Hanoians flock to get haircut after Covid restrictions ease

Right after Hanoi allowed many businesses including barbershops to open starting Tuesday morning, many Hanoians have rushed to have their hair cut after months of lockdown.

A barbershop on Bui Xuong Trach Street in Thanh Xuan District welcomed its first patrons at around 9 a.m. on Tuesday. With only two barbers, many people had to wait hours to have their hair cut.

After learning the shop would reopen, many people had texted and called to make reservations, said Duy, the owner. His shop, with five barbers, served nearly 30 customers in the morning.

Another barbershop in Dong Da District is filled with barbers and clients in the afternoon.
Dai, the owner, said he is surprised at the surging number of patrons on reopening day.
"We have had nearly 100 customers since the morning - every one wants to have a new look before going back to work," he commented, adding around 50 people had made reservations for the following day.

After waiting two hours, Hung finally had his hair cut.
"I did not expect it would be so crowded, I have to wait and skip my lunch!"

Street barbers have also had a lot of clients, who must wait hours before being served.
Malls, fashion shops, cosmetic stores, barbershops, repair shops for vehicles and electrical appliances, stores that sell books, office and study tools, business activities on e-commerce platforms and online delivery can all resume, starting 6 a.m. Tuesday. Food and beverage establishments can only sell takeaways and must close before 9 p.m.

A street cut costs around VND50,000 ($2.20).

Giang (R) reopened at 7:30 a.m. and served more than 20 clients in the morning.
"I have served dozens of people, others are still waiting and some said they would come back later. I guess I will work until the evening."
The capital has undergone a series of social distancing orders since July 24. It has recorded 4,178 Covid-19 cases since.