Say Goodbye to Walk-In Appointments As Nail Salons Reopen Amid COVID-19

Updated on 7/23/2020 at 4:00 PM

While heading back to the nail salon isn't of utmost importance right now (the main priority remains to be the continued safety for the public by staying home), being prepared for how salons will operate post stay-at-home orders is important for both salon owners and customers to adjust.

What that looks like is dependent on state regulations and safety mandates, but you can expect your salon to require facial mask coverings and most likely plastic guards between the customer and technician.

Many beauty services are close-contact businesses and fall under the "high-risk" category for COVID-19, meaning that many states listed them in later phases in their reopening plans. However, as of June nail salons in all 50 states in the U.S. — save for a few select counties that have been required to close again to control a new spike in cases — have been permitted to reopen.

Although this is an ever-changing situation, renowned nail expert Marian Newman and scientist, author, and educator Doug Schoon shared what you can expect when you visit the nail salon for the first time since COVID-19 started.

There Will Be Increased Hygiene Measures in Place

Hygiene has always been top priority in nail salons, but now increased measures have been taken to ensure the safety of both employees and customers.

The extra hygiene steps for nail salons include: increased hand washing for clients and technicians using disposable paper towels, technicians are to wear masks at all times, and technicians are not to touch any of the customer's personal belongings during appointments. Tools will be handled with stricter disinfection instructions, in addition to all nail polish brushes being cleaned between clients. Magazines or refreshments such as tea and coffee are no longer offered to clients (single-use cups and water dispensers only), and a buffer time of about 15 minutes is recommended in between each client to allow for adequate cleaning and disinfecting.

Yes, You'll Have to Wear a Mask During Your Nail Appointment

Although masks in nail salons aren't rare, extra attention will be given to personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as clothing. Technicians are recommended to wear a fresh uniform daily, washed at 60 degrees after each use, which should not be worn at home or on their commute to and from work.

Masks are a requirement for all staff — like N95 or FFP2 masks. Clients are also required to wear a mask during their treatment, which should be disposed of or washed immediately afterwards. As mentioned, gloves should be worn at all times, as well. To eliminate risk of latex sensitivity, they should be powder-free nitrile gloves.

There Will Be Fewer Customers in the Salon at One Time

Strict social distancing rules apply to in-salon nail appointments. Salons with more than one desk have been asked to be spaced six feet apart, and clients are advised to move around the premises as little as possible.

Walk-In Appointments Will No Longer Be Permitted

The general etiquette and way appointments are made has changed post stay-at-home orders. Salons are advised not to accept walk-in clients and only operate on an appointment basis. Each client will likely be asked about any COVID-19-related symptoms before proceeding with the appointment — likely via email or phone with agreed acknowledgement from clients of new policies in place. Technicians should only treat one client at a time to avoid any virus transferal.

Most salons will also operate on a no-cash basis, instead taking card payments on a system that can be easily cleaned when touched. Arrive to the appointment on time and alone (without children) and only enter the premises when the previous client has left. In addition to this, cancellation policies may be reconsidered for those sick or unable to attend last minute.

We May Have to Wait Longer For Mobile and Home Salon Appointments

It's up to individual states to say if in-home beauty service appointments can resume. Technicians working in-house are required to follow similar rules to salons. The technician should avoid contact with other members in the home while carrying out the treatment. When entering the client's home, technicians should wear disposable foot coverings, gloves, a mask, and protective clothing, to be changed before entering a new client's home.

When visiting a nail salon or having a technician perform a treatment at home, you must confirm with the salon that you've been symptom-free for seven days, and that those you live with have also been symptom-free. These guidelines are put in place to ensure the safety of both staff and clients, and being mindful and respectful of the salon's individual policies makes sure the industry can return to its new normal as quickly as possible.

POPSUGAR aims to give you the most accurate and up-to-date information about the novel coronavirus, but details and recommendations about this pandemic may have changed since publication. For the latest information on COVID-19, please check out resources from the WHO, the CDC, and local public health departments.