A neighborhood in one of the oldest housing complexes in Bekasi has a regular guest on weekends; a barber.

Offering the service through advertisements posted in WhatsApp groups, the barber-by-appointment is equipped with gloves, health masks and face shields, as well as disinfectant and hand sanitizer.

Ivan Pratama, the owner of O-DEL’s barbershop on Jl. Raya Narogong, Cileungsi – bordering Bekasi and Bogor – started the door-to-door service in April to cope with the current situation.

“The barbershop has to close for an indefinite period of time and we know that many people are stuck at home and need our service. By offering our service door-to-door, at least our workers can still earn an living,” he told The Jakarta Post.

Stefani Ribka, who manages the Mutiara Family Salon in Serpong, Banten,  began offering home services on April 29 after the salon’s income had dropped 80 percent.

Demand was high in May, during which salon workers could visit 12 houses a day. 

“And the number of customers on each visit varied, so we had to set a limit for the number of visits we could make in a day,” said Ribka, adding that in some cases,  customers had made arrangements for their neighbors as well.

“We could send a hairstylist or up to three workers if the customer also requests a manicure and pedicure services.”

Although many customers have returned to the hair salon, the home service will still be available for those reluctant to leave their homes for a hair trim.

Sita Dewi, a journalist, and mother to 4-year-old Bumi, said she used the home service because she personally knew Ribka.

“I knew that she was not someone who would disregard health protocols and that the hairstylist was her younger sister and lived in the same house as her. Without this knowledge, I would not invite people to come to my house,” she said.

Sita was more convinced of her decision as she saw the salon equipment had been sterilized before use and the hairstylist wore a hairnet and mask while working.

“I hope all beauty salons are more attentive to safety protocols even after the pandemic,” she added.

But would she use the service again?

“I don’t think so. It’s my concern to find a service in which the workers are the least susceptible to virus infection. The home service was a good experience but it should be ‘me time’ when I should not be bothered by house chores or child-rearing. 

“And while at a beauty salon, we can ask for a massage or nail treatment, which are impossible at home.”