This is what a haircut in Horsham will now look like, according to a barber

On Saturday, July 4, barbers and hairdressers will be allowed to reopen for the first time in months.

But customers keen for a fresh trim should be ready for a very different experience as safety measures are brought in to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Helen Andreou, owner of Kings Barbers in the Bishopric, said staff will be wearing protective equipment including visors to reduce the risk of infection.

She said: “[Getting a hair cut] is going to look a little bit strange.

“Upon entry you have to sanitise your hands. If you don’t want to sanitise your hands you have to wash your hand.”

Disposable towels will be provided and each customer will be issued a clean gown, Helen added.

She said: “You have to come in with your hair clean with no product.

“You can’t have any drinks with you unless it’s a bottle of water which you have to take back out with you.”

There will be no magazines or newspapers and the chairs are spaced two metres apart.

Helen added: “As soon as the customer has left the chair is disinfected, the tools [are] disinfected.”

Kings Barbers will be offering trims to all ages apart from babies and young children who are unable to sit in the chair on their own or wear a mask and all customers should wear a face covering.

She said: “If you have got any symptoms do not attend.”

Cuts will be on an appointment only basis but wet shaves and beard trims will not be offered yet.

Customers should turn up a couple of minutes before their appointment, according to Helen, who said they have reduced the number of people being served while they get used to the new measures in place.

She praised her ‘fantastic’ customers for their support.

Helen said: “They have stayed loyal. It’s amazing.

“We have got the best customers ever. They just can’t wait to get back in the shop.

“If it wasn’t for them Kings Barbers would not be in Horsham.”