Professional Beauty Association executive director Steve Sleeper shares safety tips for salons to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, as well as insight into the potential industry ramifications.
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“There will, no doubt, be an impact on the beauty industry due to COVID-19,” says Sleeper. “Thus far, we’ve seen several industry events cancelled or postponed, as well as a decline in salon visits in infected communities.”
Top Salon Health Concerns
Currently, the CDC has not recommended quarantines for individuals other than those who have tested positive for COVID-19 or those exposed to the virus. As long as salon professionals are practicing safety and hygiene precautions and related communications, the CDC has maintained business as usual for the time being.
To ensure the salon industry is equipped for whatever the economy brings, prepare a strong cash-flow plan. The PBA offers roadmaps and business building tools for its members to help gain fiscal stability and offers a tele-health insurance program at a reduced rate for members. This service allows members to virtually connect with board-certified professionals for medical consultations, questions and concerns.
Precautions to Take
“The health and well-being of the professional salon industry and its clientele is top priority. To ensure that, always practice salon and personal hygiene—not just during a public health emergency. This is why beauty professionals are licensed and salons are regulated, inspected and have oversight by a state level regulatory body—to ensure the health and safety of everyone in the salon environment.”
The CDC shares that for most Americans, the immediate health risk is low, but below are some simple practices the PBA recommends to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, as well as seasonal colds and flu:
Disinfection
Properly sanitate and disinfect all tools, implements, counters, service rooms, back bars, reception areas and styling stations with antibacterial cleaners.
Wash your Hands
The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds to help prevent the spread of germs before and after every client, after eating and using the restroom. Keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer at your station for yourself and clients to use for extra sanitation.
Stay Home
Strengthen your immune system strong with lots of vitamin C, restful sleep and ample hydration. The CDC strongly recommends to stay home when sick. The PBA also recommends offering your clientele a “sickness cancellation policy,” stating that during this time, no client is penalized for cancelling their appointment due to illness.
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Well-Stocked Salon
Stock your salon with tissue, soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizers to encourage healthful habits. Post signage at the front desk, reminding guests and employees to practice hygiene, hand washing, using sanitizer, wiping down stations, covering coughs and hands-off policies. Share with your clients the precautions your salon is taking to prevent the spread of the coronavirus during online bookings, on the phone, while texting and in person.
Symptoms of COVID-19
The main symptoms of COVID-10 are fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath. The virus initially infects the throat, lasting 3 to 4 days. The virus then causes a nasal fluid to enter the trachea and lungs, causing pneumonia, a high fever and difficulty breathing. Be sure to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
—by Angelina Lewis
