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It’s nine o’clock on the first day of Alert Level Two – and business doors are starting to open.

Business signs were out by 9.00am but the carpark was relatively empty. An hour later things had changed as people tentatively emerged on the first day of Alert Level 2.

Cromwell hairdresser Mark Graham said it had been a stressful six weeks for everyone, and he was excited to be seeing his clients again.

“I can’t wait to get my hands on some hair – some people have gone a long time now without having their hair done.”

Sanitising and hygiene protocols are the new normal.

Mark said it had taken several days to get ready for opening. Over 400 phone calls later, he had bookings through until mid-June. However, it hadn’t been easy to get up and running again.

“We had to re-think hours of work, so all of us get time in the salon with our clients and still keep social distancing.

“We can’t book as many appointments because we need to fully sanitise everything fully after each client, and we have had to take a lot of the chairs and furniture out.”

Mark said they had not had a scheduled delivery before Alert Level 4 started, and so had to buy in product before they could open. With having had 6 weeks without trading and expenses like rent and power still ongoing, they decided to reach out to their clients.

“When we rescheduled clients’ appointments ready for opening, we asked if they would mind paying a deposit.

“Everyone was just amazing – we had such a great response, and some just paid the full amount.”

The carpark was almost empty at 9.00am – but slowly filled up as people emerged into Alert Level 2.

Mark said after two days of preparing, the salon looked a lot different. The space felt large with chairs removed, no coat hangers, magazines or refreshments.

People couldn’t just pop in for a chat, and there was a hand sanitiser station at the door.

“That feels kind of weird because we’re such a welcoming place.

“We like having everybody in here, the music pumping, people getting their hair done, having a good time.”

Mark said he was very surprised, hearing only yesterday that hairdressers didn’t have to wear masks or gloves. He said he was relieved not to wear gloves, as they made it harder when cutting, and he sanitised his hands very regularly. However, he would prefer to wear a mask for everyone’s safety.

“My clients come first, so I’m going to leave it up to them.

“I have masks to wear, so I’ll ask when clients come in and do what they want.”

Mark said it was going to be a busy period from today forward, with everyone catching up for lost time. He said he hoped people would stay local and continue to support businesses locally, even when people couldn’t get their first preference of appointment time.

“But I’m excited.

“It’s up to each of us to make it work - it will be what we make it.”

Photos Mary Hinsen