Tabisile Mahleka

Local beauty salons and tattoo parlours geared up for business amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

This follows the announcement on the 22^nd of June, that beauty salons and tattoo parlours can open for business. Much to everyone’s excitement, salon owner, Abel John is excited to reopen his salon. The salon owner said knowing how busy his salon is normally, he had to prepare earlier for the reopening.

“The safety of our customers and employees takes priority, we will be sanitising before entering and making sure that employees use clean and sterilised equipment. Masks to be worn by employees and customers always,” said John.

The beauty industry was amongst the other industries that were hit hard as its workers solely depend on their monthly salaries. The reopening was a relief for many as they felt secure financially again.

Tattoo artist well known as Inkmaster QM, working at a local tattoo parlour in the Durban CBD, said he is excited to be back in studio. They were also affected by the lockdown that immediately stopped them from making an income.

“A month into lockdown, I realised that I had to find a way of making an income, that was when I got the idea of doing house calls. The pandemic had affected us financially as we are not even assisted by the government,” he said.

Tools and furniture had been sanitised. Tattoo artists sterilise their equipment before and after using. Inkmaster said he is dedicated to preventing the spread of the virus by protecting the workers and clients.

Picture: InkMaster QM