Returning to your hair salon – 6 mistakes we shouldn’t make
The time has finally nearly arrived for hair salons in the UK to reopen. For many of us, with our roots showing and our split ends more prominent than ever, booking a trip to the hairdresser’s is at the top of our post-lockdown priorities.
But how can we make sure to stay safe with circumstances the way they are? How can we protect ourselves and others in our local hair salon?
Here are 6 mistakes we shouldn’t make when salons reopen:
1. Don’t bring a plus-one
At the moment, the majority of hair salons won’t let you bring a plus-one with you who isn’t having their hair cut themselves. If every customer was to bring a plus-one, a hair salon would exceed current capacity allowances within seconds.
Time your trip to the hair salon to ensure that you alone will be visiting. If you do have a plus one, ask them to stay outside (within view, if they’re children) or in the car while you have your appointment. This will free up space for additional paying clients to be able to enter the salon.
2. Don’t pay with cash
Most hair salons are currently planning to choose not to accept cash unless a client has no other form of payment to speak of. For this reason, be sure to bring an easier form of payment, like a credit or debit card, along with you, which you can simply tap on the card reader and avoid contact.
At the time of payment, avoid lingering at the desk, and be aware of crossing social distancing boundaries. It may be easier to social distance when you’re sitting at your chair, but don’t let your familiarity with your local hair salon lead you to forget the new rules.
3. Don’t visit a salon that isn’t taking the new rules seriously
In every single industry, there are always going to be a few bad eggs. If you notice that your local hair salon is letting in far too many customers, no-one is wearing masks, or simple hygiene practices aren’t being followed, it’s best to avoid visiting again for the sake of your health.
Of course, when the risk of COVID-19 properly passes, you can revisit your salon, as those hygiene practices will be less important. Though no-one can be certain right now just how different things may need to be going forward, and for how long into the future.
4. Don’t become upset by a price increase
It’s important that you prepare in advance for your hairdresser to have upped their prices somewhat following such a long stint of unemployment. This price increase may or may not last into the future, but what will help them immensely now is your support.
Instead of turning your nose up at your hairdresser’s new prices, take a second to consider their reasoning for their lift in fees, and consider how lucky your own personal situation is in comparison. If your hairdresser hasn’t lifted their fees, consider paying them a bigger tip than usual to show your support.
5. Don’t show up with symptoms
It’s the only way we’re going to put a stop to this thing – by staying at home if we show even the mildest of symptoms. Sneezed way more than you usually would on the morning of your appointment? Cancel it. If you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 and you’re asked to trace back to everyone you could have possibly infected, you’ll end up getting your hair salon shut down.
We all have to be extra aware of our actions, and how these actions could impact the rest of society, going forward. It only takes one infected person in a crowded room to spread something that has the power to kill the vulnerable. If in doubt, use your common sense.
6. Don’t lose your patience
Your hairdresser is as new to your salon’s updated rules as you are. If appointments end up falling behind schedule, or your hairdresser has to keep disappearing to carry out some of their new hygiene practices, don’t lose your rag. Your safety is their priority, so leave your rudeness at the door and understand that they’re doing this for you.
If you’re not sure you enjoy the new changes in place, remember that your hairdresser doesn’t, either. Unfortunately, there’s nothing that can be done other than to show acceptance. That will earn you the greatest level of respect in a situation that’s out of everyone’s control.