Restrictions being lifted are on the horizon, and we’re sure you’re looking forward to getting back to business, doing what you love, and making your clients happy; but in the safest way possible. That’s why we’ve created this list, to help you make sure your space is ready for the dedicated clients who are truly looking forward to returning to your chair.
As the health and beauty industry has been given a date to work towards for re-opening, it’s time to start thinking about how you will make your business a safer place, for both you and your clients. Before loyal customers start making appointments for their next summer look, here’s a short health and safety checklist for salons and barbershops.
Shops will need to have masks and gloves on hand for every employee, regardless of whether or not that staffer will be working with clients. Make sure you’re also ready to hand out extra masks and gloves for clients, who will most likely request them.
Stylists and barbers should also invest in face shields. Face shields offer some advantages to masks, such as indefinite use, ease in ability to clean, and comfort. Face shields also help wearers avoid touching their faces, which medical officials recommend to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Be ready to have disposable capes available, which can be safely discarded after every use to minimise contact between clients and staffers. Give each new customer their own disposable cape. Reusable capes will work too, though you must clean them after every use, in accordance with the fabric recommendations written on the care label.
Industry professionals are recommended to wear disposable smocks, which can be thrown away once a session is complete. Rewearable smocks will suffice, but you must launder them after every session with a client. And of course, proper laundry directions must be followed.
If you haven’t stocked up on neck strips, now’s definitely the time. Even before the outbreak of COVID-19, every barber and stylist should have been using neck strips to keep the workplace sanitary. Neck strips can absorb sweat or other body fluids that can transmit the virus.
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces are two of the more important steps that can and should be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If people haven’t been inside the shop or salon for over a week, a normal but careful cleaning routine before reopening is all that’s necessary. And that’s because the virus that causes COVID-19 has not been shown to survive on surfaces longer than that time frame.
Remember that your shop will require more frequent cleaning and disinfecting than a home, because of the number of people that will visit. Before the shop reopens, create a routine, so that frequently touched surfaces and objects are properly cleaned and disinfected.
Disinfect door handles or knobs, desks, faucets, tables, light switches, counter tops, desks, phones, toilets, and sinks. Any tool used for services, tables, or client chairs will also have to be routinely cleaned.
But also create a plan for valuable electronics, which may include cell phones, tablets, touch screens, remote controls, and keyboards. Carefully review any information provided by the manufacturer of the electronic device.
In addition to cleaning and disinfecting the shop, it’s equally as important to remove items that could spread the virus from person to person. Before people enter your workspace, remove unnecessary things that people may touch or hand to one another.
Some common examples include flyers, magazines, newspapers, business cards, and service menus. Basically remove any unnecessary paper products. But also get rid of extra mirrors, remote controls, phone chargers, and paper weights.
Consider discontinuing the use of paper appointment books. And eliminate cash payment options. It’ll also be important to set some additional time aside between appointments. That will give you some time to follow your health and safety checklist.
The Booksy app is designed to help with all of these needs, in regards to scheduling appointments, eliminating the need to exchange cash, and discontinuing the use of an appointment book.
For any stylist or barber who hasn’t already signed up with Boosky, click here today. And handle business without the unnecessary risk of touching cash, credit cards, and appointment books that can spread COVID-19.
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