Barbers and hair salons are open again, but it is not business as usual.
The haircare and beauty sector was cut some slack last week with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement that they can now operate during Level 3 of the Coronavirus lockdown.
Small Business Development minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said there would be a new way of operating, as clients will be at a minimum and on an appointment basis only.
The businesses that are allowed to open with immediate effect include hair salons, barbers, beauty parlours, piercers, tattooists and nail bars.
The Owner of Studio M Meagan Zincke says her business was hit hard by the lockdown, and she was unable to renew her lease for April.
NEW DAWN: Meagan Zinck
She has now moved her business to her home in Grassy Park.
“Unfortunately, after four years of operating, for the first time, I had to retrench all my staff because I couldn’t afford to pay them, but since opening again, I will be able to take back one at a time,” she says.
Chesne Stevens owns Zanzi Bar Hair and Beauty in Mitchells Plain and says the lockdown could not have come at a worse time: “March, April, May and June are the months our industry generates the most income to sustain us for winter and this was taken from us due to the pandemic. It’s going to take months before we get back onto our feet.”
Zanzi Bar has installed screens at each basin and at reception, and dividers between stylists.
PROTOCOL: Zanzi Bar Hair and Beauty staff armed with visors and masks
Chesne says she also bought extra visors, masks, gloves and aprons, thermometers, as well as an access register and indemnity forms.
“It feels amazing being back and we cannot wait to rebuild the business,” she adds.
Sue-Kelly Maneveld, the owner of Be-Dazzle Access Park and Strandfontein, says they are doing everything in their power to prevent Covid-19 cases as it would mean closing again.
“Opening our doors with a smaller staff complement, as well as having the funds to implement all the measures, not only now, but before lockdown has and is quite a costly affair,” she says.
“One of the main problems with less business and less staff will be honouring the monthly (financial) commitments, for now, we are working to sustain our homes.”