Scotland announces phased re-opening of hair and beauty sector

Hairdressers and barber shops in Scotland will be able to re-open for appointment only business from 5 April, with other close contact beauty services, including all mobile services, to resume from 26 April, along with other non-essential retail.

News of Scotland's staggered-reopening of the personal care sector follows Wales' decision to also implement a phased approach to the easing of restrictions earlier this week.

The National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) said it was "disappointed by another decision to stagger the reopening of hair and beauty with no scientific or medical evidence."

NHBF chief executive Richard Lambert said: “Obviously we are delighted that hair salons and barbershops can re-open on 5 April, but we cannot understand why those offering beauty services have to wait until 26 April.

"The Scottish Government has offered no scientific or medical evidence to support a staggered decision.

"Scottish hair and beauty businesses were hit harder than those in any other part of the UK, losing more than half of their turnover in 2020, yet still having to pay to keep their premises ready to return to.

"Even with all the financial support, the situation for many is now beyond precarious. They have already been closed for such a long time that they may not survive to re-open.”

Subject to supply, by mid-April, the Scottish government plans to have offered the vaccine to priority vaccine groups 1-9.