HAIRDRESSERS and barbers have re-opened for business (Monday, July 13) after Welsh Government first minister Mark Drakeford announced they could do so.

Businesses in Barry were taking advance bookings – ahead of doors officially opening.

Business manager of hair salon Evolve, in Holton Road, Barry, Claire Cullinane said clients had been very supportive, mostly people want to know when they would re-open.

But, she said, the salon had also received a lot of enquiries from new clients.

MORE STORIES

Coronavirus restrictions relaxed further to support tourism and leisure sectors in Wales

Distancing measures 'simply not working' in Holton Road, Barry

Social distancing introduced in Barry Holton Road and High Street shopping areas

The business, which employs four staff, was formed on June 3, 2019.

Mrs Cullinane said: “It was frustrating (when lockdown ensued) as we were just approaching the end of our first year.

“We felt business was doing well and we had a lot of new clients due to come in.

“It has been a worrying time, but we have kept busy.

“We have used the time to focus on future plans.

“We have adapted the salon to work with safety guidelines to help protect both staff and clients.

“We have installed screens between workstations and basins.

“We have amended how payments can be processed meaning clients don’t need to leave their chair.

“We have disposable aprons, and we purchased additional gowns, masks, and sanitiser.

“Staff will be working at a distance from one another along with PPE.”

The official name of the business is Ava Rae Ltd after Mrs Cullinane’s daughter Ava Aurelia.

Mrs Cullinane said: “We chose to trade under the name Evolve as we are looking to evolve the industry by becoming more eco-aware, without compromising on service or results.

“We have a wide range of female clients from teens to clients in their late 70’s.

“We also have some regular male clients too.

“We are an eco-friendly salon - we recycle all our waste.

“We use paper; not foil, and even use our hair waste as compost.

“We work with excellent product brands who believe in our ethos and we are also autism friendly.”

She added: “We pride ourselves on the client’s journey from the first in depth consultation to final results.

“Every client’s journey is logged on their own file with before and after photos at every visit.

“We like to educate our clients in home care and how they can keep their results for longer.

“We work with an excellent quality colour and product brand which shows in the results and reviews we achieve.

“All our cutting, styling and colouring services will resume.

“Our beauty services will be on hold until we are given the go ahead to re start.

“We are looking at opening an additional day a week to allow those who are vulnerable or concerned to come in on a one to one basis.

“We encourage anyone who may require this service to get in touch.

“We are looking forward to seeing our wonderful clients back in the salon soon.”

For details, email team@salonevolve.co.uk visit salonevolve.co.uk

Find them via Facebook or Instagram @salonevolve03, or call 01446 677486.