From salons to farmlands for a haircut

Apr 9, 2020, 04.20 AM IST

Krishnagiri: With customers refusing to visit hairdressing salons, where they say physical distancing can’t be maintained due to space constrains, barbers are now offering services on agricultural lands in Mekalachinnampalli village near Hosur in the district.

The state government had earlier permitted salons to function for four hours a day from 6am. However, the response from the customers wasn’t encouraging as they were concerned about high chances of contracting the virus in small enclosed places like salons.

One of the villagers, M Samykannu, told TOI that maintaining physical distancing at salons was not possible. “Due to space constraint, customers can’t maintain the required distance of 6ft gap,” he said.

There are eight barbers in the village, with each of them having their own salon, which remained closed for the past two weeks. K Subbaiyah, a barber, said, “We don’t have any option to run the family. So, we have made temporary arrangements on agricultural lands. Most of the customers are bringing their own blades, combs and scissors. Some of them come with plastic chairs or wooden stools too.”

The barbers said they would completely disinfect the combs, scissors and other items after every use. The villagers have welcomed the move and expressed the readiness to extend their support to the barbers.