Barber all set to reopen in style on July 15

Luigi Caterino, the award-winning owner of The Italian Job Barbers in Channel Street, has come up with several safety precautions for his customers and staff.

For many of his customers not brave enough to either cut their own hair or let a family member do so, it will their first chance to get a haircut or a professional shave since March.

And it’s been a testing time for Luigi himself.

He told us: “After working in the barbers six days a week, sometimes seven, to then be secluded to the house has been tough.

“The thing that’s gotten us all through this hard time is knowing that no matter what, we will all still have our customers and friends to see in our shop again and it will all be over shortly.

“Me and my staff can’t wait to be back to work and enjoying every day – to get back to a normal routine again.”

However, some customers may be a bit wary of going back so quickly, so he has put in place measures to ease their concerns.

For instance, he has established a new mobile phone app for customers to book an appointment slot, and will not allow anyone to just walk in off the street.

Appointments can also be made by phone on 01896 209217l.

Luigi has been taking bookings from July 9, but any taken between that date and July 15 will be rescheduled.

Luigi said: “It will mean our shop will be open under certain restrictions, but we are so ready.”

The shop is giving each customer a personal covid kit, which includes a disposable face mask, hair cape, paper towel, neck strip, gloves, comb and cut-throat razor.

Luigi said this pack will be free of charge for all customers who book a slot using the app.

In addition, hand sanitiser will be available for customers, who must wear either their own mask or the one provided in the pack.

Customers must arrive alone, unless they require a registered carer or are under the age of 12, and they must turn up with their hair washed.

Luigi added: “If their hair is not washed, they may use our shampoo washing basin at an extra cost.”