TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Between the guidelines put in place by the governor and extra steps taken by management, a trip to the salon will feel different.
But those changes aren't keeping many away from getting the salon experience.
After nearly two months, stylists are ready to get back to work.
"They have been eager, but also cautious too," said Somkit Thompson, a stylist at Haute Headz. "They don't want to be in harm's way or get anything."
Governor Ron DeSantis put some rules in place before barbershops, beauty salons, and nail salons could reopen, including every employee wearing a mask, stylists must putting in at least a 15 minute window between appointments to disinfect, and no group appointments are allowed.
"For us to be able to work and continue what we do," Dallas Gent said, "it's worth the rules."
Some business owners are going a step beyond those guidelines.
At Haute Headz, everyone must get their temperature checked before coming in and clients must wear a mask.
"It's in their text confirmation, but if they forget to bring a mask, we've ordered 1,000," said Monique Wood. "Plus, we have gloves and a bunch of hand sanitizer."
"Instead of having all five people working at the shop at one time, we've gone down to having three people working at one time and doing rotations through the week," Gent said.
With only a weekend to prepare for reopening other shop owners decided to take more time to get things back in order.
"We are having the salon completely disinfected," said Dorinda Jeffery, the owner of Ambiance Salon. "Even the air. I did not want to open up before having that done because it's for my comfort and my clients safety."
Comforting measures taken for those clients eagerly awaiting the chance to have a professional fix their COVID-do.
"We have to tame this," said Tammy Bingham, salon customer. "That's why I came to Bea."
Most salons say they are already booked for weeks. And the people with those slots are happy to finally be back.
