Wait lists and PPE: the future of hair salons
A QUICK SCROLL through Instagram proves we’re collectively itching to get back to our beloved hair and beauty salons but, while they’ve reopened their doors in Germany, Spain and France, the wait could be much longer here. According to the Government’s plan for easing lockdown, beauty salons will not be back in business until 4 July at the earliest – with most predicting ‘late summer’ is more likely, due to their inherently close-contact nature.
Of course, public and workplace safety is paramount, necessitating this wait and why – even when the doors are back open and we’re clogging the phone lines trying to nab an appointment – things will look very different from your last visit.
First up, hairdressers. At his eponymous salon, famed colourist Josh Wood says it will be far from ‘business as usual’. ‘There will be as little contact as possible, clients will receive face masks and gloves on arrival. We will remove half the chairs to ensure there is adequate space and thoroughly disinfect stations between clients. And, if the Government advises, we will of course wear full PPE.’ This appears to be a nationwide approach, with L’oréal producing a ‘Back to Business’ support guide that includes post-confinement operating guidelines for its network of 25,000 UK hair salons, including supplying over 100,000 hand sanitisers and more than a million masks. Because of the reduction in chairs in the salon, many are opening waiting lists now, since demand will likely outstrip space.
On the bright side, there may be more services for us to look forward to. ‘Root regrowth will be a big focus and we’ll launch a full “colour comeback” menu, as well as cuts and conditioning treatments,’ says super-stylist and salon owner Adam Reed. ‘We also expect to see a number of people wanting to embrace their greys or move to a more natural look, so we will be offering “top up and tone” appointments.’
Nail salons and eyebrow bars are expected to operate similarly, with all therapists and customers masked and gloved and a two-metre distance between chairs. ‘Disposable towels will be used,’ adds Sherille Riley, founder of Nails & Brows Mayfair, ‘and facials will be off the menu for the foreseeable, as these treatments are considered very high risk.’
Whatever the salon of the future looks like, there are still ways you can support your local one now. First, check if your go-to salon is offering a priority waiting list (many are, including some mentioned here). Second, get an e-voucher. ‘Many salons are offering e-gift vouchers for post-lockdown treatments to help with ongoing costs,’ explains Sherille. And who among us could not use something to look forward to right now?