South barbers, hairdressers happy to be back

BARBERS and hairdressers in San Fernando were happy to be able to reopen for business on Monday as part of phase four of the reopening of the economy.

On Saturday, the Prime Minister said the reopening of barber shops, hair salons and spas was part of this phase.

Domestic workers were also allowed to return to work on Monday.

At Larry's Barber Shop on Pointe-a-Pierre Road, staffer Gigil Matthew declared, "We are excited to be back after all this time."

When Newsday visited, there were two customers getting haircuts. Matthews said she has been keeping in contact with clients on WhatsApp, telling them when the barbershop would be reopening.

Employees were wearing masks and gloves as they tended to their customers. Matthew said customers were told the shop was adhering to the no mask, no service policy. She also said hand sanitiser was put at all work stations.

While business was slow on Monday, Matthews said, "The week has just started. We don't know how it will go."

Not all barber shops were open on Monday, as right next door to Larry's, Pedro's Barber Shop was closed.

At D'Vogue salon at RPM Mall on High Street, Natalie Alexander Sylvester was also happy the salon was open for business again.

She said, "People are coming in, requesting to get things done."

Sylvester said many people had had to put off haircuts, foot spas and other things, and had been eagerly anticipating the reopening of salons and barber shops.

She said several people had come to the salon for haircuts, nail jobs and foot spas.

"So now more than ever it's like a hustle bustle."

Another hairdresser on High Street, who declined to give her name, was also happy to be able to reopen. She said business for her was slow but she was optimistic it would pick up. She explained that the end of the month was a slow period for business.