Hair Salons, Barbershops To Remain Closed In Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — Mayor David Martin said he supports Gov. Ned Lamont's recent announcement that hair salons and barbershops in Connecticut will not be reopening on May 20. While hair services were originally scheduled to restart on that date, the governor said Monday the reopening was being pushed back to early June.

In response, Mayor David Martin issued a statement expressing his support. (To sign up for Stamford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

"I support Governor Lamont’s decision to delay the reopening of hair salons and barbershops in Connecticut," Mayor David Martin said in a statement. "Prior to this announcement, Stamford's own department of health shared concerns about reopening hair salons and barbershops at this time. The success of our reopening plans rely on the public's confidence to keep them healthy and safe, and we could not guarantee that for hair salons and barbershops at this time."

See also: Lamont Pushes Back Reopening Of Hair Salons And Barbershops

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.

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.

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."

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.