How covid-19 Has Affected The Beauty Industry And What To Expect Moving Forward. 

Once upon a time, a trip to the hairdressers, day spa or nail salon meant an hour or two of carefree indulgence. You could choose to luxuriate in solitude and escape the hectic pace of the outside world. You could even enjoy that day out with a friend or two.

Nowadays, it seems as if that outside world is making its way in. The impacts of COVID-19 have changed the dynamics between beauty and pampering and the client.

“This is especially relevant to hairdressers, nail technicians, aestheticians and massage therapists who do not have the luxury of distancing themselves from their clients or working behind plexiglass,” says Jeff Alford, president of The CBON Group, Canada’s largest supplier of professional infection control products.

He adds, “COVID-19 has made it very clear that we can no longer take germs for granted.”

So, you can be guaranteed that certain measures will be put in place and precautions will be taken.

Here’s what to expect when returning to your favourite beauty spot …

Client Distancing

We have become accustomed to measures that maintain a safe space from others in a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19 like standing apart in checkouts, curb side pick-up and physical barriers that protect staff. However, in the close proximity, hands-on world of salon and spa treatments, this may not always be possible.

To minimize the risk of exposure, we may begin to see the elimination of waiting areas, reduction of the number of workstations, fewer appointments and other steps taken to distance clients from staff and each other. Every service may require different solutions: nail technicians working behind “sneeze guards”; hairdressers no longer offering blow dries, massage therapists wearing gloves, face shields for aestheticians, etc.

There won’t be a one-stop solution as each salon and spa will need to address their own levels of risk to take appropriate action.

Client Screening

In the new salon and spa world, customers can expect some form of screening as they enter any establishment. That could include temperature taking, checklist for symptoms and required use of face masks while receiving service. Only in doing so can beauty professionals protect themselves, their clients and their business.

Increased Sanitation Practices

The virus that causes COVID-19 can remain viable on surfaces from hours to a few days. It will therefore be critical for workers to undertake disinfection of all client touch points which will include workstations, treatment furniture, counters, waiting areas, washrooms, etc. This activity will take place between each appointment and be allowed the requisite contact time which can be anywhere from 3 to 10 minutes. Not all disinfectants are the same and salons and spa owners will undertake a full investigation of the options.

The new salon “infection prevention practitioner” will need to become very familiar with precautionary label language, correct usage, compatibility issues to ensure germs, bacteria and viruses are being appropriately removed from their facilities.

Price Increases

Given that social distancing will be in place, there will be limited capacity which will come at a price. Beauty establishments may increase their prices putting in place a  “coronavirus surcharge” They will also be prioritizing appointments and encouraging all clients to call ahead vs. walking in to eliminate unnecessary foot traffic.

So it appears that you can have your cake, but before you eat it, you’re going to have to wash your hands and put on a bib!

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