfortable and safe.
“Since reopening I have only had one client book an appointment and then message us to say they were still nervous,” he said.
He said the necessary measures were in place and people should feel safe. He added: “We are probably doing everything we can do and, realistically, I don’t think there was anything else they could have put in the guidelines – we went over and above for the clients’ comfort.”
Brenda Treasurer, a manager and partner at Uppercut Barbers in the Victorian Market Arcade, said they had started taking walk-in customers – with a track and trace system in operation.
She said: “This is so we can keep on top of who is in the premises and it is the same as making an appointment.
“I think some people are still apprehensive about coming out – we have had some of our older customers that are coming in for the first time.
“We are taking every possible precaution and maintaining high standards. They should feel very safe here. Everybody is getting fresh gowns and if they don’t have a mask we will give them a mask.”
She wanted to reassure customers that the arcade would stay open when the Market Hall was closed for renovation work.
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