How to Safely Book with Hair, Spa and Beauty Salons During Covid-19
Beginning in March of 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic forced salons and spas to continuously evolve and adapt the way they run their business. Most businesses were hit hard, but small and medium sized businesses were drastically affected. Many soon began to question whether they would be able to survive and keep their doors open.
Since then, we’ve all been doing our best to get used to salon and spa safety measures. There have been more than a few changes implemented throughout the year. The ‘new normal’ often includes reduced business hours, additional hygiene practices, social distancing and limiting the number of guests inside businesses. These measures are intended to help keep everyone safe and healthy.
As we continue to adjust and respond to advice and guidelines, let’s take a look at some of the ways we can all safely book hair, spa and beauty appointments.
How are Salons and Spas Adapting to New Safety Measures?
Reduced Business Hours
Available appointment slots might be a bit limited at your salon or spa, so it’s best to book online well in advance of your preferred appointment. Reduced hours also means that hair and spa professionals are even more in demand than before. Consider booking 1 to 3 months in advance to avoid disappointment. Prepaying for booked appointments is also a great way to show your support and help your favourite salon or spa survive.
It’s a stressful time for everyone. Reduced hours helps staff and business owners avoid burnout and have ample time to ensure their business is clean and sanitized.
Additional Hygiene
Additional hygiene measures include thoroughly washing your hands with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds, followed by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Coughing and sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm are also recommended, as well as avoiding touching your face, mouth and nose. Used tissues should be disposed of into a trash can lined with a garbage bag. Masks and face coverings should be worn whenever possible, and safely disposed of or washed after each use.
Salons and spas have implemented additional procedures and daily routines designed to increase the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting high-traffic and commonly used tools and equipment. Washrooms, waiting areas, the front desk, payment machines and retail shelves must also be cleaned regularly. Salons may also choose to leave their entrance door open to avoid clients touching the handle and possibly spreading germs and bacteria. Other salons may choose to leave their front door closed but ask that you please have the receptionist let you in and out.
Many salon, spa and beauty professionals have also been taking online courses such as the free Barbicide Covid-19 course to gain further knowledge and to assure clients that they are taking all necessary health and safety precautions.
Frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches and sink taps should be cleaned according to Public Health Guidelines for Environmental Cleaning of Public Facilities during Respiratory Illness in the Community. All workstations should be cleaned and disinfected between clients as per Personal Services Regulation and Standards, and clients should be spaced out to avoid crowding.
Social Distancing
Also called “physical distancing“, social distancing plays an important role in minimizing the spread of germs and potential viral droplets. Social distancing means keeping a safe 6 feet, or 2 arms’ length from people who are not from your household. This applies to both indoor and outdoor spaces. During the pandemic, shaking hands, hugging and cheek kissing should be avoided.
To further protect clients, many salons and spas have set up temporary dividers between workstations, as well as protective barriers at their front desk or payment area. As some social distancing restrictions are relaxed or lifted during the months to come, it’s still important to limit close contact, practice safety and use your best discretion.
The size of gatherings will also increase in stages over time, however non-essential travel and practicing safe gatherings will remain important. Individuals with severe conditions and those with compromised immune systems will continue to be encouraged to limit the amount of time they spend in the community for a long as the virus circulates.
Limiting the Number of Customers
Salons and spas are limiting the number of customers being served at one time. Walk-ins are also on hold. To guarantee an appointment, easily book your spot online, then sit back and relax.
If a business does not have a large waiting area, customers will be asked to either wait outside weather permitting, or wait in their vehicle. Once ready, a phone call or text message will be sent inviting the customer to come inside.
Online Booking & Online Payment
Handling cash and debit machines means lots of hands and germs. Instead, businesses are highly recommending online booking and online payment. Planning your appointments well in advance means you’ll have plenty of time to arrive early and reschedule your appointment if you become ill or have been in contact with anyone confirmed to have Covid. Contactless payment is convenient, hassle-free and safe.
Curbside Pickup
Rather than ordering online and waiting days or weeks for your items to be delivered, why not use curbside pickup services? Instead of browsing retail shelves, order from your phone, tablet or computer and pull-up at your favourite salon or spa once your order is ready.
Not only are you supporting your favourite businesses during reduced hours periods and closures, you’re also keeping yourself and your stylists, barbers and estheticians safe.
Final Thoughts
Salons and spas continue to closely watch government updates and advice in order to keep themselves and their clients safe. Amidst closures, reduced hours and extensive health and safety measures, it’s important to stay positive, support each other and check in on friends and family.
Beautster is committed to staying up-to-date with all the latest information and regulations. As we all continue to navigate through these uncertain times, we are busy developing new contactless booking features aimed at helping salons and spas respond to customers quickly and book them safely online.
Gone are the days of walk-ins, pen and paper bookings and answering the phone all day long. The digital age is here, and Beautster is excited to help salons and spas run their business safely and efficiently online. Visit our website to stay up to date on all of our latest efforts to keep everyone safe and healthy.
