The push for personal service-based businesses to be included in the early stages of states opening, needs to stop. Especially speaking for my state of Massachusetts, where we currently are ranking third in the country for confirmed cases and deaths, particularly in the area that I work which have the highest numbers in the state (Middlesex and Essex county).

   The nature of our business is that we are in close proximity and touching our clients for prolonged periods of time. We should be among the last to be safely phased into openings. Reducing occupancy does not reduce the amount of contact we have with clients. In fact, it only reduces the amount of hairdressers that can work at one time. This, not only fails us from a public safety standpoint, it also means that many small businesses will not be able to produce the appropriate income to pay staff and landlords. Ours and many others business models, quite simply, will be reduced to half. Not to mention, the amount of time that will need to be allotted in between each appointment for the extra sanitation of each individual apparatus along with the extra time added during each appointment to follow the other restrictions that will be put in place. Our entire business model will be adjusted dramatically. So, along with that, we will need our financial responsibilities to be adjusted too!

   Opening too soon, with heavy restrictions, compromises our personal safety and puts our businesses at even more risk of financial failure. Also, what about our clients that will refuse us business because they too are fearful for their safety because it is simply too early? How can we financially support ourselves with the refusal of business from our regular clients who otherwise would be promptly serviced? We simply won’t have the resources in a mere few weeks to follow the PPE guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone in our space. We would be taking away from the medical professionals (who already are in such need of the necessary equipment) to ensure the safety of our community and follow the strict guidelines that will be put in place.

   Additionally, those (myself included) that have children, and especially single parents, have been completely neglected in this issue. Our children are out of school and unable to attend day camps or care centers of any sort safely. They have nearly 8 weeks still left of homeschooling. How can we work efficiently enough to support our financial responsibilities without our children being educated properly and taken care of safely at this time? Trust me. I am chomping at the bit to get back to my clients, who I know also miss and need me as I do them, but now is not the responsible time to do so. 

   The government is opening us up not because it is safe. They are opening us up because they are more worried about an economic collapse than our lives. The voices of those who are requesting our services are louder than the voices who are concerned for our well being. And this needs to change. And that starts with you. I know I’m just one small hair stylist, but I'm not alone in this and we need your help.

   In conclusion, we need state officials to not only give our industry the appropriate access to funds and resources, but also prioritize our safety, by pushing our industry to the back of the line for reopening.