…to expect everyone at the hairdresser’s to be Covid- compliant?

Smallpox?

Because it is a virus. It's not going to just disappear. Masks reduce the spread.

If masks worked why hasn't covid disappeared?

Seems like some people believe what they want to believe and have no scruples about spreading irresponsible information on the Internet.

Biscuitmuncher, why are masks pointless?
And there is the added bonus of not munching too many ?

Why are some posters saying masks are not effective? Even as recently as November a global study, reviewed by the British Medical Journal, has shown that mask are hugely effective in stopping the spread of covid. Yes the surgical disposable ones are the best, but even cloth ones capture droplets and reduce spread.

Don't assume. Have the conversation with the owner.

People don't wear masks because guess what , they're pointless!

It wouldn't have bothered me. In fact, I'd probably have been quite pleased because then I wouldn't have to wear a mask either.

Has anyone else seen the news that Julia Donaldson of Gruffalo fame has said that making schoolkids wear masks all day at school is "dystopian". I agree and am thinking well said JD.

YANBU - tbh I would have walked out, I am at an age that makes me vulnerable and get very angry about all the selfish g*ts who won't wear masks, making my life harder and more dangerous - zero tolerance from me I'm afraid

My husband is a hairdresser and his salon is very, very careful about being COVID compliant. Since re-opening last summer, all hairdressers where masks at all times, front and rear doors are open to allow good ventilation and each work station is wiped down with anti-bacterial wipes between each appointment. Clients are asked to wear masks and take LFT tests before attending, and the number in the premises at any one time is limited. He and his colleagues are fully vaxed and boosted. Maybe because he has an older clientele, but everyone (clients and hairdressers) take COVID precautions very seriously. I’m shocked to hear your experience Cabbie21.

Not unreasonable at all. I read that after 3 months the booster's effectiveness tails off very significantly. I'm sure most of us are at that stage. Sure enough triple jabbed, 9 days after the three months period, I get Covid. Currently in bed with it, day 3. Two days later my husband gets it, also triple jabbed. No sign of 4th jab on the horizon. I know of lots of others with reinfections, not currently counted in the statistics. It's very worrying. The last time I was in my hairdressers they were tardy in mask wearing, below the nose, or visors, which aren't effective. I'm the same Iike the cut she does but don't think they are very Covid compliant.

Not unreasonable at all but not all will follow the rules unfortunately. Just don’t go there if you don’t feel safe, plenty of hairdressers around. My hairdressers both wear masks but don’t mind if the clients don’t. This suits me as I find them uncomfortable when I’m having my hair done. Just wear your mask to feel safe and don’t worry about what risks others take.

I recently changed hairdressers because of the lax attitude of my previous hairdresser and staff although I have been going there for years. At my new hairdressers, there is such a difference in the attitude of keeping to the guidelines and all customers are expected to wear a mask as well. It is more expensive than my previous hairdresser but is worth every penny to have peace of mind and know that they are doing everything possible to protect staff and clients.

My hairdresser wears a mask, sanitises etc and even takes our temperature when we go in …. But won’t let us wear a mask to cut our hair as she says she can’t! So gives us a small face guard like an old fashioned mirror which is totally ineffective. It worries me.

I don't think you are being unreasonable, I have had a similar experience. I've been going to my hairdresser for years, but am looking for a new one. She doesn't believe in the vaccine and has therefore not had single dose. When I went in late Summer the salon was overcrowded with no room to distance, most people including staff were not wearing masks and there was no sanitiser. I went again in November, I went in wearing a mask only to be told that I didn't have to wear a mask (I did know this!!) I told them that I preferred to wear one. The door to the salon is always closed. I won't be going back. I have done the utmost to protect myself and don't feel comfortable going back there. A real shame as I like the way she does my hair.

Well said Amalegra! Totally agree

My hairdresser wears a mask and when not too cold, the door is open. I do feel unsafe when unmasked people come in, but the wearing of masks is not mandatory.
I lessen the time spent in the salon by washing and combing out my own hair, and if I feel uncomfortable, I skip the blow dry and just ask for it to be blasted dry.
It is a bit more of a problem if I need highlights, so usually have them done in the warmer months!

Not unreasonable at all. My hairdresser never stopped using masks and screens and have told me that they ask customers who turn up without a mask to please wear one. If the customer doesn't have one, they have some spares. They say they have never had a problem.
If I were in your shoes, first of all I would politely query it and then, if no sign of change, I would find myself another hairdresser for the duration of these very high cases of a very transmissible variant. The new hairdresser might even be better! We have a right to feel and be safe in such places.
On the money front, they might lose customers through not having protections in place.
This is on the hairdressers and beauticians website
England
Beauty and hair business, salons, barbershops, spas and mobile services in England may operate under COVID-19 guidelines.
The wearing of face coverings in these settings is mandatory from 30th November 2021.

For more information: www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-covid-19/shops-branches-and-close-contact-services

The Omicron virus really needs a 5 layer FFP2/ KN95 masks.
I bought several for my husband and myself. I have been taking steroids since summer 2020 due to having Polymyalgia Rheumatica. The steroids lower my immunity a lot. I have had both my vaccinations and my booster. You'd think that I was safe but we are on the Office of National Statistics covid research testing. We have swabs and blood tests every month, they come to us at home. We get the results about 4-7 days later by email. My husband who had his vaccinations at the same place and time as me has always had antibodies, so the vaccinations are protecting him. I have NO ANTIBODIES because of the steroids, and therefore have no protection. It's as if I hadn't had any vaccinations.
Consequently, I'm trying to keep as safe as possible. I can go for a short walk in decent weather as I walk very slowly due to very poor mobility because of an accident 11 years ago.
We get our supermarket shopping delivered to us and I've just started having a milkman deliver milk on Tu,Th & Saturday. My hairdresser visits my home and cuts mine and my husband's hair. We also have a chiropodist who does both my husband's and my feet.
I'll be glad when it's nice warm weather again so that we can visit Savill Gardens, Virginia Water and Wisley Gardens all of which have good pathways for my Trionic Veloped mobility Walker. If you have mobility issues then look it up online. I've had mine since June 2014 and it's still as good as new.
Wear those masks KN95/FFP2 .
I bought mine from Amaz__. I ordered those that had uk approval and they aren't too much dearer than the others that I initially bought at the start of the pandemic.
When the hairdresser and chiropodist visited we open windows for ventilation too.
Look up the different masks and face coverings efficiencies. Cloth face coverings offer really poor/ almost no protection. Omicron has very small droplets.
Take care everyone! Look after yourselves!

Usernametaken has given a comprehensive listing of the various masks after I had been typing my response. Thank you!

I wouldn’t use them tbh
This variant is highly contagious, my younger sister works at a dentist as a hygienist and four of the 7 team are off sick all with this one variant, yet their masked booted and gowned and have been taking ever precaution possible..if they can’t get temporary staff or at least two army personnel in, they will have to close the practice at least a month
Masks should be made compulsory to help protect the public
I would consider yourself fortunate if you have avoided this nasty virus.
Boris needs to act protect both the NHS and all those trying to cope under some horrible circumstances..
All his concerned with getting in his clubs and his financial record .. we need a responsible leader to get through this
God help us ..

For the benefit of those who consider mask wearing and compliance with the law ridiculous, please read on:

My son had a friend. He was in his mid 40's, but very healthy, ran every morning. Was double jabbed and boostered he always wore a mask.

Last Thursday he had a rotten headache and just didn't feel well. In the afternoon he went home.

Friday he stayed home from work. Friday afternoon he seemed to be a little better.

He woke on Saturday feeling horrendous and had begun to feel as though he couldn't breathe. His wife took him to A & E, where he was immediately admitted to a high dependency unit.He had a good night but by Sunday lunchtime his condition deteriorated to the point that he was transferred to ICU and ventilated.

On Monday he started showing signs of organ failure so his treatment was increased. He remained stable on Tuesday, and the consultant began to talk about reducing support the following day.

On Wednesday morning before any treatment was changed, he died.

He was a strong, active, sporty man, with no previous ill health except for the everyday childhood conditions. He always wore a mask, and twice weekly tested using the LFT tests.

When tested in hospital he tested positive for Omnicron.

I hope that reading this will ensure that people can take on board the risks of this virus. I believe that the death of my son's friend is an horrific example of why we need to really take care.

I also believe that his story shows just how serious Covid still is. Personally I believe that we are in it for the for the long haul

i applaud people that test regularly but i am bemused by those that ignore the words about the vaccine - SHOULD PROTECT is not the same as WILL PROTECT. if the vaccine was as effective as we are told then it would have made a bigger impact on the R rate. Jethro the comedian was triple jabbed and died of Covid. Hence masks are a useful tool . I've met too many people that think they are invincible once they have been vaccinated - their stupidity is the real killer .

when i was in Wiltshire during the summer it was the over 65s that were not wearing masks, sitting in the bus seat behind the driver which clearly stated DO NOT SIT HERE, met in cafes without masks etc. no wonder the young don't want to comply as the examples that are set by the elderly are deplorable.

My hairdresser's salon ensured all staff tested regularly, all used to wear face masks, shields and disposable plastic aprons, plastic screens between each 'station' and dramatic decrease in customers allowed in at any one time plus temperature check at door, no magazines or drinks etc. Felt really safe.
Nowadays staff wear masks but some customers don't. They are all asked to wear one but seems several refuse and there's nothing the staff can do about it.