Hairdressers can reopen in Wales from today, and one hairdresser in Newport has thought up a novel way to combat coronavirus fears - by setting up shop outdoors.
Coco Hair and Beauty in Malpas reopened today and has set up an outside area complete with styling chairs, full-length mirrors and a comfy seating area to browse through a magazine.
"We've got two chairs and two mirrors, as well as a seating area where clients can just sit and read while having their colour done," said Tracy O'Sullivan, owner of the salon.
"We've normally got five stations, but we've now got three inside and I've moved two outside, which means we can keep to the two metre distancing.
"I've been here since 7.15am - we're not normally open on a Monday, but given the times were in we said we would.
"I had thought about having an outside area during the summer even before the virus hit. But now it seems like an even better idea. Being outdoors makes our clients feel safer."
Those booked in for those long-awaited highlights need fear not about being exposed to the elements, however.
"If it rains it obviously won't be used - I have waterproof coverings for the chairs and mirrors for when that happens," Tracy explained.
"Obviously if it's windy it wouldn't be ideal, as well as if there's too much sun, which can speed up the colour process. I've got a big parasol up, so part of it is shaded."
"It's great to be back. We're all wearing PPE, gloves and aprons - the visors are taking some getting used to! But we'll see how it goes."
