Peterborough hair stylist’s tears at sheer scale of protecting staff and customers in a Covid world

Jo Bevilacqua, who owns the award-winning Serenity Loves hair and beauty salon, in Oundle Road, said she had never cried so much as she tackled the enormous task of making sure her salon was safe for staff and customers.

The salon will be among thousands of hair dressers, pubs and other attractions nationwide that have been given the green light to resume trading after the enforced lockdown closure.

She said: “I think it was just the sheer responsibilty of getting everything ready and keeping everybody safe.

“I have never cried so much.”

Jo has spent £5,000 to equip the salon and staff with the equipment and PPE that has fast become a common sight in all walks of life as the world battles coronavirus.

She said: “Coming into the salon will be different but it will still be an experience.”

Closed for the moment are the beauty area, tanning studio and children’s playroom but that has allowed two new stations to be added.

She said: “The hairdressing side of the business will re-open at 8am on Saturday.

“We have fitted barriers between chairs, there are disposable gowns and masks for clients, staff will have masks and visors, there is anti-bacterial handwash throughout the salon and all equipment and chairs thoroughly cleansed after each customer.

“It will be different, there will not be the usual hugs, teas, coffees and magazines.

“Customers will be asked to wait in their cars until we call them to the studio, there will be numbered areas in which each customer will have to remain and we will ask customers not bring personal possessions into the salon.”

Her 10 stylists have been split into two teams to serve hundreds of customers desperate to return to their favourite hair stylist after the lengthy lockdown. The teams will keep the salon open seven days a week, 8am to 7pm on Saturdays and Sundays and 9am to 8pm from Mondays to Fridays.

Jo said: “It is great to be open again but it won’t be easy.”