SALT LAKE CITY — While the shops are still open, the hair salon industry is struggling with social distancing.
Local barbers are seeing a decline in foot traffic and walk-in appointments in what seems to be an uncomfortably familiar sight.
As many would imagine, it's tough... and some would say impossible to keep six feet away from people when your job involves physical contact.
"Six feet apart is a little challenging to cut someone's hair," said Conlin Hardwood Barbar at Curriculum Barber Shop on 9th and 9th street in Salt Lake City. "But I'm seeing less than ten clients a day, we're just keeping our shop volume low, we have a skeleton crew."
Shops are doing everything in their power to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, by staggering appointments, wearing gloves, sanitizing after each client and limiting the number of employees in the building at a time.
Just as some clients might think twice about coming in for their monthly trim, stylists are also concerned about their health and safety.
"It's the risk of saying should we even take clients or should we stay in. Which risk is greater? To go without income and say 'I'm locking it up for a month,' or to go in and say 'I'm going to be one on one with a person who you just don't know who they've been exposed to,'" said Alycia Groesbeck, mother of two and stylist at Nailed Salon.
Local barbers and salons are adjusting to make ends meet.
Some are optimistic about the future, saying that people will always need and want a hair cut.
"I chose to be a barber because it was recession-proof, you know in 2008 everyone still needed a hair cut," said Hardwood.
To book an appointment or inquire about availability at Curriculum Salon you can visit their website.
Nailed Salon information can be found on its website.
