A Basingstoke hair salon received a visit from the police after a member of the public raised concerns about them being open. 

However, the salon was in fact staying open for hands-on training which has been allowed by the government since March 8.

The Topiary Salon on The Street in Old Basing said in a Facebook post that the members were undertaking colour, cutting and colour theory training as per government rules.

The owner said that she does not know whether to be embarrassed, angry or amused by the visit from the police officer.

She added that the NHBF (National Hair & Beauty Federation) has clarified that hands-on training can take place in salons if the rules are followed.

Writing to Facebook, the owner posted: “I don't know whether to be embarrassed, angry or amused. For the last 2 Thursdays our team have taken part in colour, cutting, and colour theory training.

“The personal care services sector were allowed to reopen from 8 March 2021 to offer practical and hands-on training and assessment.

“We followed government guidance for reopening for hands on training and take the welfare of our team very seriously.

“To confirm the NHBF have clarified that hands on training can take place in salons if:

  • Training cannot be done remotely.
  • Everyone taking part is a staff member.
  • No members of the public are involved.

“So to receive a visit from this nice police officer today came at quite a shock to our team. We had 3 posters displayed clearly in our windows and door, all team members wore appropriate PPE and ALL participants work for The Topiary.

“We hope whomever ‘shopped us’ to the police can sleep easy, knowing that no laws have been broken today.

“We were merely investing in our company's future, giving our team some confidence to return to the workplace and using all our ‘spare time’ to learn to do your hair better!”

Hairdressers and other personal care services will open to members of the public only on April 12.