Bahrain: Residents Have Mixed Reactions About Salon Reopening
Just recently, salons, beauty parlors and barbershops were allowed to reopen in Bahrain after months of closure due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
However, the reopening was met with mixed feelings by residents. Some say itās time to open business while others say closures should be extended; some are also fearful that this might cause more infections on the island.
Salon owners and workers have voiced out their frustrations on social media over losing their years of hard work and life savings over the closure of non-essential businesses.
āWeāre so frustrated because salon workers have no jobs, no pay but what can we do?ā, said Marissa who is an employee at a beauty parlor.
On 27th May, residents rejoiced as they are now able to get their much-awaited haircut. Salon owners also celebrated this āanswered prayerā by posting how anxious they are to go back to work.
Reopening Guidelines
In line with the reopening, the countryās health ministry announced the measures to be observed by salons, barbershops and beauty parlors to mitigate the spread of the virus. According to the announcement, customers can only go to the salon if they have a pre-booked appointment; no walk-ins will be allowed.
Several treatments have also been banned including: facials, hair treatments that use a hair dryer (keratin, Brazilian blowout), threading, micro-blading, using needles, spa services, henna tattoos, makeup services, tanning, eyelash application and returnable hair extensions.
Some have raised their apprehensions upon hearing this.
āWith the said guidelines, I hope salons will hesitate to open their businesses because it truly is not worth it.ā Julie, a resident said. āIf salons open, the situation in Bahrain will become more dangerous. Itās better for everyone to stay home and stay safeā, she added.
Meanwhile, others believe that salon reopening is okay as long as precautionary measures outlined by the Health Ministry are being implemented. āConcerned authorities should make sure that all equipment used by barbers are sterilized before and after each and every customerā, according to John.
Safety First
The process of reopening hasnāt been as simple as going back to business like before. Under Bahrainās safety guidelines, salons have implemented some changes for the reopening.
āRight now our goal is to service our clients while also keeping them safeā, Lina a salon owner stated. āThereās always mixed feelings but weāre all excited to be back to work and to serve our customersā¦ although thereās always going to be apprehensions until we have the vaccineā, she added.
āIt’s worth the wait. Thereās no reason to take the risk of catching the virus for hairā, Amal said when asked about her views on the reopening of salons and beauty parlors.
At the end of the day, people will most likely be clamoring to get back to the salon. Gulf Insider’s advice is to not be lax in following the health and safety measures to avoid being exposed to the coronavirus. Letās protect ourselves so we can protect others.
*The names in this article have been changed for confidentiality purposes.