Salons across the U.S. have shut their doors due to the raging coronavirus that continues to pose significant industry obstacles. But the beauty industry bounceback may hinge on the success of mobile hairstyling that is trending high as promises of openings continue to be unreliable.
For those qualified cosmetologists who choose to forge this path, the rigorous disease prevention and sanitation training that has been a regular occurrence in the cosmetology licensing process should continue to be adhered to. And these five additional steps can help prevent virus spread and ensure the safety of both stylists and clients.
Do a Pre-Booking Health Screening
Communication is one of the most potent tools that can be used to prevent virus spread. Including important data on disease prevention and guidelines for clients along with your appointment information can help them feel safe in knowing that you are safeguarding their health and will also help you stay safe while on the job. The first step in rolling out health procedures for your mobile business is to advise your clients to notify you if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms within 10 days of their appointment.
Creating a simple virtual health questionnaire that can be e-mailed to your clients the day before their appointment will help to remind them of your policies and procedures, and give clients a chance to cancel their appointment if they are feeling ill. The questionnaire should inquire about symptoms and include a section where clients can record their current temperature.
“Trim” Down Your Offerings
Multiple businesses, including gyms, doctor’s offices, and dentists, are cutting back on services that could potentially increase virus spread, and reduce the amount of time that they are in contact with others. Limiting services will also help to maximize productivity and reduce the number of tools needed to perform offerings.
Sticking to trims and cuts, while eliminating services like dye jobs and blowouts, for known clients that you trust will help to manage exposure. Stylists can also move to a referral policy and choose to only take on a few new customers that are referred by current clients.
Masks are a Must
Wearing a mask has been proven to dramatically reduce virus transmission and will be a stylist’s primary protection against contracting or spreading the coronavirus to others. Communicating that masks are mandatory with your clients will ensure there are no surprises when you arrive.
Investing in extra face masks or even branded masks will encourage adherence to health guidelines just in case your client forgets to grab one.
Work Outside
Research has shown that ventilated areas dramatically decrease virus spread, so setting up shop outdoors is advised when at all possible. Investing or borrowing a canopy, portable heater, or fan, and bringing your own chair can make the outdoor experience fun and you’ll be well prepared for any environment that you face.
If you prefer to cut down on what you need to carry with you, make sure to communicate with clients and let them know what you require (shaded outdoor space, chair of a certain height) in order to perform their requested service.
Sanitation is Critical
The sanitation procedures that are typically followed in brick and mortar salons should still be adhered to in mobile services. Using disposable items as much as possible is recommended, and switching to disposable capes is advisable. Thoroughly sanitize all tools (scissors, combs, brushes) in between clients and if you bring your own chair, make sure to wipe it down before seating your next client.
Final Thoughts
The beauty industry has organically evolved over the past year and has become more agile throughout the coronavirus pandemic to meet clients’ needs while maintaining safety standards. Haircuts and grooming for many is not an undertaking done out of vanity. In many cases, it’s a necessary part of people’s professional life and helps to boost creativity and self-confidence that touches every part of life.
