NAVASOTA, Texas — People who have been waiting for weeks to get see their hairstylist and barber can finally rejoice. Salons and barbershops in Texas were given the go-ahead by Gov. Greg Abbott to reopen its doors on May 8.
“I’m really excited that he heard and saw us and knew that [salon owners] would use the safety steps that he asked us to use so that we could open and work," said Elizabeth Borski, the owner of Lizzy Boutique Salon in Navasota.
As Borski prepares for the big day on Friday, there are certain guidelines salons and barbers must meet for the safety of themselves and customers.
“I feel like my team and I were already prepared and we do well with that," Borski said. "We’re definitely going to take the extra steps in between clients to fully disinfect everything.”
Guidelines require there can only be one customer per stylist and each station must be six feet apart.
“I think everyone is going to be good with that," Borski said. "As long as they can come and see us they’re happy.”
Just like Lizzy Boutique Salon, Revival Barbershop in Navasota already has a jammed packed schedule for the first few days after its reopening.
“We’re pretty much all booked up, we have few availabilities left," said Chris Tucker, the owner of Revival Barbershop.
While not enforced, it is recommended salons and barbershops use an appointment system. If a place does allow walk-ins, like Revival Barbershop, customers must wait six feet away from one another. If it’s not possible then they must wait outside.
“We’ll ask that you wait outside or in your car and then we’ll come get you," Tucker said. "If it’s more than a few minutes out for the next availability we’ll just book you an appointment for the next spot we have available.”
Another guideline not enforced but recommended is both the customer and stylist should wear a face mask.
Barbers and stylists want people to be thinking of others before they go in to get their hair done.
“We don’t anybody to come in if they don’t feel well," Borski said. "We want everybody to take the same steps that the governor has asked for them to take.”