This story is sponsored by Allertons.

A hairdressing brand due to open new beauty rooms in Harrogate this month is looking to recruit more staff across all its branches. 

Allertons’ flagship salon is the highest rated in Leeds, and it also has concessions in John Lewis stores in Leeds and Nottingham, with a third due to open in Southampton in November. The Harrogate salon is due to open its brand-new beauty rooms by the end of October. 

The company currently has 19 vacancies for hairdressers and beauticians, as well as six client concierge roles. 

Nick Nicola, who founded the company in 2014, said there was a constant requirement for hairdressers and beauticians, but that they needed to be attuned to the company’s ethos: 

“We’re looking for people who want to look after their clients. It’s not so much about the service you provide – that’s going to be excellent anyway – it’s more about how you make people feel. We want people who will calm and pamper our clients.” 

Allertons gives 30% of the profit generated for the company to the person who generated it, so a good hairdresser can earn up to £40,000 a year. 

In addition, employees receive health insurance, funded training on new techniques and equipment, free hairdressing and treatments, and a ‘friends and family’ discount. Those working in one of the concessions also get discount at John Lewis. 

Nick said it was important that candidates were able to ditch their ego and maintain an “old school” approach to customer service: 

“Some salons promote certain personalities above others. That’s not us – we want to take a sledgehammer to all of that. We’re not about ego and flashiness, which is why we get on so well with John Lewis. 

“We want to debunk that image of the hairdresser who judges clients and thinks they know best what their client should have. People come to us because we listen when they tell us what they want. We’re not fashion and trend-led – we’re 100% customer-led.” 

More information about the vacancies available can be found on Allertons’ website.

If you’d like to apply for a vacancy at any of Allertons’ salons, email nn@allertonsonline.com, or call 0113 359 3420.

A homeless man has admitted committing theft at two Harrogate town centre shops on the same morning this week.

Anthony Fraser, 37, pleaded guilty to stealing products worth £380 from hair and beauty salon Hart & Hart on Commercial Street on Monday.

He also admitted taking products of an unknown value from the nearby barbers shop belonging to Nathan Cosgrove.

Fraser, who gave his address as Harrogate Homeless Project on Bower Street, appeared before magistrates in York yesterday.

He was remanded on bail until February 10, when he is due to be sentenced.

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A beautician in the Harrogate district has welcomed tonight’s government announcement lifting the 30-person cap on weddings.

Deborah Chalmers, who owns Love Hair & Beauty in Ripon, said earlier today she was “hoping and praying” the cap would be lifted amid reports it might remain.

Ms Chalmers said three-quarters of her wedding bookings were for events of 100-plus guests and maintaining the 30-person limit would ruin many couples’ big days — and have financial repercussions for the bridal sector.

But Prime Minister Boris Johnson said tonight the cap on the number of people attending weddings and wakes would be lifted, even though other social distancing measures will be extended by four weeks until July 19.

Ms Chalmers said:

“I’m sure that many different providers of services to people getting married will be relieved at this evening’s announcement from the Prime Minister that weddings with more than 30 attendees can go ahead.

“Social distancing measures will remain in place but brides-to-be can now look forward to their big day.

“At the same time, the wedding sector can start getting back on its feet and hopefully make up for lost time and lost revenue.”

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• Harrogate’s hospitality sector reacts with disappointment to lockdown delay
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Normal Monday opening hours at City Barbers in High Skellgate, Ripon are 8am to 5pm — but today was no normal Monday.

With no appointment necessary, nothing could be left to chance.

Brian Knowles, a regular at the shop for more than 20 years, was first in the queue at 6.30am.

He told the Stray Ferret:

“I’ve been waiting 24 weeks for this since November 8 and it feels great.”

Brian Knowles, first in the queue after a 24-week wait to have his hair professionally cut.

With a fine head of hair to look after, Mr Knowles admitted that he had bought a ‘do it yourself kit’ to keep those annoying straggling hairs off his ears during lockdown.

He said:

“I had to make sure the DIY kit was fully charged, as I didn’t want it cutting out on me while I was using it.”

Help was at hand when granddaughter Isobel stopped by to give Mr Knowles a trim.

But he admits:

“Nothing can beat having it done professionally'”

As they waited their turn in one of the three chairs working at full capacity, the Stray Ferret heard some bad DIY hair day stories.

With names withheld to protect relationships and avoid embarrassment, they included:

“My wife has been having a good hack at mine from time to time. I’m just lucky to still have ears!”

“I tried a do it yourself job and cut out a great clump of hair — I won’t be doing that again in a hurry!”

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• Flashback to the Ripon barber queue of July 4
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City Barbers, in line with other barbers and hairdressers, faces a busy day as they operate with strict social distancing and hygiene measures in place.

People in Harrogate are rushing to get hairdressing appointments before lockdown begins on Thursday.

Some salons are extending their hours to fit in as many clients as possible before non-essential businesses are forced to close on Thursday.

Joseph Ferraro, owner of Joseph Ferraro hair salon in Harrogate, said:

“The phone just hasn’t stoped since the weekend. I’ve had to bring staff in for extra hours to fit all of our clients in.

“I’m feeling more angry than nervous. It is dangerous for businesses to have another lockdown. My business will be able to get through this but some will be struggling.

“The furlough system is great for paying my staff but it won’t cover the other bills.”

Hairdressers were among the last to reopen after the first lockdown. Salons had to introduce safety measures, such as mask wearing for clients and staff, sanitising stations and perspex screens.

Olivia Mitchell, the owner of BeBaBo on Cold Bath Road, is usually closed on Monday but opened today to meet demand.

“I think the lockdown may be longer than December 2. But I feel calmer this time: we have a blueprint to follow from the first lockdown, which will help us.

“All we can do is look to the government for additional help. I just hope that if it is a longer lockdown that they can keep that support going.”

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• A financial impact of a second lockdown could mean some businesses “won’t reopen”. 
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Terry Sowerby, who co-owns the Baroque salons in Harrogate and Ripon, said:

“It’s been challenging trying to fit everyone in over the coming days. I am not happy at all, I understand we are within a pandemic but we’ve spent thousands making our salons safe so it is frustrating. But we have to do it to reduce the virus.”

A hairdresser from Harrogate has fulfilled her lifelong dream of owning her own hair salon after her travel plans were put on hold.

Kate Borgen was due to travel to Australia and New Zealand to experience a new life. However, as lockdown struck and her travel plans were suspended, Kate decided to pursue a new venture in her home town instead.

The hairdresser, who has more than thirteen years of experience, opened Ikonik Hair on Kings Road last weekend. After opening just a few days ago, Kate is now fully booked until the middle of August.

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• Queue forms outside Ripon barber shop 
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Kate told The Stray Ferret:

“My family thought I was crazy when I said I would open up a business. But what I figured was that the good clientele that I have had for the last twelve years will all be waiting to get their hair done… At least I can have people walking through my door as soon as I open.”

Kate Borgen outside her new salon on Kings Road.

Despite having a good first few days, Kate is aware that some people are still worried about visiting and is doing all she can to reassure clients. She said:

“A lot of my customers who are coming in at the minute haven’t seen anyone and I am one of the first people they have seen. It’s quite an honour for me, but then I know how nervous they are as well.”

The hairdresser, who has lived in Harrogate since she was born, hopes that her business might provide opportunities to other hairdressers who have lost their jobs because of coronavirus. She has already been joined by another stylist whose salon closed down when the pandemic struck, and she aims to expand the team further in the future.

Hair cuts are in high demand and the hairdressers and barbers of Harrogate are ready to serve their clients but the experience will have changed.

Many will reopen today with all members of staff wearing visors. Chairs have been placed within a one metre distance or screens have been put in between stations to maintain safety for staff and customers. The usual expectations that accompany a hair cut such as drinks and magazines won’t be available.

The new experience could see clients being asked to wear masks, their coats and bags placed in paper bags to combat cross-contamination and one barber shop said they won’t be offering bear trims or hair washing.

Michael Mackinnon is the owner of the Barber & Mack in Harrogate, said:

“We filled up the first two weeks within the first 24 hours we have split day shifts with three barbers at a time to ensure we are all spaced out. Each of the barbers has their own equipment and products that are kept in individual boxes.

“We aren’t offering hair washing but are asking clients to come with clean hair and we will just spray it down. We will be asking people to wear masks for the first two weeks for extra safety.”

Wearing visors is within the government guidelines to prevent transmission as salons reopen.

Read more:

• Ripon hairdressers are ready to reopen today following a huge wave of demand for appointments.
• Masks and visors could be the new norm for staff as they prepare to reopen pubs and restaurants. 

Hairdressers are having to work hard to change their habits to limit the amount of contact with their clients.

Gerri Dangerfield Keane owns Dangerfield and Keane salon in Harrogate, he said:

“We are trying to limit our contact points so nothing is being transferred when clients enter the shop. The way we’re approaching this is it’s not short term its for two years everything we have put in such as the screens can be lowered and raised as and when they are needed.

“We have to adjust to it but it will be very different for all of us, it’s what I’ve always done but I’m going to have to do it so differently.”

Jenny Addyman recently won the regional finals of the prestigious hairdressing competition, “Trend Vision Award” and will now compete at the national finals. She spoke of her excitement to return to work:

“I am excited to see my clients as its been a long time. I’m already fully booked until the middle August, of course it’ll be a little different with visors and fewer stylists. But im excited to be back its the longest I’ve not worked since I was about 15.”

Scissors, trimmers, combs and brushes, along with face shields, masks, hand and surface sanitisers, are at the ready as Ripon’s hairdressers prepare to cope with the pent up demand tomorrow..

For Sharon Bielby, who owns and runs a men’s barbers shop bearing her name and Deborah Chalmers, owner of Love Hair and Beauty Boutique, it’s going to be a busy weekend.

The new post-lockdown reality means no magazines to read, a strict one in, one out system and chat kept to the absolute minimum.

Both women,say it’s going to be strange re-acquainting themselves with customers who have become more like friends than clients, but they appreciate that the hygiene and social distancing measures are there to protect everybody.

Deborah Chalmers, in her hair and beauty boutique

Deborah, who has been involved in the beauty business since leaving Ripon Grammar School aged 15, told The Stray Ferret:

“We have had a refurbishment over the past few weeks and are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our customers and staff.

“Unfortunately, that means no conversations while we cut and style hair, which will be difficult, because I haven’t been able to see customers face to face for ages.”

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Sharon, whose North Street shop is approximately 100 yards down the road from Deborah’s, is booked to provide dozens of haircuts over the weekend. She said:

“It will be odd cutting hair while wearing a face shield and that in itself will make speaking difficult.”

In spite of being closed since 23rd March, her premises, have provided a shop window for bird houses and bee homes made by adults with learning disabilities at the Jennyruth Workshops charity.

Sharon, pointed out:

“Jennyruth had the shop before I took it over six years ago and I thought it would be nice to help them raise funds. I’m pleased to say that I have been able to sell quite a few during the lockdown, as people rang me to ask for them and I’ve delivered to their homes.”

For Deborah, the coronavirus crisis meant she has temporarily lost out on revenue that would have come from her core business of providing hairstyling and make up for brides and bridesmaids.

Since March, she has had 40 wedding postponements and though this was a devastating blow, she felt the need to give something back during the lockdown to her home city.

She turned her hand to supporting friends Annette and Nathan Kite, by volunteering to cook hot meals for 14 weeks, which were delivered to people in need around Ripon.

Deborah, added: “This gave me a purpose that helped me to get through these difficult months.”

Hairdressers will be allowed to reopen from 4 July – and clearly it’s not a moment too soon for many people in Harrogate.

The Stray Ferret has been out asking people whether they are ready to get back into the chair…

“I can’t wait, can’t you tell… look at my roots”

“I’m walking around with a mop on my head… I had to trim my sideburns as my wife said I looked like the guy from life on mars.”

“I have managed to get an appointment for the 24th July… So I coloured it for the last time last night… I am never doing that again!”

For over three months people have been cooped up, turning to kitchen scissors, freshly-bought clippers or DIY dye kits to keep their hair in check.

But now hairdressers across the country are getting ready to welcome customers for much-needed fixes and trims after getting the green light to open next Saturday.