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Salons, barber shops reopen across Tennessee with new guidelines

Masks, social distancing and sanitizing everything all now take priority as hairdressers return to work.

MARYVILLE, Tenn. — It's the day a lot of people with growing hair have been waiting for.

Hair salons and barber shops all across the state are open once again.

These businesses reopened in Knox County May 1, but all surrounding counties on Wednesday May 6.

"It feels good to be back in the shop," said Carey Cooley, co-owner of Textür Salon & Spa in Maryville.

But her shop and a lot of others look a little different now.

"Our clients are having to stay in their cars and call us and let us know when they're here and we tell them we'll walk them in," said Cooley. "We sanitize in between each station, have clients sanitize before they come sit down in our chair."

RELATED: Knox county salons, barber shops to open Friday while surrounding counties fear loss of business

Only half the staff is working at a time to make sure the salon doesn't get crowded.

Because of this they're already booked for the rest of the month.

Cooley said most clients have been patient and supportive.

"The few that have been very hateful and acted like they're gonna go somewhere else, we're like, 'If you can get in anywhere else believe me let us know' because we're having to turn people down all the time right now," said Cooley.

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She said most customers are willing to work with the changes, because they'll adapt to anything if they can finally get their hair cut.

"If it's helping them to get back in business and keep safety, oh definitely I think you need to do it," said customer Donna Holder.

Cooley asks for patience when trying to schedule an appointment with your hairdresser.

Most salons will require you to wear your own mask, and are appointment only.

Check with your local salon for their updated guidelines.

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