Coronavirus Safety Tips for Salons and Spas
Recently, there has been an outbreak of a respiratory illness known as COVID-19, which is the disease caused by the new coronavirus (a type of virus) that started in China. COVID-19 can be transmitted from person to person, and since its initial outbreak in China back in December, the coronavirus has spread to more than 80 countries around the world with more than 145,000 documented cases at present. As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, multiple industries have been impacted—including travel, entertainment and beauty.
“There will, no doubt, be an impact on the beauty industry due to COVID-19,” says Steve Sleeper, Executive Director of the Professional Beauty Association (PBA). “Thus far, we’ve seen several industry events be cancelled or postponed, as well as a decline in salon visits in infected communities. The full extent of what this will look like has yet to be seen.”
Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not recommended quarantines for individuals other than those who have tested positive for COVID-19 or those who have been potentially 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.
Historically, the professional beauty industry has thrived, even through challenging times. A smart way to ensure that the salon industry is prepared for whatever the economy brings is to have a strong cash-flow plan in place. The PBA offers roadmaps and business building tools for its members to help gain fiscal stability— even through tough times.
“The health and well-being of both the professional salon industry and its clientele is a top priority, and the best way to help ensure that is to practice great salon and personal hygiene always—not just during this public health emergency, but always,” adds Sleeper. “This is a great example of why beauty professionals are licensed and that salons are regulated, inspected, and have oversight by a state level regulatory body. It’s all there to ensure that the health and safety of everyone in the salon environment and their public customers are protected.”
While the CDC has shared that for most of the American public the immediate health risk is considered low, below is a list of easy-to-follow practices that the PBA recommends salon professionals follow to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, as well as seasonal colds and flu, based on collective information from both the CDC and WHO.
Read: 12 Ways to Avoid Getting the Flu
Practice proper cleaning and disinfection.
Barbering and cosmetology State Boards direct that proper cleaning and disinfection are mandatory at all times—from tools and implements to areas with counter tops, treatment rooms, back bars, reception areas, and styling stations. Be sure to strictly follow this—wiping down busy areas often with an antibacterial cleaner.
Wash your hands.
The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to help prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands before and after every client, after eating, using the restroom, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Keep a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer at your station as well.
Read: Hand Sanitizers and Soaps to Keep Your Hands Clean
Stay home.
Try to keep your immune system strong, take lots of vitamin C, get restful sleep, and drink ample water. However, if you—or your client—gets sick, the CDC strongly recommends to stay home. As an added measure, the PBA recommends offering your clientele a “sickness cancellation policy” during this time that does not penalize any client for cancelling their appointment due to illness.
Keep your salon or spa well-stocked.
Make sure your salon has tissue, soap and alcohol-based hand cleansers to encourage healthful habits.
Remain hands-off with clients and co-workers.
During the cold and flu season, shaking hands or giving hugs to your clients and co-workers is not a good idea. Rather, tell your client that you’re practicing good hygiene and following the “hands-off” protocol to help keep everyone healthy. Also, keep your hands “off” and away from your face, as that’s an easy path for transmission.
Post signage and communicate with others.
Post signage at the front desk, as well as in the salon break room, reminding guests and employees about the importance of hygiene standards such as hand washing, sanitizer, wiping down stations after use, covering coughs, and hands-off policies. Also, it’s important to share with your clientele the precautions your salon is taking to do its part in helping to prevent the spread of the coronavirus—during online bookings, on the phone, via text, and in-person.
On-site Testing
On site coronavirus testing for businesses can help spas and salons protect their staff. Testing can help identify an outbreak before it spreads. On top of that, providing tests for your staff can help you reassure customers who are leery about going back into public that you are taking extra precautions to protect their safety.
Follow the CDC.
Follow the CDC for facts as they become available—this continues to be the best source for information. www.cdc.gov.
PBA also has in place a tele-health insurance program at a reduced rate for Members of $10/month. This service allows our Members to virtually connect with board-certified professionals for medical consultations, questions, and concerns. For more information on this benefit as well as others, please visit probeauty.org.
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk