Harrogate hairdresser determined to return stronger after lockdown

But the business owner has also expressed fears over another lockdown if restrictions are relaxed too quickly, amid fears her salon would not be able to sustain this “roller coaster ride”.

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Sarah Townend, who owns Meraki, in the Westminster Arcade, said she felt extremely lucky that her business was still trading, despite an incredibly difficult year.

“I know many salons that have ceased for various reasons and that makes me sad. It will be my third year running my salon and it has certainly been tough,” she admitted.

However, Mrs Townend said she has been able to keep her business running thanks to the Government’s furlough and grants schemes.

“The furlough system has been amazing as without that I would have to let my staff go, as realistically how in all this uncertainty can we possibly know what is going to happen?” she said.

“The Government grants have also been a great help, as without that, I don’t think a lot of us would still be here, even though we can’t trade, bills still need paying.”

However, she remains confident that the salon environment is one of the safest places to be during the coronavirus pandemic.

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“Even before the pandemic we had a strict policy of everything being cleaned after each client, so it wasn’t a big deal, just making sure we covered the extra bits, like sanitising hands, but it has become the norm now,” she said.

“However, it does frustrate me when I see people not adhering to the rules, like it doesn’t affect them, we all want normality. I for one cannot wait to be able to welcome my clients like we used to with a great big hug.”

Mrs Townend said if the final go-ahead was given for April 12, she planned on operating the salon as before, unless told otherwise by the Government.

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She said: “I feel salons have been one of the safest places to be, everything cleaned within an inch of its life, and the safety of my staff and clients is my number one priority. That will not change.”

Mrs Townend has now started the process of contacting clients. To be added to the waitlist, email [email protected] or send a message via the salon’s social media pages.