"Changes to social distancing in the salon"
If you have visited with us since we reopened, we hope you will agree we are doing our utmost to protect our clients and staff. Whilst still maintaining that level of protection we now feel confident that we can make some changes to the salon that, whilst still creating a feeling of confidence and safety, will provide you with a little more of the 'salon atmosphere' that you are used to.
“So, what's next?”
We are resigned to the fact that it will be some time before we can operate at the usual capacity we have all been used to, and with that in mind have decided to permanently remove alternate seating in the salon to create seated social distancing of over 2 metres side-to-side for clients and 1 metre plus back-to-back. We have found we can achieve this without screening and therefore make your visit feel less claustrophobic and more like the salon you have been used to. If however, during your visit you feel uncomfortable with this we can easily add the screens whilst you are with us.
“Will you have more stylists again?”
No, not yet. With the new salon arrangement we can have more stations available to work from. However, purely because of the salon's size and shape our staff are still only able to safely social distance working the current 7 day shift pattern.
“What else are you doing?”
Every morning our staff have their temperature taken before they start work and we are also in fresh uniform. We wash our hands before and after every client and any other time we are in contact with anyone else.
We are still taking every client's temperature before they enter the salon using a digital infrared thermometer gun (contactless). If you are found to be within the ‘fever’ temperature (100.4F) or above we will ask you to leave and rearrange your appointment for when you are well. This is likely to be after the recommended 14 days isolation rule.
“And protective clothing?”
All of our staff are wearing appropriate PPE which includes face coverings, visors and gloves when appropriate. It is necessary for every client to wear a mask during their visit. We understand that at times this will be difficult for you but for all of our protection it is vital. Unfortunately the bottom line is, if you do not feel comfortable wearing a mask whilst you are visiting us, unless you have the appropriate exemptions we will refuse to provide a service for you.
“So does that mean you will provide me with PPE?”
Yes, and no... We provide each client with disposable gowns and capes necessary for their service. We would expect that all customers will already have their own face mask/covering as it is now a necessary Government guideline. There is a limited amount of face masks available which we can provide in conjunction with the charity 'Youth Cancer Trust' these will be available for the donation of £2.50 which will go to the charity.
“Isn't it awkward wearing a mask, how does that work?”
You will have to wear your mask throughout your entire visit. Whilst you are being shampooed it is particularly important as your head will be back and someone will be above you shampooing. We suggest during time at the basin that you unhook your mask from your ears and simply hold the mask over your face until your shampoo and treatment are completed. We will no-doubt have to work around the ears of a lot of customers and when we are, you will be asked to unhook your mask if it is in the way and hold it in place.
“I’m well but someone at home has not felt well, is that okay?”
If you are at home with someone who is not well we will unfortunately have to cancel your appointment. If you are in contact with someone with possible Covid symptoms it will be necessary to stay away from the salon for the recommended 14 days.
This is going to be a tough one for us to police, so we ask, no matter how desperate you feel you may be to see us, that you are honest with us. If a member of our staff contracts the virus not only could it mean us unknowingly spreading the virus to other customers and our own families but it may well mean the salon would close again. Please help us to prevent this from happening.
“I’m early for my appointment, can I come in and wait?”
The short answer is “No”. Please arrive promptly for your appointment at the time it is booked for, our door will be locked and one of our staff will let you in when it is your turn. We are not operating a waiting area. This is to avoid having too many people in the salon at any one time. Again, for all of our protection. Oh, and don't forget to social distance outside of the salon.
“I’m late for my appointment, can you still do my hair?”
Running a salon even when we don’t have these restrictions relies a lot on time management, so we hope you will understand that that is more important now than it ever has been. Ultimately we will try our best to accommodate you. We understand that sometimes it can’t be helped. But please understand, if you are late you may have to forfeit your appointment.
"Can my partner wait for me whilst I’m having my hair done?"
Another “No”. If somebody has brought you to your appointment we advise they either return home or wait in the car. We can contact them for you nearing the end of your appointment.
“I’ve brought my coat along, where can I put it?”
Actually we recommend that if the weather is fine and if you can - please leave any extra clothing either at home or in your car. This will help us prevent any unnecessary cross contamination. If the weather means you have to bring a coat we will ask you to place it in a separate area which we will sterilise before and after use.
“Are you keeping the salon clean?”
Yes of course! Our standards have always been high but now it is necessary to step things up another level. As already stated, we no longer issue cloth gowns to clients - every one is new and disposed of straight after use. All of our staff have already achieved a qualification in dealing with Covid19 through Barbicide - this is the leading sterilisation manufacturers for the Hair and Beauty industry internationally.
All of our equipment is sterilised between each client and gloves are replaced.
All areas are regularly cleaned and wiped down with the recommended disinfectant products. There is also hand sanitiser for everyone to use.
“Can I use your bathroom whilst I’m visiting?”
We understand that sometimes when you’ve got to go - you’ve got to go! Therefore we will be making some changes to our bathroom facilities. There will no longer be a hand towel, we have replaced that with disposable paper towels. There will also be toilet wipes and extra hand sanitiser too. All this on top of regular checks from our staff.
“I’m having my colour done and I’m bored, have you got anything to read?”
Sorry, we currently do not supply magazines in the salon so we can avoid cross-contamination. However, we now operate a digital magazine hub, this has nearly 70 current titles to choose from and can be accessed through your own digital device after a simple (and free) sign in. Also, don’t forget we have free WiFi and charging points for your phone so feel free to bring a lead with you. And why not check in with us on social media whilst you’re here?
“Got anything to drink?”
Unfortunately not. Just to be safe we have also had to suspend our refreshment service. If you’d like to bring your own with you please feel free.
“How can I pay?”
For your safety we encourage as many of you as we can to pay with contactless. This again is in place to avoid cross contamination. We do appreciate that some people prefer not to pay that way so we will also have a wipe clean covering over our card machine.
“Can’t you come to me instead?”
Okay, this is something that some people have requested (even during lockdown!) So here are a few of the reasons why we cannot.
- We will be breaking social distancing rules and could be fined.
- Our salon insurance does not cover us for home visits.
- We have utter control over the safety and hygiene in our salon and are able to produce the safest working environment for our staff and customers. We do not have this control elsewhere.
- Moving from one home to another increases the risk of catching and spreading the virus.
If you have visited with us since we reopened, we hope you will agree we are doing our utmost to protect our clients and staff. Whilst still maintaining that level of protection we now feel confident that we can make some changes to the salon that, whilst still creating a feeling of confidence and safety, will provide you with a little more of the 'salon atmosphere' that you are used to.
“So, what's next?”
We are resigned to the fact that it will be some time before we can operate at the usual capacity we have all been used to, and with that in mind have decided to permanently remove alternate seating in the salon to create seated social distancing of over 2 metres side-to-side for clients and 1 metre plus back-to-back. We have found we can achieve this without screening and therefore make your visit feel less claustrophobic and more like the salon you have been used to. If however, during your visit you feel uncomfortable with this we can easily add the screens whilst you are with us.
“Will you have more stylists again?”
No, not yet. With the new salon arrangement we can have more stations available to work from. However, purely because of the salon's size and shape our staff are still only able to safely social distance working the current 7 day shift pattern.
“What else are you doing?”
Every morning our staff have their temperature taken before they start work and we are also in fresh uniform. We wash our hands before and after every client and any other time we are in contact with anyone else.
We are still taking every client's temperature before they enter the salon using a digital infrared thermometer gun (contactless). If you are found to be within the ‘fever’ temperature (100.4F) or above we will ask you to leave and rearrange your appointment for when you are well. This is likely to be after the recommended 14 days isolation rule.
“And protective clothing?”
All of our staff are wearing appropriate PPE which includes face coverings, visors and gloves when appropriate. It is necessary for every client to wear a mask during their visit. We understand that at times this will be difficult for you but for all of our protection it is vital. Unfortunately the bottom line is, if you do not feel comfortable wearing a mask whilst you are visiting us, unless you have the appropriate exemptions we will refuse to provide a service for you.
“So does that mean you will provide me with PPE?”
Yes, and no... We provide each client with disposable gowns and capes necessary for their service. We would expect that all customers will already have their own face mask/covering as it is now a necessary Government guideline. There is a limited amount of face masks available which we can provide in conjunction with the charity 'Youth Cancer Trust' these will be available for the donation of £2.50 which will go to the charity.
“Isn't it awkward wearing a mask, how does that work?”
You will have to wear your mask throughout your entire visit. Whilst you are being shampooed it is particularly important as your head will be back and someone will be above you shampooing. We suggest during time at the basin that you unhook your mask from your ears and simply hold the mask over your face until your shampoo and treatment are completed. We will no-doubt have to work around the ears of a lot of customers and when we are, you will be asked to unhook your mask if it is in the way and hold it in place.
“I’m well but someone at home has not felt well, is that okay?”
If you are at home with someone who is not well we will unfortunately have to cancel your appointment. If you are in contact with someone with possible Covid symptoms it will be necessary to stay away from the salon for the recommended 14 days.
This is going to be a tough one for us to police, so we ask, no matter how desperate you feel you may be to see us, that you are honest with us. If a member of our staff contracts the virus not only could it mean us unknowingly spreading the virus to other customers and our own families but it may well mean the salon would close again. Please help us to prevent this from happening.
“I’m early for my appointment, can I come in and wait?”
The short answer is “No”. Please arrive promptly for your appointment at the time it is booked for, our door will be locked and one of our staff will let you in when it is your turn. We are not operating a waiting area. This is to avoid having too many people in the salon at any one time. Again, for all of our protection. Oh, and don't forget to social distance outside of the salon.
“I’m late for my appointment, can you still do my hair?”
Running a salon even when we don’t have these restrictions relies a lot on time management, so we hope you will understand that that is more important now than it ever has been. Ultimately we will try our best to accommodate you. We understand that sometimes it can’t be helped. But please understand, if you are late you may have to forfeit your appointment.
"Can my partner wait for me whilst I’m having my hair done?"
Another “No”. If somebody has brought you to your appointment we advise they either return home or wait in the car. We can contact them for you nearing the end of your appointment.
“I’ve brought my coat along, where can I put it?”
Actually we recommend that if the weather is fine and if you can - please leave any extra clothing either at home or in your car. This will help us prevent any unnecessary cross contamination. If the weather means you have to bring a coat we will ask you to place it in a separate area which we will sterilise before and after use.
“Are you keeping the salon clean?”
Yes of course! Our standards have always been high but now it is necessary to step things up another level. As already stated, we no longer issue cloth gowns to clients - every one is new and disposed of straight after use. All of our staff have already achieved a qualification in dealing with Covid19 through Barbicide - this is the leading sterilisation manufacturers for the Hair and Beauty industry internationally.
All of our equipment is sterilised between each client and gloves are replaced.
All areas are regularly cleaned and wiped down with the recommended disinfectant products. There is also hand sanitiser for everyone to use.
“Can I use your bathroom whilst I’m visiting?”
We understand that sometimes when you’ve got to go - you’ve got to go! Therefore we will be making some changes to our bathroom facilities. There will no longer be a hand towel, we have replaced that with disposable paper towels. There will also be toilet wipes and extra hand sanitiser too. All this on top of regular checks from our staff.
“I’m having my colour done and I’m bored, have you got anything to read?”
Sorry, we currently do not supply magazines in the salon so we can avoid cross-contamination. However, we now operate a digital magazine hub, this has nearly 70 current titles to choose from and can be accessed through your own digital device after a simple (and free) sign in. Also, don’t forget we have free WiFi and charging points for your phone so feel free to bring a lead with you. And why not check in with us on social media whilst you’re here?
“Got anything to drink?”
Unfortunately not. Just to be safe we have also had to suspend our refreshment service. If you’d like to bring your own with you please feel free.
“How can I pay?”
For your safety we encourage as many of you as we can to pay with contactless. This again is in place to avoid cross contamination. We do appreciate that some people prefer not to pay that way so we will also have a wipe clean covering over our card machine.
“Can’t you come to me instead?”
Okay, this is something that some people have requested (even during lockdown!) So here are a few of the reasons why we cannot.
- We will be breaking social distancing rules and could be fined.
- Our salon insurance does not cover us for home visits.
- We have utter control over the safety and hygiene in our salon and are able to produce the safest working environment for our staff and customers. We do not have this control elsewhere.
- Moving from one home to another increases the risk of catching and spreading the virus.
