Salons, barbershops allowed to reopen as part of next phase of Gov. Abbott's plan

AUSTIN, Texas - Governor Greg Abbott is allowing another wave of businesses to reopen today as part of his plan and the state's response to getting the Texas economy back up and running.

Hair salons, nail salons, barbershops, and tanning salons across the state can reopen and while some say they will remain closed for now, others are saying they must reopen to stay afloat.

RELATED: Hair salons planning to reopen having trouble finding supplies

The salons and barbershops can open with limited capacity and the state recommends that both employees and customers be screened when entering. All equipment must be cleaned or disinfected after each use as well.

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Face masks are recommended but they are not required. Stylists are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance to limit the number of people gathering in the shop and clients are not allowed to bring anyone with them.

Officials say there should be at least six feet of social distancing between operating work stations. Walk-in clients will have to wait outside until it's their turn.

RELATED: Texas hair salons, barbershops, nail/tanning salons to reopen May 8; gyms on May 18

Diesel Barbershop says it has a plan in place to implement guidelines along with extra sanitary precautions. The shop's owner, Kelly Smentek, says it wasn't just a demand from customers and wanting to get employees back to work but mental health that played a factor in deciding to reopen.

"The service we provide is really important because if you have a great haircut you feel better about yourself and if you feel better about yourself then your mental health improves and I really just feel like at this time with everything going on, mental health is so important," says Smentek.

RELATED: Hair salons left out of new executive order from Gov. Abbott

When it comes to nail salons, manicure tables should be disinfected prior to each client's appointment and if towels are used they must be washed in hot water and bleach.

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