PHOENIX, AZ — Governor Ducey's stay-at-home home order does not apply to a lot of industries because they are considered essential.
The designation is not sitting well with some in the beauty industry.
Cosmetologist Chelsea Resto says the decision to keep businesses like beauty and nail salons on the essential services list might sound nice, but causes more problems.
"In actuality it’s a very dangerous situation that we’re putting the community in and our industry in," she said.
Because Resto says it's unrealistic to social distance and do someone's hair, nails or a facial.
"We are working in close proximity to our clientele which would be impossible to implement the social distancing of the six feet," she said.
The beauty industry just one of several considered essential under Governor Ducey's stay-at-home order.
Dry cleaners, laundromats, bike shops, and pawnshops are also considered essential.
Which means as of 5 p.m. on Tuesday nothing really changes for them or the general public.
We can still go to parks, still play golf, stop by the hardware store and still get your hair done.
We asked Resto if she thought Governor's inclusion of the industry was well-intentioned. She responded, "No. I think he's being very irresponsible."
Cosmetologists around the state are petitioning Ducey to shut the industry down.
Resto says aside from the health concerns the financial concerns are significant.
Many of her clients have already canceled because they are trying to follow CDC recommended social distancing practices and it has drastically reduced income.
But Resto says being considered essential makes it even worse, because it takes away the cover of being able to negotiate with landlords because technically, they can work.
"To be able to defer rent for us or put something on hold or work out some kind of arrangement where we can all survive. We’re just staying afloat at this point," she said.
For now, Resto say she is hoping the Governor reconsiders.
"I would like him to deem salons, spas, nail salons, barbershops non-essential so that we can keep our clients and the community safe," she said. " And move forward with this sooner rather than delaying the inevitable."
