SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- In a sign of desperate times calling for desperate measures, there are reports of hairstylists across California going underground in order to keep working.
Gov. Gavin Newsom rolled out a four-phase plan for reopening the state's businesses. California is currently in phase one, which allows just essential businesses. More businesses will reopen in the following phases. Newsom said phase 2 is weeks away, but phase 3 and phase 4 could be months away, not weeks.
Hair salons fall under phase three of the reopening plan, and it will put financial pressure on hairstylists, and shoot up the demand for their services. During the ongoing stay-at-home order, there are already instances of hairstylists meeting clients in secret to do business.
“I don’t think they’re rumors,” said salon owner Kimberly Creekmore. “I’ve definitely heard of it happening.”
Creekmore says she understands why some stylists and customers decide to do business against the current social distancing guidelines. She says she chooses not to do so and recommends against it because of risks that go beyond any possible fines.
“I’d say the biggest risk that there is that you get the virus, and you spread it to someone unknowingly,” she said, referring to the safety of both the stylist and the client.
Though she worries if salons aren’t allowed to reopen anytime soon, and economic pressure sets in, she believes it may force many more to take their chances.
“I just feel for everybody that’s being put in that position,” Creekmore said.