Last resort illegality ?: Corona forces hairdressers into debt

Free hairdressing areas, acrylic walls, gloves and disinfectants: despite extensive precautionary measures, hairdressers are not allowed to open their shops and many owners miss out on bridging aids. In times of need, some of them are now illegally cutting their customers' hair, others find it disagreeable.

The hairdressing salons in Germany have been closed again since mid-December. While many owners have livelihood worries, their customers struggle with dark approaches or outgrown cuts. Some are very dissatisfied with their external appearance: Even in Kirstin Ellen Vietze's salon in Berlin-Mitte, people have been calling since the closure who want their hair cut or dyed despite the lockdown.

Vietze does not believe that she will be able to offer her customers appointments again from mid-February. "Cutting your hair black for this reason is out of the question for me," says Vietze ntv.de. That would be a violation of the Infection Protection Act, because body-hugging services – including hairdressing – are prohibited. Those caught face a fine of up to several thousand euros.

Vietze implemented all the requirements of the trade association last year: Due to the minimum distance, it was not possible to work at six hairdressing stations, and purchases such as masks and hand disinfectants cost the hairdresser 20,000 euros. "Under these circumstances we are unable to break even, our profit margins are too small for that," says Vietze.

Sales slump of around 30 percent

The hairdresser cannot rely on the support of the state. Because the industry comes off particularly badly with the various aid packages for the economy. Emergency aid after the outbreak of the pandemic last spring usually had to be repaid, and most salons are not entitled to the relatively generous December aid, which is based on the previous year's sales.

"We are up to our necks – we finally need quick and comprehensive help from the state," says Harald Esser, President of the Central Association of the German Hairdressing Trade. Many hairdressers have empty accounts. The rent and other fixed costs would have to be paid even though there was no income. "We are making an immense contribution to fighting the pandemic, but have nevertheless been forgotten by politicians," complains Esser, referring to the protective measures implemented by the hairdressers.

According to the industry representative, the second lockdown threatens a number of the livelihoods of around 80,000 companies in Germany. The hairdressing trade is about small businesses, says Esser. For that reason alone, they are dependent on help to pay the shop rent. For the year as a whole, the association expects sales to drop by around 30 percent.

Many hairdressers are now hoping for "Bridging Aid III", which, however, is calculated on the basis of fixed costs and should therefore be relatively low. A first partial payment is made in February, the rest in March. Much too late for Vietze, who now has to advance the salaries of her 22 employees.

"When I see what some people are up to in the shadow economy, I am particularly annoyed that we fall through the cracks." After all, it is much more dangerous to have your hair cut at home than in the salon, says Vietze. Because there hygiene measures would certainly be implemented less consistently.

According to the association, there are a number of indications that hairdressing is continuing in Germany despite the ban. All you have to do is look around the street. The industry association agrees with Vietze: In view of the corona pandemic, this is doubly problematic, because distance rules and hygiene regulations are not adhered to. Safe hairdressing services are only possible in professional salons.

Even without customers enough to do

If, contrary to expectations, hairdressers are allowed to open in the middle of the month, Vietze expects a rush of customers in the first few days. "But I fear that on the one hand we will make too little turnover to cover the running costs of the month and on the other hand we will make too much turnover to be entitled to Corona aid."

In the first lockdown, Vietze was able to keep her business going with a loan from her husband. When it became clear that extra time was going to take place, she was about to give up. The hairdresser is now trying to be there for her customers from afar. If you have to look good at a video conference, she simply sends the hair dye for the approach home.

Packing a package, paying bills, making arrangements with the tax advisor: Even without customers in the store, there is a lot to do, says Vietze. Next, the hairdresser plans to take out a quick loan. "We can't hold out for two more months. After all, the loan also wants to be financed."

.