Well-known faces such as Shereen Nanjiani were among the first of many back in the chair as hairdressers across Glasgow re-opened today.

The former STV newsreader was one of Merchant City hairdresser Alan Edwards’ first clients this morning. 

Glasgow Times:

Speaking from the bustling salon, she said: “It’s really great. As soon as Nicola Sturgeon made the announcement, I was on the phone to Alan and I was in here at eight o’clock this morning.

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“It just makes you feel so good to have your hair washed and cut, but also just the buzz of being in a room with people and having a chat again. I’ve missed that.”

“Having had to sit and look at myself on Zoom screens, at least I know that my hair is okay!”

Alan, who has been operating since 1987, also shared his delight at being able to reopen. 

Glasgow Times:

He said: “People are absolutely delighted. The first announcement was for us to open on April 26. Nicola Sturgeon rolled that back to April 5. As soon as we knew the 26th, we got in touch with the majority of our clients. The demand was unbelievable. We were fully booked from April 26 for the next five weeks, we then decided to roll everybody back to April 5. We’re now full for the next four to five weeks.”

Salon owners have been carefully preparing for the reopening which Alan said go ‘above and beyond’ what they have before.

He said: “The preparations this time have been quite an upheaval. You have to make sure you have all the safety measures in place so we’ve got everybody wearing masks, everybody getting their temperatures taken as they come through, we’ve got hand sanitation, we’ve got individual screens to block off the units, everybody’s at a two metre distance.

Glasgow Times:

"We’ve got screens at our backwashes. Each unit is being sanitised after every single client. We have disposable gowns, disposable towels and disposable gloves as well.”

“We’re not allowed to do tea and coffee at the present moment but we have digital magazines for clients to read and they are then given out individual water.” 

“Without a doubt, cleanliness and sanitation within hairdressing salons are normally very good but they’ve gone above and beyond this time. Barbers and hairdressers are one of the safest places around. I’m really surprised it wasn’t put down as an essential shop.”

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“Hair not only makes you look good but it makes you feel good as well. It’s great for people’s self esteem and having your colour and a fresh haircut can really boost your confidence.” 

Long-time customer, Eleanor Bell was also glad to be back at the salon. She said: "It's great to be back and I'm glad to get my hair done because every morning when I got up I was like Worzel Gummidge."

Glasgow Times:

"You know what like women are with their hair, it's their pride and joy so it's nice to be able to come back and see everyody that you know and obviously Alan as well. I've been coming here for years. I just love it. The staff are first class."