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Petition: SA Hairdressing Salons to open under controlled conditions in Level 3 Lockdown
Jassy M.
started this petition to
Mr Ebrahim Patel: Minister of Economic Development
To Honorable Minister Patel
On behalf of the South African hairdressing industry we are pleading for hairdressing salons to be allowed to open under strictly controlled conditions, when Level 3 lockdown is reached (currently they fall under Level 1).
Our reasons are as follows:
There is a difference in the public’s need for hairdressing compared to other beauty services. Hair grows continually at the rate of over 1 cm per month.
Unlike nails, hair cannot be successfully managed / cut at home by the majority of people.
With the levels being lifted, more people are returning to the workplace, and will be returning to school, where there is a need to look neat and presentable. There is already an urgent public demand for hairdressing services.
Hair that is too long or unmanageable can present a safety and hygiene risk in certain industries.
Members of the public who are finding it impossible to deal with their hair as it grows out, are already pressuring their hairdressers to service them. If salons are not permitted to open legally, these services are likely to take place illegally, in an environment without proper equipment, where it is not optimal to perform the service safely.
Many hair salons and hairstylists are sole proprietors and/or small businesses who have been unable to access funding / business loans, or else do not qualify. Many are already in a dire financial predicament and need to generate revenue to keep their businesses afloat as well as support their assistants and shampooists, many of whom are still awaiting their UIF payments.
Qualified hairdressers have studied for three years to obtain certification, and have had extensive training in hygiene and safety. To intensify these measures within the salon is not difficult as the basics are already in place and well understood.
The beauty industry is regulated by industry organisations that have an effective presence in all provinces, including the Employers' Organisation (EOHCB), the Union (UASA) and the Bargaining Council. Therefore, if hairdressing salons are required to comply with additional health and safety regulations before opening, this could be well managed and policed.
The hairdressing industry is already well aware that intensive precautions will need to be implemented in terms of social distancing, limited numbers in the salon, thorough sanitization, the use of disposable equipment, the compulsory use of masks, client screening, and more.
Salons are eager to comply with all necessary requirements. Many have already started planning and preparing, and are waiting for the announcement of the standard operating procedures so that they can correctly implement them.
Honorable Minister Patel, we plead with you, for the well-being of the public and for the sake of the hairdressers who are an integral part of every community, that you allow hairdressing salons to reopen under strictly controlled social distancing and safety conditions in Level 3.
Thank you for your urgent attention to this important matter that affects so many SA citizens.
Jassy Mackenzie
CEO: Hairnews South Africa
On behalf of the South African hairdressing industry we are pleading for hairdressing salons to be allowed to open under strictly controlled conditions, when Level 3 lockdown is reached (currently they fall under Level 1).
Our reasons are as follows:
There is a difference in the public’s need for hairdressing compared to other beauty services. Hair grows continually at the rate of over 1 cm per month.
Unlike nails, hair cannot be successfully managed / cut at home by the majority of people.
With the levels being lifted, more people are returning to the workplace, and will be returning to school, where there is a need to look neat and presentable. There is already an urgent public demand for hairdressing services.
Hair that is too long or unmanageable can present a safety and hygiene risk in certain industries.
Members of the public who are finding it impossible to deal with their hair as it grows out, are already pressuring their hairdressers to service them. If salons are not permitted to open legally, these services are likely to take place illegally, in an environment without proper equipment, where it is not optimal to perform the service safely.
Many hair salons and hairstylists are sole proprietors and/or small businesses who have been unable to access funding / business loans, or else do not qualify. Many are already in a dire financial predicament and need to generate revenue to keep their businesses afloat as well as support their assistants and shampooists, many of whom are still awaiting their UIF payments.
Qualified hairdressers have studied for three years to obtain certification, and have had extensive training in hygiene and safety. To intensify these measures within the salon is not difficult as the basics are already in place and well understood.
The beauty industry is regulated by industry organisations that have an effective presence in all provinces, including the Employers' Organisation (EOHCB), the Union (UASA) and the Bargaining Council. Therefore, if hairdressing salons are required to comply with additional health and safety regulations before opening, this could be well managed and policed.
The hairdressing industry is already well aware that intensive precautions will need to be implemented in terms of social distancing, limited numbers in the salon, thorough sanitization, the use of disposable equipment, the compulsory use of masks, client screening, and more.
Salons are eager to comply with all necessary requirements. Many have already started planning and preparing, and are waiting for the announcement of the standard operating procedures so that they can correctly implement them.
Honorable Minister Patel, we plead with you, for the well-being of the public and for the sake of the hairdressers who are an integral part of every community, that you allow hairdressing salons to reopen under strictly controlled social distancing and safety conditions in Level 3.
Thank you for your urgent attention to this important matter that affects so many SA citizens.
Jassy Mackenzie
CEO: Hairnews South Africa
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