N.B. Salon Owners Celebrate Lifting Of Restrictions
RIVERVIEW – Members of the Cosmetology Association of New Brunswick are hoping they’re on the path to recovery as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Ashley McDavid, Owner of Luxe Salon in Riverview, says they’ll be taking down curtains and plexiglass that were in place during the pandemic.
“The constant openings and closures during the pandemic, it has been tough, but now that we are back to full capacity, I truly hope everyone recovers from that,” said McDavid.
She says some salons will be removing all COVID-19 restrictions, whereas others will continue to wear masks.
McDavid says that even though the restrictions are gone, the effects of the pandemic are left behind in the form of increased costs.
“For us, all of our supplies have increased, so yes, you will see increases on price lists starting now and going forward throughout 2022 as we navigate where we have to be financially,” she said. “Our fees have gone up as well as most salons locally. Some things we used to use on a regular basis, such as gloves, were never in high demand. Now they are and have doubled in cost.”
McDavid hopes even her colleagues who had to close can reopen again.
“My hope going forward is that we don’t close again. I truly hope that any salon that did have to close their doors permanently due to the pandemic, some day will get to reopen,” she said. “There are a few that have lost their battle financially, and that is unfortunate. There were not a lot of resources for us, especially those that have chair renters, so we’re still impacted by that.”
Tara Clow is the news director with 91.9 The Bend in Moncton, a Huddle content partner.