Politics & Government
Lamont Pushes Back Reopening Of Hair Salons And Barbershops
Gov. Ned Lamont announced Monday that Connecticut hair salons and barbershops won't reopen May 20.
CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont and Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo jointly announced Monday they are pushing back the reopening of barbershops and hair salons to early June. Originally hair services were scheduled to restart May 20.
"We’ve been hearing a lot of feedback from many owners and employees, and at this time I think the best approach is that we hit pause on the reopening of hair salons and barbershops, take a step back, and allow some more time as preparations continue to be made," Lamont said.
Connecticut has several strict rules for barbershops and hair salons when they reopen. All services are to be appointment-only and shops are only allowed to have 50 percent capacity. No one is allowed in waiting rooms and fresh smocks must be provided for each client. Masks must be worn at all times for both the hair stylist and client; hair stylists must also wear face shields.
Find out what's happening in Across Connecticutfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
See related update: New Date Picked For When Hair Services Can Reopen In CT
Another big change is that state guidelines ask hair stylists and clients to cut down on the usual amount of conversation "to the extent practical."
Find out what's happening in Across Connecticutfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Originally, blow dryers weren't going to be allowed at the May 20 reopening. Lamont's administration decided to allow them after some salon owners said some services like coloring, styling and working with specific hair are impossible without blow dryers.
See related: CT Patch Memorial Day Survey: What Are Your Plans?
On Sunday, the Connecticut Beauty Association expressed concerns about the May 20 reopening for a profession where maintaining 6 feet of distance is impossible.
“Although some salon owners are, like myself, not putting pressure on their employees to return to work, owners are threatening their employees that if they don’t return back to work, they are terminated," said Odete DaSilva, owner of Artistex Salon and Spa in Westport and member of the CBA.
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