Hairstylists, barbers, nail technicians concerned they are being left out of phase 1 of Florida’s reopening plan

ORLANDO, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis visited Orange County to meet with Mayor Jerry Demings about allowing personal service businesses to reopen.

Many hairstylists, barbers and nail technicians are concerned they are being left out of the reopening plan.

Shop owners said even with fewer clients in chairs, wearing masks in an empty barbershop or salon will soon be the new normal.

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They said it is one of several changes necessary to safely reopen.

“It’s 100% necessary for us. First of all to reopen to survive,” said Nadine Tarpley, a hair salon owner.

Tarpley believes most salons and barbershops are ready to move forward safely with masks for staff and customers, disposable capes, plenty of hand sanitizer and more.

Tarpley was one of four personal services professionals that met with Gov. Ron DeSantis Saturday to try to convince him that leaving them out of phase one of the reopening plan is a mistake.

They had Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings on their side, who asked the state earlier this week to reconsider, at least for his county.

It’s an issue that helped motivate dozens of protesters.

Some say allowing their businesses to reopen prioritizes dollars and people’s vanity over safety.

There’s at least one entrepreneur who agrees that her nail salon business and others should consider holding off.

“We should learn from whatever the phase one first, and then restart from slowly. I think that will be more safe for the community, for the customer and for their employer,” said Mary Chau.

Others at the meeting said to cut hair they had to get a license, which ensures that they are already trained on sanitation.

Barber J Henry said he already runs a tight ship and he will be responsible in making sure everyone complies.

“This is nothing new for us. The pandemic is new, but being clean and safe and keeping things sanitized and sterilized for our business and for our clients, this is normal for us,” Henry said.

Shop owners said they understand so many different services are offered the decision could take a few days to make, but they said they are ready to flip the sign from closed to open as soon as the governor allows it.

Cox Media Group