By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — The week of May 11 was a busy one for hairstylists and barbers across the state of Alabama. After being given the green light by Governor Kay Ivey, salon owners once again opened their doors, allowing clients in, while carefully following safety guidelines to avoid the spread of coronavirus.
The Phoenix Salon, in Trussville, was closed from Wednesday, March 18 until it reopened on Tuesday, May 12. You may imagine a flock of customers waiting at the front door, but the salon was able to keep a calm and organized system during its first day back in operation.
Salon owner Rhonda Moore said stylists scheduled clients one at a time.
“I just have an awesome group of women,” said Moore. “We had a great reopening. It flowed perfect.”
All stylists were required to wear masks and clients were offered masks and hand sanitizer at the door. After servicing a client, all stylists were required to clean all tools and chair areas. Door handles, shampoo bowls, restrooms and all areas of the building were wiped down regularly by staff.
“When you go in for your cosmetology test at the board, you are constantly sanitizing,” said Moore. “I told the girls that’s what it feels like.”
The waiting area inside the salon has been closed off, so anyone waiting must stay outside of the building until their appointment. These procedures will be followed, according to Moore, until further notice.
Stylist Katie Roberson was one of many stylists across the state that suffered through income loss for nearly eight weeks.
“I am most excited to be back at work safely,” said Roberson. “We have been given guidelines that are easy to follow and clients that are very understanding.”
Rhonda Moore said she is thankful The Phoenix Salon survived the quarantine.
“We are so happy to be back and we are open for business,” said Moore.