Industry professionals have asked The Hair and Barber Council, what are the best things to do to protect themselves, their staff and their customers from this virus.
Hygiene and safety are obviously critical in preventing the spread of the virus, and if your business is still trading and for as long as you are able to, here are a few simple precautions that you can take, if you haven’t done so already, to maximize protection as far as you are able to:
- Ensure you have plenty of anti bacterial soap, and hand sanitizer available for use when entering the premises and throughout the appointment.
- For anyone using the washrooms, if possible provide disposable hand towels.
- Wash your hands regularly and definitely after each washroom visit.
- Ensure all gowns, towels (disposable are better if you can get them), styling stations, chairs, backwash, hairdressing/barbering tools, cash point systems, door handles and handrails are deep cleaned after every use. With hairdressing tools use products such as barbicide to thoroughly clean your equipment to fight off any potential infection.
- The kitchen area where teas and coffees are prepared must be kept to the highest level of cleanliness, and as an added precaution use disposable cups for preference.
- If possible, try and make a bigger space between styling stations, even if it means taking one or two out.
- Do not shake hands or kiss anyone as a form of greeting.
- Try not to put your own hands up to your face.
- Where possible, use contactless payment
- Have a system in place to advise customers not to come to the salon/or to inform you in advance if you are visiting them, if they are feeling unwell or have been unwell during the last seven days.
- Promote the steps you are taking to safeguard your customers to give them confidence to visit you.
Many hairdressing and barbering professionals have already implemented all of these suggestions, and some others have even gone that bit further. For example, we heard the other day of a hairdresser that takes the temperature of the customers when they arrive, as well as themselves and their staff, and if anyone’s temperature is higher than the Governments guidelines, they will not be admitted to get their hair done or to work in the salon.
We don’t know how long this crisis will go on for, but as an industry that works so closely with the customers, hygiene and safety must be central to your business during this epidemic, but into the future as well.
Take care and be safe.
