‘Safety and health first’: Hairdressers and cosmetologists concerned about returning to work too early

Some hairdressers and barbers in the province are expressing concerns that when BC announces their plan to relaunch the economy, they’ll be a part of the initial services returning to work.

A petition started on Friday is requesting that Premier John Horgan excludes hairdressers in the first phase of the province’s relaunch strategy, citing an inability to adhere to safe physical distancing practices.

In Alberta, restrictions on personal services including barber shops could be lifted as early as May 14. BC is expected to announce details about how they plan to reboot the province's economy soon.

“Our government has made incredible strides in controlling the spread of COVID-19 and must understand that a decision to reopen salons first would put our communities and economy at greater risk than benefit,” the petition says.

The petition organizers surpassed their original goal of 1,500 signatures, and are now aiming for 5,000. As of early Sunday evening, the petition had more than 2,500 signatures.

The BeautyCouncil of Western Canada, which represents members of the personal services industry from hairdressers to skin care, says they don’t hold a position on the petition but are aware of professionals concerned about returning to work too early.

"We want to all go back to work, like everybody else. We do not want to do so at the danger of our members and any working beauty professionals, and we certainly don't want to put anybody who was our client in danger as well,” said Greg Robins, BeautyCouncil executive director.

“Safety and health first, getting back to the economic reality, second.”

Robins said that he believes petitions hold value, but isn't sure how provincial officials will respond to the request.

“[Petitions are] useful as a kind of an indication of the number of people who agree with one aspect of this whole problem, [but] it fails to take a balanced approach and an evidence-based position on what is a very complex issue.”

In late April, the BeautyCouncil surveyed more than 1,600 professionals consisting of salon owners, chair and room renters, and employees. When asked which month they preferred to return to work between May and July to stay financially afloat, respondents voted most heavily to reopen by the end of July. The end of May was the second most popular option.