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Tips To Reopen Your Salon After A COVID-19 Shutdown
Posted on June 10, 2020
Sola Salon Studios
As exciting as it is to reopen, it's no secret that life inside the salon will look (and feel) different in our post COVID world. But, as we've said from the beginning - you're not in this alone. The best thing we can do right now is to share and learn from one another in our community to help each other get back to business as strong as possible.
From mask comfort to client connection, check out these tried and true tips that our Sola pros shared for a successful reopening!
Comfort 101 😷
“Definitely try different masks out to see which one works best for you. Wear it at home or out for a couple of hours at a time before wearing it behind the chair. If you wear glasses, anti-fog spray helps A LOT!” - @thecolorlab_studio3
"Bring snacks and water! Take mini-breaks from your mask!" - @thehungryhairdresser
“Balayage plastic wrap works great for covering the ear loops on masks to protect from hair color and shampoos! While your client processes go outside take your mask off for a breath of fresh air!" - @ashleywhitestudio
“Don't let others pressure you into doing something you're not comfortable with. We're in this together, you're not alone. If they don't want to wear a mask or sanitize their hands for you, you shouldn't have to do their hair. It's ok to turn away clients especially those that don't appreciate you. Your health and sanity are more important than their hair!” - @shearartistrybythai
Be Wise...Sanitize 🧼
“Sanitation checklist between clients! It may seem straightforward but when there’s so much to do it’s best to hold yourself accountable with a list!” - @goldnbraidsalon
“Use the Germ Guardian Hepa filter/UV-C air purifier to help purify and disinfect the particulate matter in the air of your studio. Every little bit helps! (This was actually recommended by my doctor but I thought a great tip!)” - @tovanihair
Stay Connected 💙
“The best tip for reopening during these unprecedented times is personally reaching out by calling and/or texting. It has has helped tremendously!” - @behindthehairandbodystudio
“Communication with your clients is so so important, keeping them updated and informed of your cities and salon policies so they know what to expect.” - @gossamer.nail.studio
“Be so focused on your craft and your love of your guests and the masks disappear!” - Corrine Morstad
“Smile, be kind and give your clients a space where they can feel like their lives have gone back to a bit of normalcy. It’s a scary world out there right now and our clients come to us to feel better! Let’s give them that and so much more!” - @jersey_cutsfm
“Check in on your fellow stylists. Nothing is better than that feeling of a community after having isolation.” - @khristine.vanhorn
"Be consistent communication with your clients. At this point, there is no such thing as over-communicating with them. Let them know what to expect. Create ways for an open dialogue. Communicating with them is number one. If they are caught off guard, surprised, or confused then it brings down their client experience. And at the end of the day, it’s about living our passion and serving them in the best way we can. Without them, we wouldn’t have a business, be able to live our passions, and share our gifts." - @kendrareneeskincare
“Remember these changes are challenging for everyone, stay calm, be kind and help each other out. We may all be in this together but we all handle it differently.” - @kolourbykim
“The thing I’ve noticed the most in re-opening is to communicate to your clients about what is expected from them as well as letting them know the steps you are taking to protect them!" - @slgrant3
“Create a waitlist! With the influx of your loyal clients that you will be trying to get back to looking their best, there are going to be new customers that want to see you too. Rather than turning them down by posting you are not accepting new clients, give them hope to see you in the future. Having their contact information will allow you to get in touch with them when your schedule opens up again.” - @nailbarlounge
“Working together is the safest way to go! Once that happens, everything else will fall into place!” - Wendy Fenske Curcio
Take Care of YOU! 👊
“Don't overwork yourself! It's better to go slow and steady than burn yourself.” - @gossamer.nail.studio
“I know you're ready to be back in the studio and your guests are ready to see you but don't exhaust all of your energy in week one. You'll have nothing left to give if you don't take care of yourself!" - @hairbytracib
“Don’t forget to take care of yourself. We all deserve a break! Don’t burn yourself out!” - @hairbybristudio
“Be KIND to yourself. Give yourself ample hydration and breaks. You are only one person but you have an entire community standing with you!” - @amythehairgoddess
“Remember that your clients love you and they are so happy to see you! So the extra steps you take, the extra work you do to keep yourself and your clients safe, they appreciate it! So take your time, do what you need to do, and don’t stress...You got this!” - @artist_erinlaw
“After both my husband and myself were diagnosed with cancer in the past 8 months I’ve come to realize the importance of slowing down, taking breaks, not skipping lunch, and remembering if we don’t take care of ourselves we won’t be here to take care of others! I am blessed for the opportunity to have my own space at Sola so that I can make these decisions for myself!” - @slgrant3
“Give yourself grace during the transition back into the salon. Your mind, body, and soul will appreciate it. This is a unique moment in all our lives as we navigate to a new normal. Celebrate your wins every day!! Little or big! When we feed our minds with positive thoughts and sayings we become a better person. And make sure to stay hydrated!” - @apothic_hair
For more tips on reopening, check out:
How To Adjust Your Prices Post COVID-19
Sanitation Best Practices To Reopen Your Salon
🎧 Adjusting To A New Normal: Life After Reopening Her Salon with Katie Oakes
Best Practices To Reopen Your Studio #SolaStrong
