“I love what I do,” said Jacob Swain, owner of Phoenix Unisex Barbers in Stonehouse. He is one of many barbers and hairdressers in Gloucestershire who provide a vital service to the local community.
Phoenix offers a relaxed environment for those who prefer a short style. In addition to cutting hair, we also offer beard trimming, shaping, and hair washing.
Many people were in desperate need of a haircut during the tough times of the coronavirus pandemic. For some of us, our hair grew too long and felt untidy, so this was a much-needed relief.
Read more: New Gloucester Half Marathon dates in support of Sue Ryder
Read more: “I’m blind and as soon as people see my white cane, they disappear” – Meet Derek who talks about our visual impairment
Jacob, who is based in Gloucester Road, said his experience with Covid-19 had been strange. We are now accommodating more appointments and some people travel to Somerset to book their barbers.
He further adds: I think some people want to get a haircut in a hurry. Salons are visited by people of all ages, and there have been challenges such as rising costs such as heating costs. ”
In a post-pandemic world, barbers like Jacob and Jez Fellpotts of Alan’s Barber Shop in Tewkesbury feel more appreciated. In fact, since the lockdown, people seem to be placing more emphasis on their trade.
Jez talked about how the pandemic has revealed who his regular customers are, saying, “It’s helped us see what type of customers are coming back to the store. “The number of young people is increasing,” he said.
He added: “There are certainly a few people who come in for longer haircuts every month, but it’s for economic reasons.”
Like all barbers and cosmetologists, the cost of living crisis is having an impact. “Costs are going up, not because we want customers to pay more, but because of the cost of the equipment we’re buying. Prices have gone up 25%.”
Regarding feeling that his profession is valued, he said: “I think people probably don’t realize how important a haircut is to them. When you start looking shabby in the mirror, you want to make yourself look better. We certainly have regular customers. “meanwhile [the pandemic] When some of us were in the dumps, desperate to meet us on the other side of the moon. ”