What it's like going back to the hairdressers after lockdown

A LOT has changed since March – including my hair. After four months of lockdown my roots were beyond what you'd call 'showing' and what was once a bob had grown way past my shoulders.

While it's definitely one of life's smaller problems at the moment, there’s nothing like having your hair done to make you feel human again.

I was a bit apprehensive before deciding to face the hairdresser again. I’d stuck to just one walk per day and had only been shopping for food, but I couldn’t wait to get my split ends cut off.

There are no walk-in appointments at Goldworthy’s Hairdressing in Catherine Street. When I called ahead, I was told I must wear a mask, sanitise my hands and that I should bring my own drink as they wouldn’t be serving any. And if I was to bring a magazine it must be thrown out before I left.

When I got to the hairdressers the door was locked and a sign told me to wait outside until someone let me in.

My regular hairdresser Jess opened the door to let me inside. She was wearing a face shield and a disposable apron.

And before we could go ahead with the three-hour appointment – yes, you read that right, I had leg cramps by the time it was done – I had to sanitise my hands and my temperature was taken.

Jess sat me down at one of the stations, where I was handed a disposable gown before she got the colour ready and the tin foil out.

I’d asked for almost two inches off and to dye my hair as light blonde as possible.

Usually, I find it hard to think of things to talk about but I hadn’t socialised with anyone in person other than my partner. Of course most of the conversation was about lockdown, what else do people talk about these days?

It became hot quite quickly because the air conditioning was turned off to stop germs circulating. Every time Jess broke off to get some more dye I would pull down my mask to drink from my water bottle.

The front door had been left open to let in some air but it didn’t make much of a difference.

After the colour was done, I was taken to the sinks to get my hair washed. This part hadn’t changed much but there was a plastic curtain between each sink.

I did have to go to the restroom once and I was told to clean the toilet and everything I touched before and after using it.

For the few hours I was there, there was only one other customer at a time and one other hairdresser, who always stayed on the other side of the salon.

This made me feel more at ease being there as it only meant I was in contact with one person.

It also helped that they were sanitising all the surfaces multiple times.

When it was all done, I paid by card and my gown was thrown away. I sanitised my hands and left.

The whole experience was unusual but not bad at all considering the circumstances.

If you’re ready to take the step I would say Goldworthy’s is a good place to go and you will feel safe.