SHHH-AMPOO & SET
Hair stylists must work in silence to halt virus spread
HAIRDRESSING gossip has been banned to stop the spread of Covid-19.
Crimpers have been ordered to observe a “silence rule” at the back
From Page One wash if, as expected, salons reopen on July 4.
One company has told its staff not to chat to customers while they have their hair washed.
Employees in Contemporary Salons, which has shops in the north east and North Yorkshire, will wear PPE, and customers will take part in a “virtual consultation” so appointment lengths can be assessed. Managing director Alan Simpson said: “To ensure that all our clients feel confident and relaxed during their visit we have installed protective screens at reception, every two work stations and at the backwash to allow social distancing.
“Staff will also be adhering to the silence rule at the backwash so, not only can guests relax and enjoy their head massage, they can also feel reassured that germs and air particles are kept to a minimum.”
Alan said salons would be looking at “maintenance appointments” to start with before making more complicated sessions available.
The National Hair and Beauty Federation is asking members to keep salon chat to a minimum. Their advice is: “Avoid face-to-face discussions with clients. You can lower the risk of infection if you stand or sit side-to-side.”
Customers are also being urged not to take coats or jackets to salons because the virus can stay on fabric for several days.
A federation spokesman added: “Salons are putting their own rules in place based on common sense.”