Tim Brackett likes to keep his blond hair trimmed short. He gets a haircut every three weeks, like clockwork.
But with his barbershop shuttered along with other nonessential businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, the Minneapolis machinist decided it was time to try a different hairstyle: He shaved his head.
During this time of home quarantines and isolation, many of our routines and habits — from haircuts to morning makeup — have been upended. While Brackett went for a Mr. Clean look, many of us are getting a little, well, scruffy.
Some are embracing the chance to dismiss beauty and grooming standards that can be time-consuming and expensive. Even talk-show host Kelly Ripa, who keeps her hair a perfect blond, is letting her gray roots come in — and sharing photos of the widening line on Instagram, calling it "roots watch."
Others are clinging to their morning routines even though they aren't leaving the house, or going DIY — sales of at-home hair dye have spiked, and a top U.S. Google search right now is "how to cut men's hair at home."
While salons are closed, some loyal customers are paying stylists in advance to support them during this financial pinch. Others are getting advice about what to do (and what not to do).
JUUT Salon Spa, which has seven Twin Cities locations, sent an e-mail to its customers, advising them to avoid cutting their own bangs or coloring their own hair with permanent dye. Instead, they suggested using temporary coloring powders to avoid at-home mistakes that might require corrective color later, and styling overgrown bangs swept to the side or pinned up.
Of course, not everyone has that kind of patience.
