A Rahway hair salon has reopened after being forced to close because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ava’s Hair Studio owner Ava Gill says that things were a little tense because the salon had to be closed for so long.

“Two weeks turned into a month, then two months, then three months and then it’s like, ‘OK, the landlords are still calling and you still have to pay your bills,” Gill says.

The salon is now reopened and Gill says that she is not taking any chances when it comes to her customers’ safety.

“I have a thermometer, so when they walk in, I check their temperatures…As soon as they come in, they wash their hands. They have to wear a mask,” she says.

Gill also says that instead of the regular material capes, each client wears disposable ones.

“We have to sanitize before and after they get up out of a chair,” she says.

The stylists also wear face shields for extra protection. Customers were happy to return.

“Just support small businesses. We’re here, especially minority-owned businesses, because we’re the least to get help,” says Gill.

The salon is opened by appointment only.