Hairdressers and barbers across Scotland have reopened their doors today for the first time in four months as parts of phase three of lockdown restrictions have been lifted.
Salons across Scotland have been preparing to give haircuts to the nation as they adapt their businesses around a new normal in complying with the government health guidelines.
One barbershop owner in Giffnock has told how new changes to his business will last long-term as he shifts his strategy around in complying with the new guidelines.
READ MORE: Giffnock barber opens at midnight to thank customers for lockdown support
Tony Jay Mann, who owns Tony Mann's Barber Shop, told the Glasgow Times: "I gave the place a makeover as I wanted to to make the place look more clinical so as people can come in, so people can come in and feel that we are a nice, safe, clean and friendly barber.
"We've installed hand sanitation stations around the shop so when people come in and leave they can use it.
"We've put floor signs down so as people can stay safe and keep two meters apart.
"We're obviously aslo all wearing face masks and bought new t-shirts that say social distance and stay safe.
"This will also let customers know that we are members of staff."
Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, Tony told how every corner of his barbershop would be filled with customers as those who wanted a short trim could casually stroll up to his shop without an appointment.
Tony has now introduced a booking system for his business that he will continue to use post-pandemic, meaning customers will now have to book an appointment to get their hair cut.
Tony hopes this new strategy will avoid queues forming outside his shop door as Scotland continues to tackle the coronavirus outbreak.
He said: "It's the way times are heading so it has been a long time coming.
"The barbershop used to be filled with people sitting waiting for a haircut, especially on Fridays - every corner would be filled so I guess that will change now."
When the Glasgow Times visited Tony, he was almost ten hours through into a 24-hour shift as he saw his first client at exactly one minute past midnight this morning.
He previously told the Glasgow Times: "I’m a little bit nervous considering all the new guidelines and everything but I do feel confident. I know my business and I know how to run it so that obviously helps.
“I know things will be different but I’m so excited to get back.”
Between Tony and his other barber, the pair will see around 100 clients on their first day back in business.
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here