Salon owners and hairstylists face continued uncertainty

Salon owners and hairstylists in the area remain closed, with no clear end in sight.

In remarks on Monday, Gov. Roy Cooper remained unclear as to whether Phase 2 of his reopening plan would go into effect on May 22 as planned. Even if the reopening goes ahead on schedule, Cooper would not commit to including hair salons among those allowed to reopen. 

“Phase 2 potentially looks at allowing those kinds of services to open. We haven’t made the decision on Phase 2 yet but we would anticipate that, but also say to both the customers and the people who are performing these services that you both have real responsibilities here to protect each other because you are also protecting each other’s families and friends,” Cooper said.

Tonya Adams, owner of the Beauty Box salon in Kinston, said the situation is difficult. 

“It’s been almost two months since we could go to work and make money. I’m a responsible adult, so I’m going to do everything I can to protect myself and I will require my customers to do the same thing. I’m ready to go back to work, and the anxiety of not knowing is frustrating,” Adams said. 

Shamika Hall-Williams, owner of the Hair Emporium in Kinston, said that while the waiting isn’t easy, the safety of herself and her customers is worth the delay.

“I’m definitely looking forward to reopening when we are allowed to, but I do feel like it’s too soon for us to open because of the close contact we have with clients, knowing that some could be asymptomatic,” Hall-Williams said. 

The lack of income has been tough, Hall-Williams said, and she understands the impatience of many stylists and barbers, but the safety of the community and the stylists themselves is also important, she said.

“If you get sick, you still can’t work, you’re still not going to be able to make money,” Hall-Williams said. 

Amy Albritton, owner of the Total Experience Salon & Spa, emphasized her concern for the safety of the community, but said salons and all business could and should be reopened in a “safe, respectful, and responsible way.” 

“We are excited for our tenants to be able to make a living again, and for their clients to begin receiving quality personal services again,” Albritton said. 

Gov. Cooper is expected to make an announcement about the potential to move to Phase 2 at 5 p.m. on Wednesday.