Locks-down but prices up! Hairdressers set to reopen early but costs expected to rise to pay for PPE

The Government is set to bring forward the phased reopening of hairdressers, barbers and beauty salons to the end of this month.

The move, which will come as a major boost to the sector, expected to be agreed at today’s Cabinet meeting.

It follows a recommendation by the National Public Health Emergency team (NPHET) that hairdressers and barbers should be allowed to reopen at the end of this month.

However, prices are likely to rise as salons  must pay for personal protective equipment, Danielle Kennedy, incoming President Irish Hairdressers Federation, told RTÉ.

Ms Kennedy, who has salons in Wexford and Waterford, said it will take three weeks to treat clients on the waiting list when her salons reopen and that clients will have to pay approximately €4 extra to cover the cost of personal protective equipment.

Salons, barbers and beauty salons had been slated to reopen from July 20, but the Government date is likely to announce this date will be brought forward to July 20 this evening.

The move is set to be conditional on salons being able to implement safety measures to protect customers and staff.