Christie Foster says she and her clients are happy that the federal government made hairdressing an essential service.
Ms Foster, who owns Foster & Co Hairdressing at Merewether, has adapted her business to the coronavirus crisis.
Having spent a fortnight in isolation after returning from a conference in Bali in March, she knows the importance of real-world contact.
She said women attending her salon were gaining mental health benefits.
With the challenges of working from home while looking after kids, many women need a release.
"Coming to the salon is pretty much the only sense of normality they've got. You can never underestimate a visit to the salon. It's such a feelgood factor," she said.
She added that professional women still working need to maintain their appearance, "even for a Zoom call from home".
Ms Foster said she was "excited to go to work every day more than ever".
She was leaving work each day feeling a strong sense of love and gratitude.
"Every person that comes through my salon is so grateful I'm here. They leave with an extra bounce in their step.
"I've got women going home saying, 'I'm feeling like I can be a good mum again'."
Ms Foster has adapted her business to the current climate.
The salon normally has space for five clients. Now she is serving only two clients at a time, one on each side of the salon. She provides sanitiser, tissues, gloves and disinfectant wipes.
"I've gone above and beyond to create a calm, nurturing and safe space."
She said it should be acknowledged that "Newcastle is doing incredibly well" during the crisis.
"The community is coming together in a nice positive way. It's not all doom and gloom."
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