Hairdressing salons’ new look with safety measures in place
Hairdressers and barbers around the world are beginning to gradually re-open, but they look very different to how they did before the pandemic.
Thousands of barbers and hairdressers were forced to close over recent weeks to minimise the risk of coronavirus transmission.
However, as infection numbers begin to decline, some - including businesses in Germany - have begun to re-open.
With haircuts bringing customers into close contact with stylists, these are the safety measures being implemented around the world.
1 Diversity and inclusion
L’Oréal values individuals, their personal qualities and skills, and strives to create a work environment where everyone, regardless of ethnic origins, gender, age or disability, feels appreciated.
2 Social distancing and hygiene practices
In Germany, hair clients are being asked to wash their hands thoroughly upon arrival. Customers and stylists must also wear face masks.
Equipment will be washed thoroughly after use, and a 1.5 metre distance must be maintained between staff and customers, except for when the haircut is taking place.
Customers and staff will be expected to follow the usual precautions against transmission, including washing hands thoroughly and staying at home should they feel unwell.
3 Reduced capacity
In Spain, hairdressers were permitted to reopen on May 4, but rules stipulate that they have to run at a maximum 30 per cent of normal capacity.
Even where rules don’t specify a maximum number of people, hairdressers and barbers will likely have to run at a reduced capacity in order to observe social distancing rules and allow time to thoroughly clean equipment between cuts.
4 Reduced services
As well as reduced capacity, hairdressers and barbers are withholding some of their usual services which may increase the risk of viral transmission.
In Germany, for instance, blow drying is to be avoided as much as possible.
5 Less chat Face-to-face interaction is a no-no at some reopened barbers and hairdressers. In Germany, any discussion about the style or cut must be done via the mirror.
6 No waiting around
In both Germany and Spain, hairdressers and barbers are only allowing cuts by appointment, to avoid people waiting unnecessarily.