Hairdressers have expressed relief over the government's decision to keep them shut when the country moves down to alert level-3.

Salons have been declared as not meeting requirements of a safe business to operate under level-3 restrictions.

Chair of New Zealand Association of Registered Hairdressers Niq James says they’re pleased over the decision.

"There's definitely no way you can do the hair from one metre away, so to work in that environment, we basically couldn't do it, so we're really pleased the Government's actually said that, are level three, we won't be returning to work." 

The Association yesterday sent out a Government document to its salons on each of the four alert levels and what they mean for the hairdressing industry.

For level 3, it said businesses would have to remain closed but online sales of items approved by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment could go ahead. No industry-related events of more than 100 people could go ahead.

Training providers should also stay closed. Salons and barbershops in malls which are allowed to be open should stop hair services but can sell products to the public.

For level 2, it said staff should minimise client contact and work from behind them as much as possible. Every second seat should be used.

Magazines should be removed, refreshments should not be served and clients could be asked to bring their own.

Staff with compromised immune systems should not be at work and PPE should be offered to staff "if required". Non-essential industry travel should be limited.

Clients over 70 or those with compromised immune systems should not be at work and all clients should have their name and contact details taken.