With hairdressers being closed down during lockdown from February/March, many women found themselves maintaining their own hair during lockdown, if they were usually salon attendees.

We interviewed some ladies about their experiences with managing their hair in lockdown and how they felt about returning to the salon.

Kemi

Kemi was a regular at the hairdresser before lockdown and did not maintain her hair much prior to this either. ”Having relaxed hair, I went to the hairdresser every 3/4 weeks, alternating between relaxer and treatments to get everything done”, she explains.

”In lockdown, I had to learn how to take care of my own hair. I found this slightly challenging as the outcome was never as good as with the hairdressers. Thankfully we were all in lockdown, so not everyone had to see it. I found some good products that were recommended to me from Superdrugs- would you believe it stocked black products? I was shocked but grateful”, she exclaims.

Detailing her experience arriving at the hairdresser, she says ”I was very impressed with all the preparations they made and precautions they undertook to ensure the safety of their customers. PPE, hand sanitisers on entry, and disposable items were used for each customer. It was a refreshing experience.”

Robyn

Robyn is a natural hair enthusiast. ‘‘It hasn’t been bad managing my hair in lockdown, as I am the primary caretaker of my hair” she says. ”I have been fortunate enough to be a client of @enitanthehaircoach and I also follow a lot of great hair pages like @oribytiti so I am very comfortable with my haircare needs. I am due to go for a trim soon. That’s the one thing I don’t do myself. I am looking forward to getting my ends taken off as they are getting a bit tangled” she explains.

Robyn then further details, ”I go to the salon every few months and am very comfortable knowing that there won’t be many people at my salon appointment and I trust the updates my salon has been giving. For example, they have told us to come with masks”.

”I made sure I stocked up when we were getting locked down! I have a young daughter so I also continued to do her hair throughout lockdown. We haven’t been swimming so I have found that this has improved the moisture retention in her hair. We both take Vitamin D and tried to remain active which are both contributing factors to our hair health.” Robyn explains.

Martina

Therapist Martina, would usually go to the salon at least once every 3 months. ”I found it tough managing my hair, as it is naturally curly and I struggled to buy products, as the shops I’d usually go to, were closed”, she states.

”As a result, I found that I started wearing my hair up in a bun more often when at home as it needed a trim as it lost its shape. However, I did become more creative with my hair during lockdown which was a positive experience”.

”I’m pleased my hairdresser is now mobile. I’ll be having my appointment with her at my home and I take precautions and have worn a mask from the beginning of lockdown”.

Moni

Prior to lockdown, Moni would usually get her hair done at her hairdresser’s house every 3 to 4 weeks. ”I was quite happy to return to my hairdresser, as she has been doing my hair for a few years”, Moni explains.

”I always feel transported back to a communal Africa at her home. Somehow I always feel reenergized when I leave – apart from rocking my new hairdo. I don’t trust anyone else with my hair”, she boldly claims.

”At the appointment, we both wore masks. I believe I was her second customer since the lift on restrictions. And of course, she urges you not to come if you’ve had symptoms recently”.

Sharing the experience she has had of managing her hair prior to lockdown, Moni says ‘‘I used to put my hair in big and small twists/Bantu knots after doing the big chop and then when it grew in length, I began going to my current hairdresser. So, with lockdown, I just resumed this practice. The lack of movement meant I didn’t have to worry about presentation so, it was fine. It also gave me the time to play with my hair, too”.

So, from these ladies’ experience, it seems like lockdown has offered an opportunity to experiment with their hair. However, sometimes it’s nice to treat yourself and get it done by a professional.
If you are visiting the salon, please discuss the safety precautions with your salon before your appointment. Safety still comes first in this time.

Written By: Maxine Harrison – Maxine is a freelance writer and founder of the Remi Reports blog – a blog helping freelance creatives build their business and lifestyle. She has published pieces in The Independent and The Voice Newspaper.