A Hairdo and a Hug: Emerging From Lockdown

The UK is gradually emerging from lockdown and freedoms are returning, but after all this time I’ve been finding it all more difficult than I thought I would. Part of this was that having to make yet another readjustment. I’ve got quite used to staying at home to stay safe. On odd occasions I’ve been out I wear my mask and socially distance like a pro. It’s become so normal that watching an old film or TV show looks quite weird when people are close together! Until recently there was part of me that wondered if it was all worth it if infections rose again to the point that COVID safety measures would have to be reintroduced. As the vaccination programme rolls out at a brisk pace and and community transmission has so far remained low despite some relaxations of the rules, it really is looking better.

Also, I’ve had my first dose of the vaccine, which still confers a good amount of immunity (though of course I will get my second injection when it is due). Here in Northumberland infection rates are very low and though they fluctuate a little, the numbers involved are not significant. With all this good news you’d think I’d be raring to go. I’m a science graduate: I understand how viruses and vaccines work and know how to interpret the statistics, but somehow I seemed to have lost my confidence to interact beyond my family bubble and the various Zoom groups I’m in. I’ve developed COVanxiety! I’m working hard to change though.

When hairdressers reopened last month I gave it a week for the initial rush to recede before I made an appointment They have been incredibly busy but managed to fit me in on Saturday for my first visit in over a year. Last year I remained cautious and put it off….then we locked down again. My hair, which is usually styled in a jaw-length bob, had grown well past my shoulders and was very grey. Some people can really rock long grey hair buti’m not one of them. I just looked like a washed out mess. I pinned it up most of the time. It didn’t help when K commented about my Mary Beard look. If you haven’t come across Professor Beard, she is an eminent historian and broadcaster. I love her documentaries but not her hair!

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to the hairdresser. My usual stylist was having a well-earned day off but I was well looked after by lovely Livvy, a friend of my daughter’s that I’ve known since she was little. My hair is now neatly trimmed just to my shoulders (any shorter would have been too much of a shock after achieving such length!) I can see from under my fringe and the grey is gone. It’s not just the pampering. Having a coffee and chatting with people I haven’t seen in ages (and total strangers) was quite a refreshing change. Livvy did a great job!

On Monday, bars and restaurants were allowed to have customers back inside and cautious hugging could resume. I went to see my mum for a legal hug! Although we’ve seen each other every week and are part of the same family support bubble, we’ve maintained a safe distance for months. We are both huggers and it felt good!

Since my haircut I feel ready to start facing the world again so I’ve been working hard to get out more. I went shopping two days running and ended up in a cafe for hot chocolate and cake today. Confidence is returning and it feels good.

How is your post-lockdown readjustment going?