COVID-19: These rules apply henceforth when you visit your hairdresser or barber

After a temporary closure of hair salons, part of measures ordered by the government to contain the spread of the coronavirus, hairdressing salons and barber shops may reopen from Monday, 4 May, but only under certain conditions. 

Finally, after several weeks you can have your hair cut, styled or dressed again. However, a set of new rules, designed to protect both hairdressers and their customers as well as the general population from the new coronavirus infection, will regulate how hairdressing and barbing salons can operate from 4 May.

The mandatory measures in the new occupational safety standard (“SARS-CoV-2-Arbeitsschutzstandard für das Friseurhandwerk”) include, among other things, that both hairdressers and their customers must wear mouth-nose protection (face masks), published by the professional association for health service and welfare (Berufsgenossenschaft für Gesundheitsdienst und Wohlfahrtspflege).

Accordingly, services such as eyelash colouring, shaving or beard care are not allowed for the time being because of the dangers of infection.

Furthermore, a sufficient distance must be maintained between people in the salons – for example by limiting the number of people at any given time in their premises. For example, a minimum distance of at least 1.5 meters must be around the barber or hairdresser attending to a customer.

Salons must provide hand disinfectants or sanitisers, liquid soap and disposable towels for the use of their employees and customers.

Moreover, whoever – employee or customer – shows symptoms of respiratory infection (if it hasn’t been confirmed to be an ordinary cold by the doctor) or fever should not be allowed into the hair salon.

Vivian Asamoah

To download the full details of the new rules (in German language), click HERE