If yo've been keeping up with the news, you may already be familiar with the new general industry safety measures in place at hair salons. But if you have yet to inquire about an appointment, we asked O'Connor and Vaughn to give us a brief rundown of what you can expect.
- Waiting areas are closed. "Clients must call upon arrival to the parking lot before entering the salon to ensure that we are ready for them," Vaughn said.
- Clients are required to wash their hands before or upon entering the salon. Stylists and staff are washing their own hands frequently, too.
- Face masks are required by all. Clients will be provided with a disposable mask if they arrive without one or are wearing one that restricts access to their hair (i.e. fastening behind the head).
- The amount of people in the salon at one time is limited. This means appointments are required, guests (including children) are not allowed, and stylists aren't able to take as many clients in one day.
- Gloves must be worn by staff when possible, otherwise hand sanitizer is used often. "When it's not possible [to wear gloves], there is hand sanitizer at every styling station for them to properly sanitize their hands," Vaughn said. His salon offers stylists face shields, too.
- Salons are disinfected regularly, and stations are cleaned between every appointment. "Everything that gets touched will be wiped down after each client. That includes tools, products, chairs, counters, etc.," O'Connor said.
- Clients should be healthy and without a fever before coming to their appointment. At O'Connor's salon, all clients must have their temperature checked upon arrival: "Temperatures of 100 degrees or more will be asked to cancel and return at a later date." She also recommends clients wait at least two weeks after air travel.
