The National Hair and Beauty Federation has published a list of guidelines to help combat the spread COVID-19 ahead of salons potentially reopening next month.
These guidelines include a number of precautions that should be adhered to by both technician and customer.
It’s advised that chatting should be kept to a “minimum” and stylists should “avoid face-to-face discussions with clients” when salons reopen post lockdown, which is bound to be a relief to those who hate small talk.
Any discussions about cut, colour and treatments “should be made via the mirror while standing behind the client and kept to a minimum” and it’s stated that stylists can “lower the risk of infection if [they] stand or sit side-to-side, rather than facing people”.
Salons are urged to “consider offering online consultations” as this will hope to “reduce the appointment time” and could even be done before premises are fully open.
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Other guidelines advised include the cutting out of “walk-in” appointments and encouraging customers not to bring coats and jackets into salons when the weather is warm, as the virus is reported to be able to stay on fabrics for days at a time.
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Whilst no set date has been confirmed by the government for when hairdressers and barbers will be given the green light to reopen doors to customers once again, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Dominic Raab, has previously stated in an appearance on Sky News that: “From 4th July, at the earliest, we’ll look at other sectors and that will include hospitality, but it will also include personal care and people like hairdressers”.
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A spokesperson for the National Hair and Beauty Federationtold The Sun that “salons are [also] putting their own rules in place based on common sense”.
Alan Simpson, Managing Director of hairdressing company, Contemporary Salons in Yorshire, added that: “To ensure that all our clients feel confident and relaxed during their visit we have installed protective screens at reception, every two work stations and at the backwash to allow social distancing.”
“Staff will also be adhering to the silence rule at the backwash so, not only can guests relax and enjoy their head massage, they can also feel reassured that germs and air particles are kept to a minimum.”
For more information ahead of salon reopening, please find the guidelines provided by the National Hair and Beauty Federationhere.
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Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
18th June 2020 
