Award-winning hairdressing salon group Mark Leeson is getting ready to open seven days a week, 12 hours a day, from 4th July.

The group said that when the government announced a tentative date of 4th July for hair salons in lockdown to reopen, it had already become clear that, when the day comes, appointments will not operate in the same way as they used to.

“What clients can expect is that when Mark Leeson do open their doors, they will be taking appointments seven days a week, from 8am–8pm, on full days,” said Richard Darby, director of Mark Leeson salons in Chesterfield and Mansfield.

Having carried out extensive work to both salons in accordance with social distancing rules, Richard added: “To ensure that all our clients feel both confident and relaxed when they are with us, we have installed protective barriers to ensure their safety, having measured every square metre of the salons.

“Plus we will be using one chair in every two and three backwash basins instead of five to allow social distancing. Staff will also be adhering to the ‘silence rule’ at the backwash so not only can guests can relax and enjoy the shiatsu massage chairs, but feel reassured that germs and air particles are kept to a minimum whilst in the seated/laidback position.

“Before any client attends the salon they will have received a ‘virtual consultation’ in which we will be able to assess the length of appointment needed. We will not be able to offer any walk-in services.

“We will be looking at maintenance appointments initially to maximise the people we can see – with more lengthy appointments being made available on a Sunday.

“To maximise their (clients’) safety and in accordance with government guidelines, it’s important that every client must arrive exactly on their dedicated appointment time, unaccompanied and unencumbered – any shopping they need to do will need to be done after the appointment.

“On arrival they will be directed to the cloakroom where they will be asked to wash their hands, and dress in the mask, gloves and gown provided.”

All equipment will be sanitised after every use. Refreshments and magazines will not be offered.