Lipstick and Locks hairdressing salon in Sudbury launches online auction in aid of My Wish charity at West Suffolk Hospital

A hairdressing salon in Sudbury has launched an online fundraising scheme in aid of front-line medical workers helping to tackle the coronavirus outbreak.

Lipstick and Locks was forced to shut its North Street salon in March, after the Government instructed that all non-essential businesses, including hairdressers, should close to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Salon owner Abigail Cutter is auctioning off the business’s first hairdressing appointment online, which it will offer once it has reopened, with proceeds from the highest bidder being donated to West Suffolk Hospital’s My WiSH charity in Bury St Edmunds.

“We have had so many messages from clients desperate to get their hair done,” said Miss Cutter. “So, we thought it would be a good opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause.”

Having received a large amount of requests for appointment bookings, the business plans to stage a 24-hour event once the salon has reopened to help fulfil the demand.

Miss Cutter said she was delighted by the dedication from her team who have pledged their support to the initiative.

“I have had a lot of staff volunteer to work throughout the night with me,” said the 26-year-old. “We’ve really missed working together and everyone has been sharing ideas on how we can keep the salon safe for customers and staff.”

Once the business begins trading again, a series of safety measures will be imposed to ensure social distancing rules in in the salon satisfy the Government’s guidelines, including the use of perspex screens and personal protective equipment.

To take part in the business’s fundraising scheme, go online to Facebook and search Lipstick and Locks.