The impact of COVID-19 is still being felt across the world, and as many countries are coping with health and safety others are concerned with the state of the economy. Varying from state to state and country to country, as business closures and quarantine guidelines are being lifted many are left in a state of limbo about what to do next. Navigating the “new normal,” many feel as though our daily lives are forever changed. With the beauty professional top of mind, we want to support you by offering suggestions to implement in the salon once you feel it is safe for you to return to work.
With reports that salons across the globe will re-open over the next several months and some, in Georgia, USA they are opening as soon as Monday, April 27th, It should be noted that if you do not feel ready to see clients, you don’t have to. You are in control of the date your doors open and how many clients you see in a day.
As beauty professionals, you already have a deep understanding of disinfection and sanitation guidelines. Beyond this, with social distancing guidelines, some of you might be wondering how to return to the salon. From a few obvious points to the little things that make a big difference, here are a few easy things you can do when you feel ready to reopen your doors:
- Get digital
Whether you are rescheduling appointments or opening up your books on a first-come, first-served basis - automate as much as you can, including booking appointments online. There is a range of platforms and services across the globe that will allow your clients to book online, saving that extra face-to-face time. - New Signage
Once you decide on your new routine, pop a sign on the door outlining salon guidelines and requests. If possible, also post this information on social media or send our email, texts or include when calling clients. - Waive your cancellation fee
Encourage clients to stay home if they feel sick. To help them feel comfortable about calling to cancel, make an announcement about waiving cancellation fees. - Leave the door open
Reduce the number of handles and surfaces clients need to touch with an “open door” policy. If you can’t leave it all the way open, invest in an inexpensive doorstop to prop the door open for easy entry. - BYOT
Give clients the option to bring their own towel to wrap around shoulders. Not all clients will want to wear a cape not knowing if it’s freshly washed. Due to the fact that many are unsure about how COVID-19 is spread, you can make them feel at ease by letting them bring their own towel from home. - Sanitizer and soap
Hand sanitizer may not be available online, but many manufacturers and brands like Coty, Usmooth are producing hand sanitizer. If you can’t get your hands on it, be sure to have hand-washing areas available to all. - Ship Products
We have always promoted salon professional brands and will continue to do so, however, online sales can make or break your profits during this pandemic. A pick-up program, offering to ship products through your distributor, or applying to be part of an affiliate program (when available) is a best-case scenario and keeps your client's hair in good health. - Apply and goodbye!
For grey coverage or brunettes, apply their color and send them home to finish processing and shower. Some clients will want to wait it out, but others will want to reduce contact time and can simply drive home and wash. If they choose to do this, be sure to give them tips about washing product out at home to ensure they don’t run into issues. - Cut, color & go
Shorten appointment times by cutting, coloring and sending clients home with wet hair. While the blow-dry and finished look is often everyone’s favorite part, opting out of performing the service will cut down on time spent in the salon - benefitting both the stylist and the client. - Glove and Mask Up
Let clients and stylists know masks (or sufficient face coverings) are required and consider having options available for sale when clients walk in. Whenever possible, wear gloves and wash hands often. - Payment options
When booking online, offer a pre-payment option to reduce hand-to-card interaction. - Prebook
Prebook online, or over text, for follow up appointments as your schedule is going to continue to fill up at rapid speed.
We urge you to follow the latest local and government health and safety guidelines - it is critical to the safety of your team and your guests. We want to hear what you are doing to get your salon ready for reopening and how you plan to safely reopen your salon. Please share your ideas with us via direct message on Instagram at @Bangstyle.
