Richard’s Hair co-owner Rich Pinciaro welcomed customers back to his salon on Tuesday as the Western New York region transitioned to Phase Two in the re-opening plan.

Equipped with masks, face shields and gloves, local salons and barbershops began welcoming patrons on Tuesday as the Western New York region transitioned into Phase Two of New York State’s reopening plan.

With the transition, hair stylists and barbers were able to resume cutting and coloring hair, but are still unable to wax eyebrows, trim beards or perform any nail services. Businesses are also limited to 50% of their maximum capacity and customer seating must be at least 6 feet apart unless a physical barrier is placed between seating.

Barbers and stylists are also required to wear a face-covering in addition to a face shield when interacting with customers, something the city of Jamestown and Chautauqua County are teaming up to provide to local businesses, Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist announced yesterday.

Richard’s Hair on Allen Street was one salon that reopened on Tuesday — welcome news to residents who have not been able to see a hairdresser since salons closed on March 20.

“It’s just wonderful,” said city resident Sue Schifano with a laugh. “It’s been quite some time and I feel like a whole new person.”

Richard’s Hair co-owner Kimberly Pinciaro colors a customer’s hair on Tuesday as salon’s across the Western New York region transitioned to Phase Two in the state’s re-opening plan.

Patrons were alerted via phone call late last week that the appointment book had reopened. Upon arriving, customers are required to wait in their car until the salon calls them to come inside so as to keep as few people in the shop as possible.