AN AYR hairdresser who stars in a BBC programme has spoken of his “delight” at being allowed to reopen his salon from July 15.

Jim Higgins, who owns Headstart Hair Studio in Ayr, features in BBC Scotland’s Mirror Mirror – a programme which captures the candid conversations of clients secretly filmed behind the mirror of Scotland’s hairdressers.

The former Westsound and Irvine Beat FM presenter is looking forward to reopening after more than three months since he shut the doors of his salon in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jim said: “It was a bit of a shock when the First Minister announced we would be reopening on July 15 because we were all waiting until we reached Phase 3 and then from the minute she announced it the phone in the shop didn’t stop ringing with people leaving messages, clients contacting me personally and staff, asking if they can get an appointment.

“There was a big rush for the first day which is now fully booked and you have to give longer gaps between clients because you need to leave enough time to clean and sterilise the units which means you cannot fit in as many people.”

He added: “We are all absolutely delighted that we can now see light at the end of the tunnel. It has been a difficult time. When I closed the shop on March 23 I never knew how this would all work out and for the first time in 31 years in business I wasn’t sure what the future held, so we are all happy to get back.”

Despite hairdressers reopening on July 15, Jim admits it will be a different experience for his clients.

The 55-year-old has had to spend over £2,500 to renovate his salon to ensure it is safe for his clients as well as carrying out some renovation work to give it a new look.

Jim said: “I have had to divide the shop into cubicles, which ensures social distancing where you are only interacting with the person doing your hair and clients are asked to bring their own towels and wear face masks..

“I think it will very much take away from the experience. We have been told to limit conversation with clients which will be tough because interaction is a big part of hairdressing and clients often become friends.”

You can watch Jim on Mirror Mirror on the BBC Scotland channel every Friday from 10.30pm.

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