Preparing To Reopen After the COVID-19 Shutdowns

These days everyone is eager and ready to get back to work. But what does that look like today? With everyone getting accustomed to the new normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still concerns about how to keep staff and clients safe with reopenings happening soon. Even though stylists already follow a strict set of guidelines for infection control, offices do not have the same set of regulations, so it is a good idea to come up with a game plan on what disinfecting measures and procedures you are going to follow.

Cleaning & Disinfecting

When thinking about what should be cleaned and disinfected, the simple answer is everything! It is important to note that cleaning and disinfecting go hand in hand because sanitizing cannot be done without cleaning first. Cleaning is the process of removing dirt and germs, whereas disinfecting is the process of killing them. To make this process easier, go through each area, throwing away magazines and non-essential items that cannot be cleaned or disinfected.

Checklist of Areas to Clean & Disinfect

For Salons
     • Reception & Retail Area.
     • Styling Stations.
     • Shampoo Bowls.
     • Pedicure Bowls & Treatment Rooms.
     • Laundry & Restrooms.

For Distributors
     • Break Rooms & Restrooms.
     • Work Stations.
     • Kitchens.
     • Copiers & Printers.
     • Production Equipment.

For a full overview of Barbicide’s recommended procedures to clean and disinfect areas, click here.

What Businesses, Staff, Clients, & Stylists Can Do

It is crucial to make sure that staff and clients feel comfortable and safe coming back to work and into the salon. Try putting procedures in place that keep everyone protected:

     • Think about having workstations or styling stations 6 feet away from each other.
     • Put up dividers if your office is one big open area.
     • Require mandatory face masks for everyone.
     • Provide staff with personal hand sanitizers or wipes upon return.
     • Alternate days that staff is working remote or in the building to cut down on foot traffic
     • Designate someone to wipe down and clean things in the buildings throughout the day.
     • Salons specifically can try using disposable capes and towels and not allowing walk-ins.

These are just some ideas to get you thinking about what your establishment can do to protect everyone that steps foot in the door.

Once you have established your new procedures, make sure to communicate them with staff and clients on what you are doing to keep them safe once the business gets the green light to reopen. Letting them know that their well-being is a top priority will help put their mind to ease and make transitioning back to working in the office or coming in for an appointment a more comfortable process and not something to fear. Keep the lines of communication open with employees so they can ask questions and give suggestions for when they do come back and to make sure they are aware of changes.

What to Do Throughout the Day in the Office and After Salon Appointments

Throughout the day, make sure to wipe down and disinfect areas or things that are frequented or regularly used, such as doorknobs, payment processors, bathrooms, copiers and printers, phones, and break room furniture. You could try having a designated person to wipe down these areas at specific times to make sure they are getting cleaned. Have employees wipe down their work stations at the end of every day so it is clean and ready for the next day.

Many things done in an office environment can translate into the salon environment. However, salons have to sanitize their items between every client. After finishing an appointment, clean the tools that were used and replace with a clean set, plus put capes, aprons, and towels in the laundry unless you’re using disposable ones. Wipe down and disinfect chairs, counters, mirrors, rolling carts, storage containers, and all hairspray, mousse, and spray cans. When scooping out waxes, pomades, or other products, make sure to use wooden or plastic spatulas to reduce the chances of contamination when getting the product out.

In addition to all the disinfecting and cleaning taking place throughout the day, it’s also a good idea to start doing a nightly cleaning at offices or salons, whether that means hiring someone to come in or doing it yourself. This way, things like floors, counters, mirrors, and bathrooms will be thoroughly cleaned before the start of each day.

Remember to stock up on sanitation products as your office will need it, and the beauty industry will be looking for it as places begin to reopen. They will be restocking and looking for items to help keep everyone safe. Visit Nectar to obtain all the products you need to serve your staff and customers better.