Edinburgh's hair salon bosses are delighted to be cutting and colouring again

A city hairdresser has said she is excited to be back as salons across the country reopened their doors to customers today.

Margo Hogarth, owner of the Hair Lounge in Polwarth

Margo Hogarth opened the Hair Lounge today to give people their first haircuts in months. The owner of the salon in Polwarth said customers are over the moon to be back – and she is already fully booked to the end of May.

“It’s so nice to be back in the work environment and see people again. It feels like a stepping stone back to normality. When people have come in today it’s been emotional. They look in the mirror and they don’t feel like themselves when they first get here. Then they get the hair cut or restyle, colour and they think, I’m back to me. I’m ready to face the world! The pandemic has highlighted how important haircuts are, it’s integral to that sense of self and our wellbeing.

Ms Hogarth revamped the salon during the last few weeks in preparation for welcoming customers back into her chair. But while she says she won’t be able to book in as many customers as before due to distancing, she is ready for the challenges.

Colin McAndrew of Medusa Hair is thrilled salons are open again

"During lockdown I took the chance to change up a few things. I got in some new products that are vegan and sustainable, also made here in Scotland. I gave the place a facelift. I’ll only be able to take one customer at a time, one in and one out. But people haven’t been in so long so many are getting big changes, not just maintenance cuts. In a way it’s like starting all over again.”

Ms Hogarth’s sentiments were echoed by Colin McAndrew, managing director of city-based Medusa hair which has six salons.

He said: "I’m so thrilled -and relieved - to be able to welcome our clients back to our salons again.

"Of course we all know how tough it's been and the most recent lockdown has presented its own set of financial, personal and business challenges as we closed in on a year of navigating a world with Covid.

"My team have been incredible throughout and continue to wow me with their motivation and dedication to their work and clients. Now our doors are open, we can’t wait to help others find themselves again post lockdown by doing what we do best."

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