Author: Neha Suradkar, Makeup & Nail Artist and Educator, Founder of Style-n-File Makeup and Nail Studio and Academy
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| Neha Suradkar |
Under
the influence of COVID-19, we all had to take a short break. A lot of
businesses were impacted, major ones being the Travel and Hospitality, Salons
and Beauty, Events and so on. Most of these were booming big time in the
pre-COVID 19 world. All these businesses together were helping each other grow.
the influence of COVID-19, we all had to take a short break. A lot of
businesses were impacted, major ones being the Travel and Hospitality, Salons
and Beauty, Events and so on. Most of these were booming big time in the
pre-COVID 19 world. All these businesses together were helping each other grow.
Indian
salon industry has been one of the unorganized sectors, barring a few chains
and high end stand-alone salons. The positive outcome of the Covid-19 situation
could be a more organised industry with all the certifications and insurance in
place, along with better hygiene and sanitization practices.
salon industry has been one of the unorganized sectors, barring a few chains
and high end stand-alone salons. The positive outcome of the Covid-19 situation
could be a more organised industry with all the certifications and insurance in
place, along with better hygiene and sanitization practices.
Though
a lot of people are scared and may not want to come back to salons immediately.
Also, there is a humongous increase in self care and DIY home care, but the industry is not going to wilt away
due to this. The psychological need to look good and to be pampered will always
bring clients back to the salon, only in more orderly and sanitized fashion.
a lot of people are scared and may not want to come back to salons immediately.
Also, there is a humongous increase in self care and DIY home care, but the industry is not going to wilt away
due to this. The psychological need to look good and to be pampered will always
bring clients back to the salon, only in more orderly and sanitized fashion.
Salon
business has been under lockdown for more than 2 months now in most of the
cities. Though efforts are being made for reboot and getting back to business,
there are lot of things that will change and walking into a salon impromptu
will be a thing of past.
business has been under lockdown for more than 2 months now in most of the
cities. Though efforts are being made for reboot and getting back to business,
there are lot of things that will change and walking into a salon impromptu
will be a thing of past.
Before
reopening and welcoming the clients back to the salon, the whole premise needs
to cleaned, disinfected and sanitized.
reopening and welcoming the clients back to the salon, the whole premise needs
to cleaned, disinfected and sanitized.
Along
with stocking up on PPE kits, disposable consumables and monodose packs, the
salons will need to invest in sanitizers, disinfectants for surfaces and
equipment, thermometer etc.
with stocking up on PPE kits, disposable consumables and monodose packs, the
salons will need to invest in sanitizers, disinfectants for surfaces and
equipment, thermometer etc.
Working
on appointments and multiple online payment options is the need of the hour. If
the number of staff is more, it is advisable for them to work in shifts. Maintaining
social distancing in the salon while getting services, while waiting or while
making the payment will be necessary. Encourage
clients to book appointment and the staff should be advised to take the client
history while doing so.
on appointments and multiple online payment options is the need of the hour. If
the number of staff is more, it is advisable for them to work in shifts. Maintaining
social distancing in the salon while getting services, while waiting or while
making the payment will be necessary. Encourage
clients to book appointment and the staff should be advised to take the client
history while doing so.
Once
the client comes for appointment, take the temperature and history, get them to
sanitize their hands and give him/her the PPE kit. After which the treatment
may begin.
the client comes for appointment, take the temperature and history, get them to
sanitize their hands and give him/her the PPE kit. After which the treatment
may begin.
The
staff and therapists have to get their safety and hygiene certification and be
sure of all the protocols that need to be followed.
staff and therapists have to get their safety and hygiene certification and be
sure of all the protocols that need to be followed.
Cleaning
and disinfection of products, surfaces and premise will need to be done
multiple times and day and ideally after every client.
and disinfection of products, surfaces and premise will need to be done
multiple times and day and ideally after every client.
Getting
comfortable to work with all PPE gears (Hair cap, mask, face shield, apron,
gloves, shoe cover etc.) could be a challenge that needs to be overcome.
comfortable to work with all PPE gears (Hair cap, mask, face shield, apron,
gloves, shoe cover etc.) could be a challenge that needs to be overcome.
As
a client, a lot of things will change for you. Planning your appointment well
in advance will be a new normal.
a client, a lot of things will change for you. Planning your appointment well
in advance will be a new normal.
Avoid
visting the salon if you are not keeping well for your safety and that of
others.
visting the salon if you are not keeping well for your safety and that of
others.
Taking
a companion or a child to the salon will be highly discouraged.
a companion or a child to the salon will be highly discouraged.
Make
sure that you are provided with the necessary PPE gear and the therapist/
stylist is fully geared too.
sure that you are provided with the necessary PPE gear and the therapist/
stylist is fully geared too.
Expect
some increase in prices of the service as the cost of disposable and PPE kits
have to be added to the service cost.
some increase in prices of the service as the cost of disposable and PPE kits
have to be added to the service cost.
Services
might take some additional time as everyone is getting used to new ways of
working, so have some buffer time in your appointment.
might take some additional time as everyone is getting used to new ways of
working, so have some buffer time in your appointment.
The
salons, staff and clients should be little more considerate and understanding
towards each other, whether as a client, you are not getting appointment at
your preferable time or as a salon, you are not being able to serve more
clients in a day. Whatever is being done is for safety of all. Soon, the
industry will be able to bounce back.
salons, staff and clients should be little more considerate and understanding
towards each other, whether as a client, you are not getting appointment at
your preferable time or as a salon, you are not being able to serve more
clients in a day. Whatever is being done is for safety of all. Soon, the
industry will be able to bounce back.
(Neha Suradkar is a Makeup & Nail Artist and Educator, Founder of Style-n-File Makeup and Nail Studio and Academy. Views expressed in the article are of the author.)
