This is important because people are already suffering from the shut-down. Now they can't get their hair cut or colored, which can be a humiliating proposition for many. Women especially, that are in "essential" businesses themselves, are being forced to go to work with un-kept hair and grown-out color. Furthermore, independent stylists are at risk of losing their small businesses and DESERVE to be allowed to service their fellow community members. If GOLF COURSES and CAR WASHES can be open...???...then independent hair salon owners that can service one client at a time should be too!

As cosmetologist and barbers if we don’t work we don’t get paid. We need to work and don’t need to rely on the government! Please open our shops even if it’s a soft open.

This is important because we offer services that contribute to our clientele’s self esteem and public appearance. Our services decrease the likely good of suffering affects of mental illness and enhances self worth in those that are performing essential services as well.

The survival of independent beauty professionals is at risk. Like most of America independent contractors are facing a grave financial hardship. Due to COVID-19 beauty professionals have had their businesses closed down, meaning that their main, and in some cases only source of income has ceased to exist. There is no compensated time off for individuals in this profession and many are now struggling to make ends meet.

Cosmetologists, Barbers, Esthetician’s Massage Therapist and Nail Technicians are self employed and have taking huge financial hit during this crisis. Allowing them to open up would ensure they are able to remain in business. There is less risk of the virus spreading in a salon with 5-10 people or less than in a grocery store. Most if not all salons already have sanitation practices in place that would ensure the virus doesn’t spread. Additional disinfecting, sanitation, cleaning and safety measures can and have already been put in place to effectively lower the risk of Covid-19 even more. It’s also worth mentioning that lifting the ban of operation for businesses within the beauty, does not mean all will reopen, it just gives those who wish to the right to do so. People have the right to operate their businesses, just as people have the right to decide what businesses they feel pose a higher risk to them during this time, if they feel that a Salon/Spa/Barber/Nail shop put them at higher risk they do not have to go to one. At this time, with all other businesses such as restaurants, retail and now recreational sports allowed to reopen and operate with limited additional measures in place, it only makes sense to grant the same right to the beauty industry, especially given the level of regulations in place for licensing and operating a business within the beauty industry.

The survival of the independent beauty professionals is at risk. They are facing a grave financial hardship.

A lot of barbershops are small business owners they are taking a really big hit during the pandemic and could possibly lose their business

Pets are considered family members to their owners and getting regular grooming is essential to their health and wellness. Grooming salons have sanitary protocols in place to keep every owner and pet safe.

The survival of the independent beauty professionals is at risk. We are properly trained and practice safety and sanitation at the same level of hospitals and health care. We are facing a grave financial hardship, as a whole.

Most salons are owner operated and do not qualify for unemployment or any type of income assistance. Hair and Nail salons already practice extreme sanitation and cleanliness practices.

For the livelihood of the licensed hairstylist.

The survival of the independent beauty professional is at risk. We are facing a grave financial hardship.