It's no secret that barbershops and salons have really taken a hit during the pandemic - especially with multiple rules changes throughout. So, how can you adapt your barbershop to ensure that you can not only do your best job but also keep everybody super safe? This is super important to consider, especially as you can expect an influx of people walking through your doors. 

Let's dive in. 

Prevention 

To begin (though, this might go against everything you initially believed), you might have to turn some clients down. Remind your clients that they should not attend their appointments if they are showing any symptoms or have been in contact with somebody else with symptoms. 

This should be expected from your clients. Let them know they can reschedule when they can show you a negative test. Not only will this keep everybody in your barbershop safe, but it will ensure that it can remain open. 

Remember, this virus spreads quickly - if you catch it, the rest of your staff will likely catch it, too. Then your barbershop will have to close. 

With this in mind, make sure that your staff and team members also don't come to work if they are showing symptoms, or they have come in contact with anybody who has also got symptoms/have tested positive. 

On arrival 

Given that everybody entering your shop is covid-free, you need to ensure that you minimise any risk of spreading it from the outside. The virus can be carried through public transport and through town on their hands. 

So, ensure that your clients wash their hands on arrival. Many barbershops have placed hand sanitiser at the door - this is also common in shops. It's an extra step which ensures that the virus isn't on people's hands. 

Cleaning 

As a barbershop, you likely already have a focus on hygiene and cleanliness. Now, this is more important than ever. This means that you have to clean surfaces after every contact - including all doors, handrails, and anything that your clients have potentially touched. 

We do this after every single session. We pay close attention to where people are going and touching. 

It might seem a little hard work, but obviously, it is worth it. Minimise where people can actually touch, too. This is why many people have implemented a one-way system in their salons. 

P.S this doesn't have to be a deep-clean (though, that should be done at the end of the day). A quick spray down with anti-bacterial spray should suffice. 

Gowns and towels 

You might have done this anyway, but you should also give each client a freshly washed and dried gown and towel. 

This little, simple act can really minimise the risk of infection. 

On a side-note, make sure that cups and glasses are cleaned at a minimum of 60 degrees. Research has shown that this is the minimum temperature required to effectively kill the virus from items like this. 


Training

Things are super different now, and this requires you to teach and train your team about these differences. Make sure that they are completely clued up on all the changes and precautions that your salon is implementing. 

Also, provide training which allows them to recognise the symptoms of COVID-19. 

Something for you (or the owner of the barbershop) to check - make sure that your sick leave policies are in line with the public health guidance. Also, try to be understanding and sympathetic about sick leave or your team staying at home - this will ensure that they're not too nervous about being super safe or looking after sick family members. This kind of flexibility goes a very long way. 

PPE

Of course, you and your team have to wear PPE. We would highly recommend the full gear - a mask, visor, apron, and gloves. These should be worn all day when around clients - they are one of the best ways to prevent the spread. Your clients should wear a mask throughout the sessions regardless of how the sessions are. This is necessary. 

Communication 

Remember, your clients are likely looking for reassurance during these worrying times, too. You can make sure that they know it's safe to come to your salon by communicating with them. 

We would recommend that you update your website with your COVID-19 policies and precautions. Put this on your social media, too. This just has to include your approach to the situation. 

We also would say to send out an email to all those on your mailing list. Just let your clients know that you are open and taking steps to keep them safe. 

You could also consider amending your hours to make sure that those most vulnerable can attend appointments and quieter times. 

Lastly, train your team on how to answer all the client queries - whether they're in-person, over the phone, or on social media. 

We know, it's all very frustrating. However, these steps will help everything go back to normal a little bit quicker. These precautions will also ensure that you, your team, and your clients are all safe. 

With an expected influx of clients coming to your store, make sure that you're prepared for Christmas - when colds, bugs, and viruses are prevalent.