At this point, many salons are either beginning to open or are getting ready to open. Salon owners and stylists need to be aware that things will be a bit different ... but different is ok! There are two key goals that you should be focused on for reopening – the first is establishing a safe environment that your clients feel safe in, and the second goal is taking care of your staff and salon itself.

Hand hygiene 101 for stylists. It’s been beaten into us the last few months just how important handwashing is, but once you’re back in the salon, it is more important than ever.

1. Always wash your hands for at least 30 seconds with soap and water before and after eating, using the restroom, going outside for a break, or other activity.
2. It’s super important to wash your hands immediately before and after handling each client. Your clients will appreciate it and know you are doing your due diligence. You can also ask your clients to do the same if you prefer.
3. Provide hand sanitizer at your station, the front desk, and in the restrooms.
4. All this handwashing leads to dry, cracked skin. Use lotion frequently to protect your skin, and make it available to clients as a courtesy.

The basics of using gloves. If you decide to have your stylists wear gloves, make sure they are changing them between services and be sure they know to wash their hands after the gloves are removed.

Salon safety to protect your staff. Safe distancing has shown to help reduce the risk of infection. The biggest risk are those people who come into the salon with little to no symptoms. The best we can ask is for clients to reschedule if they are feeling under the weather, but here are some preventative ideas that with consistency will keep your salon healthy:

• Consider the distance between salon chairs: If your workstations aren’t traditionally six feet apart, consider alternating chairs for the time being to keep a safe distance between stylists.
• Allocate shift times: Consider whether separate shifts among stylists will work for your salon. This will reduce the number of people in the salon at a time as well as helping with distancing.
• Alternate appointment times: The best way to avoid a crowded waiting room is to increase the “dead” time between clients. This prevents rushing between clients and gives the stylist time to adequately disinfect their station and wash hands in between their clients.
• Stop double booking: While this may be a common practice during “normal” times, avoid double booking to lower capacity in the salon and limit movement throughout the salon to reduce risk and promote a feeling of safety in the salon for your clients.
• Put hugs on hold: Pre-quarantine it was very normal for stylists and clients to greet each other with a handshake or hug. Unfortunately, this non-essential contact needs to be put on hold for the time being.
• Close the breakroom: If you have the option of outdoor space, have your stylists use that instead of an enclosed, small breakroom space. Help with social distancing anywhere you can.

Mask wearing for everyone. While stylists and salon staff must wear masks, it’s ok to ask your clients to wear masks as well. This is something you need to decide as a salon so that everyone is being protected – your stylists, coworkers, and your clients.

Check-in safety. As a salon owner, you may decide to have a no-touch thermometer available to take the temperatures of clients as they check into the salon for their appointment. If they do have a fever, you have the right to decline service and ask that they reschedule at a later date. You are protecting your employees as well as the other clients visiting your salon.

Be consistent in cleaning and disinfection guidelines. Make sure your stylists are aware that it is THEIR responsibility to ensure their workstation is consistently cleaned and disinfected. If everyone holds themselves to the highest standards in protecting not only their workspaces but the salon as a whole, there shouldn’t be any worry about having to close again.

Once you are ready to open, make sure that you are getting the word out. Part of being a successful salon is making sure you are covering all aspects of how to make your business better. If you don’t know where to start, need help with digital marketing, or need to content written and graphics developed, give SalonCloudsPlus a call today at (866) 654 -8009, email us at app@webappclouds.com, or connect with us using our online form.  SalonCloudsPlus can help jumpstart your business through innovative solutions.