Barbers and hairdressers go back to work in Stamford after lockdown rules eased on Super Saturday (July 4)

Barbers and hairdressers got back to work on Saturday with an early start for those keen to get clipped after four months of lockdown.

Staff at Melvyn Patrick barbers in Ironmonger Street, Stamford, opened the doors early and greeted their first three appointments at 6.45am.

Customers were given temperature checks and staff, who have had special training in new safety procedures, wore face shields to protect them against the potential spread of Covid-19.

Lui Dumcombe, one of the stylists, said people wanting a cut at Melvyn Patrick will currently need to book an appointment.

“We are using an online booking app for now, but will be looking to return to walk ins at some point,” he said.

Debbie Haney, the shop manager said: “I was a bit nervous, making sure everything was set up OK for reopening, but now we’re back in it is going really well. We have been looking forward to seeing all our regular customers again and getting back to work.”

One of the customers who had arrived at 6.45am on Saturday said: “The staff are always friendly and helpful and today was no exception. It’s fantastic to be able to get a haircut after four months, and to be able to support local businesses.”

Meanwhile, Michael Crowe from Uffington was having his temperature checked outside Beyond the Fringe in Red Lion Street, Stamford, on Monday afternoon, in preparation for his hair cut.

After the member of staff said that the reopening weekend had gone very smoothly, Michael added: “We behave ourselves in Stamford!

“I always used to come here before - we have got to support the industry.”

Hairdressers, classed as non-essential businesses, were forced to shut following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s lockdown announcement in March.

According to new Government guidelines, hairdressers and barbers should wear visors that finish below the chin, while customers can choose to wear a face covering if they wish, but it is not mandatory.

Salons can no longer serve teas and coffees, or hand out magazines - but they can allow customers to have water in disposable cups or bottles.

Stylists are allowed to blow dry people’s hair, but music has to be kept low to avoid shouting, which increases the risk of transmitting the virus.

Karen Rutter, director of The Cutting Company in Ironmonger Street, Stamford, said the result of the changes to the way they work had made the three-storey salon feel ‘very calm’.

“We’ve chosen not to do blow dries, which has made it a lot quieter in the salon,” she said. “If you’re not allowed to use a fan heater, it makes sense not to use hairdriers at the moment, but we will be reviewing what we do every three weeks.”

Petra Johnson, who runs Petra Hair and Beauty in Broad Street, Stamford, said she it was ‘heaven’ to be back at work.

“It feel like I was a bird who had their wings clipped and now I can fly again,” she said.

“The set up we have here makes it perfect for making our clients feel safe. We’re only having three stylists in on any given day and we have changed the way you come in so that people can wait for their appointment in the courtyard.

“There’s plenty of fresh air and plenty of space and ventilation inside.”

She added that a downside of the new guidelines was not being able to offer clients a tea or coffee and a magazine, but she was encouraging people to bring their own drinks and magazines if they would like to.

“We even had Prosecco brought along at the weekend!” she said.

People queuing outside barbers' on Saturday morning