Navigating the Underground Strikes: How Gusto Hairdressing Is Keeping You Beautiful

London's ongoing Tube strikes this week are creating unprecedented challenges for everyone trying to get around the capital—and that includes our talented team of stylists and colourists. At Gusto Hairdressing, we want to keep you informed about how these transport disruptions might affect your appointments and what we're doing to minimise any inconvenience.

Current Service Updates Across Our Salons

Our Covent Garden, Oxford Street locations are all experiencing varying degrees of staff availability due to the transport strikes affecting the capital until Thursday 11th September. While we remain committed to providing exceptional service, some of our team members are facing significant travel challenges getting to work.

Some stylists may arrive later than usual or need to leave earlier to ensure they can get home safely. Others who typically rely on the Underground are exploring alternative routes, which may result in adjusted working hours throughout the strike period.

We're working closely with each team member to understand their individual transport situations and are adjusting our scheduling accordingly. This means some appointment slots may need to be moved, and we're prioritising communication with affected clients as early as possible.

What This Means for Your Appointments

Existing appointments booked for this week are our top priority. Our reception teams are calling clients proactively to confirm appointments and discuss any potential timing adjustments. If your stylist typically starts at 9am but can't arrive until 10am due to transport issues, we'll contact you to reschedule accordingly.

Same-day availability may be more limited than usual, but we're also finding that some clients are cancelling due to their own transport difficulties, which occasionally creates unexpected openings. We recommend calling on the morning of your desired appointment to check for any last-minute availability.

Weekend appointments are likely to be less affected, as many of our team live closer to central London and public transport tends to be more reliable at weekends even during strike periods.

How We're Adapting Our Services

Extended appointment times are being offered where possible. If you do manage to make it to the salon during this challenging period, we want to ensure you receive maximum value from your visit. This might mean combining services or adding intensive treatments that extend the time between necessary appointments.

Flexible start times are available for clients who can only travel during off-peak hours when buses and alternative transport are less crowded. Some of our stylists are starting earlier or staying later when their transport situation allows.

Priority rebooking is being given to clients whose appointments need to be rescheduled due to staff availability. We're maintaining a priority list to ensure you're accommodated as soon as normal service resumes.

Our Stylists' Innovative Solutions

Team collaboration has never been stronger. When one stylist can't make it in, colleagues are stepping up to cover essential appointments. Our senior stylists are working with assistants to ensure colour processing and cutting services can continue with minimal disruption.

Extended service packages are being offered by stylists who do make it in for full days. This means if your colourist is available, they might suggest combining your root touch-up with a deep conditioning treatment or glossing service to maximise your visit.

Flexible break schedules mean our team can accommodate unusual appointment times. If you can only travel at 2pm on a Tuesday when most salons are quieter, we're adjusting lunch breaks and scheduling to make this work.

Booking Strategies During the Strikes

Morning appointments (before 7am) are proving most reliable, as many of our stylists are making the effort to arrive early via alternative transport before the worst of the commuter chaos begins.

Late afternoon slots (after 4pm) are also more achievable for team members who can navigate the transport system during slightly quieter periods.

Mid-week availability is most affected, particularly Tuesday through Thursday. If you have flexibility, Monday and Friday appointments are encountering fewer staff-related disruptions.

Special Services We're Prioritising

Colour emergencies remain our top priority. If you're dealing with a root situation that absolutely cannot wait, our colourists are making extra efforts to accommodate these urgent appointments.

Pre-booked special occasions are being handled with particular care. If you have a wedding, important meeting, or special event this week, please call us immediately so we can ensure your stylist's availability is confirmed.

Maintenance cuts for existing clients are being prioritised over new client consultations, simply because we can work more efficiently with clients whose hair we know well.

Communication is Key

Real-time updates are available through our social media channels and by calling the salon directly. Transport situations can change rapidly during strike periods, so we're updating availability throughout each day.

48-hour advance booking is strongly recommended during the strike period. This gives us time to coordinate with stylists and confirm their ability to be present for your appointment.

Same-day confirmation calls are being made to all clients. We'll call you on the morning of your appointment to confirm timing and provide any updates about your stylist's availability.

Making the Most of Uncertain Times

Comprehensive consultations are being offered to clients who do make it in. If you're unsure when you'll next be able to visit due to ongoing transport uncertainty, we'll discuss longer-lasting styles and colour techniques that provide maximum longevity.

Professional product recommendations are being tailored to help you maintain your salon look during potentially extended periods between visits. Our stylists are providing detailed guidance on home maintenance techniques.

Flexible rescheduling policies are in effect throughout the strike period. We understand that both client and staff transport situations can change rapidly, and we're waiving our usual rescheduling fees for strike-related cancellations.

Planning for Post-Strike Demand

Priority waiting lists are being maintained for the immediate post-strike period. We anticipate high demand once normal transport services resume, and existing clients will be given priority booking for the weekend following the strikes.

Extended hours are being planned for the weekend of 14th-15th September to accommodate the backlog of appointments that may need rescheduling.

Team appreciation efforts are underway for our stylists who are going above and beyond to reach the salons during these challenging conditions. Their dedication ensures we can continue serving our valued clients.

Our Commitment to You

Despite the logistical challenges, our standards remain unchanged. Every appointment we confirm will receive the same exceptional service and attention to detail that defines the Gusto experience.

Your safety and convenience are our top priorities. We'd rather reschedule your appointment than have you navigate dangerous or extremely difficult transport conditions.

Transparent communication continues throughout this period. We'll never leave you wondering about your appointment status—if there's an issue, you'll know immediately.

Ready to navigate your beauty routine through London's transport challenges? Our dedicated team at Gusto Hairdressing is working tirelessly to maintain our exceptional service despite the ongoing disruption. Call us directly to discuss your appointment needs and discover how we're adapting our services to keep you looking magnificent, whatever the transport situation throws at us.