Hairdresser Lauralyn Clinton of Hair by Lauralyn is worried that the Government’s guidelines about hair & beauty businesses returning to work post-lockdown, will put many afro salons out of business.
Salon owner Lauralyn Clinton MGHD / SSRH of Hair By Lauralyn London (below) is urging afro hairdressers to get registered, so that they can protect their business as they reopen their salons.
As we’re now coming to realise, close contact business will have to change post-lockdown. Hair salons in the post-Covid-19 era will now have to operate under different rules. Hairdressers are under pressure to adapt to the changing situation to keep themselves and clients safe. Knowledge of hygiene and awareness surrounding how the virus spreads are now a must for all practicing hair and beauty professionals. However, getting a Covid certificate that says you are now certified to practice your trade safely will not be enough. To make sure that you don’t fall foul of any new government legislation, which can result in a £3,200 fine, changes to your working environment are crucial to make sure that you trade safely.
Many afro salons are not currently members of hairdressing associations. These bodies work closely with the Government and can give good advice, such as the Back to Business guide available to to members of the NHBF (National Hair & Beauty Federation).
Lauralyn is worried that failure by afro salons to implement the Government’s safety guidelines, will put many of them out of business.
‘I would like bring awareness to the major reforms the Hair & Barber Council, The British Beauty Council, BABTAC, the NHBF, The Guild and the government have planned for the European hairdressing industry in the UK.
It has the potential to lock down a large number of afro salons, talented technicians, hairdressers, hairstylists, locticians, braiders, beauticians and nail techs.
Meetings have already been held at Number 10, with all of the above, to represent the views of our sector. Yet nothing they represent thus far includes the afro / textured hair category.
I don’t think the afro hair community are quite aware of how negatively this will affect us, if we’re not made aware of what is expected. Lack of action could potentially devastate the afro hair industry in the UK. I’ve set up an Instagram page: @afrohairfederationuk to help afro hair salons get registered. So, please #getlegitnow and ensure you can operate when lockdown is over.
Should you need further advice or assistance, please free to email me at: hairbylauralyn@gmail.com. We can discus your concerns and needs, and get you on the right track.’
Lauralyn Clinton MGHD / SSRH is a celebrity hairdresser who has worked with the likes of Raquel Welch, Camilla Parker Bowles, Neneh Cherry and Jourdan Dunn. She has been a stylist for over 20 years and learned her craft at numerous salons, including Jo Hansford, Shipton Leighton & Lowe, and Hard as Nailz. In 2008 she set up her salon, Hair by Lauralyn London in North London.
Coming from our perspective it’s vital we stand united as qualified professionals to enforce inclusion within the national framework. It’s frustrating and time consuming to create some kind of movement to fight for change. It’s 2020, we need recognition within the standards and possibly time to challenge those who make these decisions.
Thanks Lauralyn, for a very interesting, clear and precise article. For some reason over the years the content of African-Curly type hair has declined within in the National standards and NVQ hair qualifications. Here I suspect is the problem!
No recognition within the national standards, means no invite to the table and therefore no discussion of safety precautions required. This means that salons specialist in African-Curly type hair, cannot adequately prepare to reopen. Initially African-Curly hair type, had a separate qualification and was also included throughout the national framework for hairdressing. It is extremely important, given the concerns re the BAME community and recent data, that we insist we have a seat at the table to risk assess clients and practitioners needs. Sandra Gittens Educator & Author 5.6.2020
Thanks Lauren, a very interesting, clear and precise article.
One of the problems in my opinion, is that over the years, NVQs have not included African-Curly hair type, within the standards. Initially African-Curly hair had its own qualification and was also part of the national standards for several years. I am not sure how and why this happened? I am guessing no standards means no qualification and therefore overlooked in any preparations or discussion regarding Covid training. A very serious situation!
It’s so important that all hair and beauty professionals stay abreast of information issued by the associations that are formed to protect them. The black hairdressing industry is particularly vulnerable because there are so many strands to our business.