A hairdresser who planned to open a salon in January has finally opened after nearly six months of lockdown.
And The Lounge on Tolbooth Street has already been shortlisted twice for a New Salon of the Year in the Hair and Beauty Awards.
Jacob Cairney decided to open a salon in Forres because he says people will always need their hair doing.
He said: “It had always been my dream to have my own salon, and despite any pandemic people always need their hair done.
“With support and encouragement from my partner, family and clients I went for it when the opportunity arose.
“In a society where appearance is sadly a big focus point it also plays a part on people’s mental health and I feel it should be considered a necessity.”
Due to the pandemic, Jacob is operating an appointments only policy, and other measures to protect customers.
“I now tend to only do one client before the next whereas I would have two or three in at one time. I use more sanitiser/bleach and disenfectant than you can shake a stick at, take card payments where possible, and don’t allow refreshments or magazines. And of course masks need to be worn.
Jacob has been a hairdresser for 11 years, and has a significant ‘wall of fame’ to show all the training he has undertaken.
“I have spent a lot of time in the industry really listening to what the customers want. I pride myself in offering a bespoke service to each of my clients in a relaxed atmosphere.
“I specialise in hair extensions and soon to be moving onto non-surgical hair replacement.”
The salon was formerly occupied by LJ’s Beauty Secrets and Jacob moved in just as the Boxing Day lockdown started.
He said: “I originally planned to take time to refurbish the salon over winter period as January is a quiet month and open in February in line with my customers follow-up appointments from the ones made prior to the Boxing Day lockdown.”